Once, there was a famine (饥荒) in the town. rich baker sent for twenty of the poorest children and said to (they). "In this basket there is a loaf (—条面包) for each of you. lake it and come back every day for more. "
The hungry children gathered eagerly about the basket, and fought over the bread each wanted the largest loaf. At last they went away without even (thank) the good baker.
Gretchen, a poorly dressed little girl, did not fight with the other children, but stood (quiet)in the distance. When the badly behaved children had left, Gretchen took the smallest loaf which (leave) in the basket. She kissed the baker's hand and went home.
The next day the children were as badly behaved before. Gretchen got a loaf almost half the size of the one she got the first day. she came home, her mother cut the loaf open. Many new, shining pieces of silver fell out of it. Her mother was very worried, and asked Gretchen (give) the silver back to the baker.
When the little girl gave the rich man her (mother) message, he said, "It was no mistake. I had the silver pieces put into the smallest loaf to reward you. Always be as content (满足的)，peaceable and thankful as you are now. Go home now, and tell your mother that the money is yours to keep. "
