完形填空
An old man had been hired many years ago by a town council(委员会)to clear away the wastes from the pools up in the mountain that fed the clear spring flowing through their town. 1 faithful, silent work every day, he cleaned the hills, removed the 2 and branches, and wiped away the dirt that would otherwise 3 and pollute the clear flow of water.
By and by, the town became a(n) 4 attraction for tourists.Swans floated along the 5 spring.The mill wheels(水车)set up near the water 6 day and night and farmlands were naturally 7 .The beautiful view from the restaurants was beyond 8 .
Years passed.One evening the town council 9 for its meeting.A man's eye noticed the salary 10 to the keeper of the spring.He said, “Why do we 11 the old man on year after year?He isn't necessary any longer!” They all agreed to 12 the old man's job.
For several weeks nothing changed.By early 13 the trees began to shed their leaves.Small 14 broke off and fell into the pools, blocking the rushing flow of sparkling water.One afternoon 15 noticed brown color in the spring.Some days later, the water was much 16 and more wastes covered the water and a kind of bad 17 was given off.The mill wheels moved very slowly, and finally 18 .Swans left and so did the tourists.The dirty water 19 into the town.
20 , the council called a special meeting.Realizing their mistakes, they hired back the old man and within a few months the river of life began to clear up.