“Yes, I think so,” said Little Claus; “but I cannot carry you there in a
sack, you are too heavy. However if you will go there first, and then creep
into a sack, I will throw you in with the greatest pleasure.”
“Thank you,” said Great Claus; “but remember, if I do not get any sea-
cattle down there I shall come up again and give you a good thrashing.”
“No, now, don’t be too fierce about it!” said Little Claus, as they walked
on towards the river. When they approached it, the cattle, who were very
thirsty, saw the stream, and ran down to drink.
“See what a hurry they are in,” said Little Claus, “they are longing to get
down again,”
“Come, help me, make haste,” said Great Claus; “or you’ll get beaten.”
So he crept into a large sack, which had been lying across the back of one
of the oxen.
“Put in a stone,” said Great Claus, “or I may not sink.”
“Oh, there’s not much fear of that,” he replied; still he put a large stone
into the bag, and then tied it tightly, and gave it a push.
“Plump!” In went Great Claus, and immediately sank to the bottom of the
river.
“I’m afraid he will not find any cattle,” said Little Claus, and then he
drove his own beasts homewards.
