Once, in a small village, lived a family with eight children. Two of the children loved1 very much, but the family was so poor that it was impossible to send 2 of them to study at the art college at the same time. After many discussions, the two boys finally 3 a plan. They would toss (抛) a coin. The loser would go 4 into the mines (煤矿) and, with his earnings (赚的钱),5 his brother studying at the college. Then, when the brother who won the toss finished his studies, after four years, he would support the other brother studying at the 6 .
James won the toss and Jack went down into the mines. James worked with all his heart and his paintings were much 7 than those of most of his teachers, and by the time he 8 , he was beginning to make a lot of money for his paintings.
9 James returned, the family held a big dinner for his great success. Soon after the meal began, James 10 up from his seat to drink a toast (敬酒) to his dear 11 . He said, "Jack, now you can go to the art college and your 12 will come true. I will take care of you."
But Jack said 13 , "Brother, the four years in the mines has done too much to my hands, so it's too 14 . Now I can't even hold a glass."
To show his great love and respect
James drew his brother's 15 with fingers towards the sky. He called his drawing The Praying Hands, which became very famous years later.
