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 （56）　　

to answer them．It was easy for her（57）　　（answer）the children's all strange questions．

There was a naughty （淘气） little boy among the children．One day he caught a tiny （58）　　and held it in his cupped hands．Then he gathered his friends around．He said，"Let's trick the old woman．I（59）　　 （ask） her what I'm holding in my hands．Of course，she'll answer that I have a bird．Then I will ask her if the bird is living or （60）　　．If she says the bird is dead，I'll open my hands and let the bird 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 （61）　　"

All the children enjoyed （62）　　（have） such a good idea．Up the hill they went to the old woman's hut（小屋）．"Granny，you are （63）　　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，"

（64）　　 （reply）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 looked at each other in surprise．But the old woman smiled and added，"I （65）　　（tell） you the right answer already．"Then the old woman disappeared in the hills．