Directions: Fill in the blank with the best option to complete the story.

One wintry day, a woodman was returning home from his work when he saw something black lying on the cold ground. ______, on closer observation, it turned out to be a snake appearing to be dead. He took it home and laid the snake in the warmth of the fire in the room. The children watched it come to life again. One of the children stooped to stroke the snake, but the snake took out its fangs, ready to kill. The woodman took out his axe and cut its head off, saying there was no gratitude from the wicked.