19. An old man lived with his grandson. Every day the old man got up early to read books. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to follow him in every way he did.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I want to read that book as you do, but I can't understand it, and I always forget everything when I close the book. What's the use of reading the book? "The grandfather said, "Take the coal (煤) basket to the river and bring me back a basket of water. " The boy did as his grandpa said, but all the water ran before he got back home . The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to walk faster next time. "
The next time the boy ran faster, but the basket was still empty. He told his grandfather it was impossible(不可能的) to carry water in a basket. He wanted to use a bottle instead. But the old man said, "I just want a basket of water. You are not trying hard enough. "The boy wanted to show his grandfather that the water would surely run. He again put the basket into the river and ran hard. But there wasn't anything in it again. He said disappointedly(失望地)"Look, grandpa, it's useless. " "Watch the basket, "said the grandfather. The boy had a look at the basket and the first time realized (意识到) that the basket was different. It had changed from a dirty old coal basket into a clean one, inside and outside. "My child, that's what happened when you read the book. You might not remember everything, but the words will change you inside and outside. That's what you got from reading. "