From a humble childhood, the writer Hans Christian Andersen became one of the world's best loved story tellers. Here is one of his earlier stories 'The Travelling Companion' that was first published in 1835. The Travelling Companion... POOR John was very sad; for his father was so ill, he had no hope of his recovery. John sat alone with the sick man in the little room, and the lamp had nearly burnt out; for it was late in the night. "You have been a good son, John," said the sick father, "and God will help you on in the world." He looked at him, as he spoke, with mild, earnest eyes, drew a deep sigh, and died; yet it appeared as if he still slept. John wept bitterly. He had no one in the wide world now; neither father, mother, brother, nor sister. Poor John he knelt down by the bed, kissed his dead father's hand, and wept many, many bitter tears...