There was once a wise old woman who lived in the hills. All the children nearby always went to ask her all kinds of questions. Even the most difficult questions, the old woman was able {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (answer) them. It was easy for her to answer the children's all strange questions.

    There {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (be) a naughty little boy among the children. One day a tiny bird {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (catch) by him and he held it in his cupped hands. Then he gathered his friends around. He said, "Let's trick the old woman. I will ask her what I'm holding {#blank#}4{#/blank#} my hands. Of course, she'll answer that I have {#blank#}5{#/blank#} bird. Then I will ask her if the bird is living {#blank#}6{#/blank#} dead. If she says the bird is dead, I'll open my hands and let the bird {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (fly) away. If she says the bird is alive, I'll quickly crush it and show her the dead bird. Either way, she'll be wrong.

    All the children enjoyed {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (have) such a good idea. Up the hill they went to the old woman's hut (小屋). "Granny, you are {#blank#}9{#/blank#} clever that we all believe you. Now we have a question for you." they said with a smile." What's in my hands?" asked the little boy. "Well, it must be a bird," replied the old woman. "But is it living or dead?" The old woman thought for a moment and then answered, "It is as you will, my child."

    All the children were quite {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (surprise). But the old woman smiled and added, "I have told you the right answer already." Then the old woman disappeared in the hills.