Many years ago at the foot of a forest-covered hill was a small town, and just above the town on the hillside was a little house in which lived an old woman and her grandson.  
The old woman, who was very industrious, earned their living by removing the seeds from cotton, and she always had near at hand a basket in which were cotton and a long stick that she used for a spindle. The boy was lazy and would not do anything to help his grandmother, but every day went down to the town and gambled.
 
One day, when he had been losing money, the boy went home and was cross because his supper was not ready.
 
“I am hurrying to get the seeds out of this cotton,” said the grandmother, “and as soon as I sell it, I will buy u............