When his Cousin Lorenz rose from the table, Vinzi followed him out to the stable where Jos and Faz were cracking their whips as a sign they were ready. Their father now released the cows one after the other and the procession started off to the pasture which lay a considerable distance beyond the chapel. Russli walked beside Vinzi and held him firmly by the hand, trying to hold him back as much as he could.
Jos and Faz had all they could do to keep the cows on the roadway and to urge them along, for fresh grass tempted them now to one side, now to the other.
"Let me go, Russli," said Vinzi, pressing forward. "Can't you see I must help your brothers with the cows?"
"You had better keep Russli in order," called out Faz. "That will be helping us most. The little chap is always tickling the cows with his switch so they scatter in all directions and we can scarcely control them. He is a mischievous little mite, and you'd better hang on to him," and as the obstinate cow with which he had been struggling decided to move on, Faz ran ahead to the herd.
"Vinzi," said Russli, quite happy that he could have his cousin all to himself, "have you a knife?"
"Why, yes, of course. I need one."
"Then I'll show you a great bush that makes fine switches. Strong ones, you know; not brittle. Will you cut me a few?"
"What do you want a switch for?" asked Vinzi. "I hope you do not want to whip the cows. You heard what Faz told me about you."
"Oh, I only tease them a little," said Russli. "Then they jump up in the air and are awfully funny."
"But it's not funny for them," answered Vinzi. "They jump from fright. Those thin switches hurt, and I'll cut none for you. But I will make something else if the wood is the right kind. Show me the bush."