"You are welcome, young cousin," she said, offered her hand and inspected him from head to foot until her husband said:
"I think it might be just as well to continue your examination indoors. The youngster still carries his knapsack, and if he should happen to get something to eat soon, he would not take it amiss. He has put a stiff march behind him."
"He can eat right away," said she. "Supper is just ready; the smoke drove me from the hearth. I will serve it at once, for we need not wait for the boys; they will soon be coming."
Stepping into the house, she took off Vinzi's knapsack, and the lad was soon comfortably seated at the table. As they ate, all timidity vanished. He was ravenously hungry for he had scarcely eaten on the journey. Somehow his cousin must have guessed this, and long before his plate was empty, had heaped it again. Vinzi thought he had never eaten anything better than the steaming potatoes and the lovely yellow cheese.
Now and again the wife would say, "Pour out some more milk for the boy. He must be thirsty after all the wind and dust on that long trip."
Suddenly there arose a great hubbub, with loud huzzas and much whip cracking.
"It is the boys," explained his Cousin Lorenz; "they have brought the cattle. I must go out and help them. But perhaps you would like to come out and see the cattle and the stable?"
"Let him rest tonight," said Josepha. "Tomorrow, he can start the day with the boys."
"I only asked because boys always like to be around when there is something going on," her husband replied. "But Vinzi is free to do as he likes."
"Then I'd like to stay here," chose Vinzi.