In the beautiful land of Switzerland is a little town named Zurich. Not far from here is the larger city of Strasburg. The people of Zurich had long looked with envy on the larger city and wanted to become a part of it. At last they decided to send an appeal to the magistrates. This they did, but the great magistrate of Strasburg bluntly refused the honor of such a union.
“Zurich is of no importance,” they said, “and besides it is too far away to be of any help in time of need.”
When the councilors of Zurich heard the Strasburger’s answer, they were very angry, indeed. They even talked of challenging the great magistrates.
“No,” said the youngest of the Zurich councilors, “I will make them eat their words. I pledge you my honor that I shall bring you a different answer before long.”
The other councilors were glad to be relieved of the matter, so they agreed and returned leisurely to their dwellings. The youngest councilor went home in a great hurry. He went at once to the kitchen and selected the biggest pot there.
“What are you going to do with that?” asked his wife.
“You will see,” he replied. “Fill it with as much oatmeal as it will contain and cook it as quickly as possible.”
His wife wondered much at this strange command, but she bade her servants build a roaring fire. This they did and soon the great pot of oatmeal was cooking. Then such a time as they had stirring the oatmeal to keep it from burning.
In the meantime, the youngest councilor ran down to the quay and prepared the swiftest vessel. He collected a number of the best oarsmen and when all was ready, bade two of them accompany him home.
He sprang breathless into the kitchen. The oatmeal was ready.