“Hurry up, come along!” they called all at once and Jos added, “Take your jacket along. As soon as we’ve had breakfast, we are off.”
As Vinzi was not even washed yet, he begged them not to wait for him as he would rather follow them later.
The two older ones quickly ran off, but Russli going with Vinzi to the stream, said confidentially, “You don’t need to wash yourself. You don’t look dirty: come with us, Vinzi, you are clean enough.”
“No, no, Russli,” Vinzi answered. “One must wash every morning and besides it makes one feel better. Oh, what nice, clear water.” So saying Vinzi kneeled down and taking up handfuls he poured the fresh water over his face again and again, and also drank one handful after another.
This made a deep impression on Russli, for Vinzi looked refreshed and radiant. Meditating deeply the little boy said, “I’ll come and wash myself here with you and I’ll drink afterwards like you, too. I’ll do it every day from now on.”
Having finished his toilet, Vinzi fetched his jacket and went over to the house with Russli.
Both uncle and aunt, who were still at breakfast, greeted Vinzi kindly. The aunt set a large cup of coffee before him and entreated the boy to help himself to lots of bread, as the strong mountain air would soon give him a fresh appetite.
“We ought to have let you sleep longer after your trip,” said the uncle, “but the boys were just wild for you to go with them. They are so pleased to have a cousin who belongs to them now.”
“Just take your time,” urged the aunt when she saw that Vinzi was hurrying in order to finish his breakfast. “Your uncle will go out with you when you are done, and he has not finished either.”
When the uncle rose soon after, Vinzi followed him.