`` Now it happened that one evening little Hans was sitting by his fireside when a loud rap came at the door . It was a very wild night , and the wind was blowing and roaring round the house so terribly that at first he thought it was merely the storm . But a second rap came , and then a third , louder than any of the others . '' ` It is some poor traveller , ' said little Hans to himself , and he ran to the door . `` There stood the Miller with a lantern in one hand and a big stick in the other . '' ` Dear little Hans , ' cried the Miller , ' I am in great trouble . My little boy has fallen off a ladder and hurt himself , and I am going for the Doctor . But he lives so far away , and it is such a bad night , that it has just occurred to me that it would be much better if you went instead of me . You know I am going to give you my wheelbarrow , and so , it is only fair that you should do something for me in return . ' '' ` Certainly , ' cried little Hans , ' I take it quite as a compliment your coming to me , and I will start off at once . But you must lend me your lantern , as the night is so dark that I am afraid I might fall into the ditch . ' '' ' I am very sorry , ' answered the Miller , ` but it is my new lantern , and it would be a great loss to me if anything happened to it . ' '' ` Well , never mind , I will do without it , ' cried little Hans , and he took down his great fur coat , and his warm scarlet cap , and tied a muffler round his throat , and started off . `` What a dreadful storm it was ! The night was so black that little Hans could hardly see , and the wind was so strong that he could scarcely stand . However , he was very courageous , and after he had been walking about three hours , he arrived at the Doctor 's house , and knocked at the door . '' ` Who is there ? ' cried the Doctor , putting his head out of his bedroom window . '' ` Little Hans , Doctor . ' '' ` What do you want , little Hans ? ' ''
` The Miller 's son has XXXXX from a ladder , and has hurt himself , and the Miller wants you to come at once . ' ''
answered blowing fallen hurt putting said started stood took walking