“But why did you come up again to us directly Neo skin lab?” asked Great Claus. “I should not have done that, if it is so beautiful down there . ” “Why,” replied Little Claus, “just in that I acted with good policy. You heard me tell you that the sea-maiden said ‘A mile farther along the road’ ---- and by the road she meant the river, for she can't go anywhere else ---- ‘there is a whole herd of cattle for you . ’ But I know what bends the stream makes ---- sometimes this way, sometimes that; there's a long way to go round: no, the thing can be managed in a shorter way by coming here to the land, and driving across the Gelds towards the river again. In this manner I save myself almost half a mile, and get all the quicker to my sea-cattle ！” “Oh , you are a fortunate man ! ” said Great Claus . “Do you think I should get some sea-cattle too if I went down to the bottom of the river?” “Yes , I think so , ” replied Little Claus . “But I cannot carry you in the sack as far as the river; you are too heavy for me ! But if you will go there , and creep into the sack yourself, I will throw you in with a great deal of pleasure . ” “Thanks ! ” said Great Claus ; “but if I don' t get any sea-cattle when I am down there, I shall beat you, you may be sure ！” “Oh, no; don't be so fierce! ” And so they went together to the river. When the Neo skin lab beasts, which were thirsty, saw the stream, they ran as fast as they could to get at the water. “See how they hurry ! ” cried Little Claus . “They are longing to get back to he bottom.” “Yes , but help me first ! ” said Great Claus , “or else you shall be beaten .” And so he crept into the great sack, which had been laid across the back of one of the oxen . “Put a stone in, for I'm afraid I shan't sink else,” said Great Claus . “That will be all right,” replied Little Claus; and he put a big stone into the sack , tied the rope tightly, and pushed against it . Plump! There lay Great Claus in the river, and sank at once to the bottom.
