something that happened there a long time ago. You know, the city
isn't on the Rhine itself, but it is on a little stream flowing into
the greater river.

"Well, once upon a time the people of Zurich, in Switzerland, asked
the people of Strasburg to join with them in a bond of friendship.
Each should help the other in times of danger. The people of
Strasburg did not think much of the idea. They said among
themselves: 'What good can the little town of Zurich do us? And,
besides, it is too far away.' So they sent back word that they did
not care to make such a bond. They were scarcely polite in their
message, either.

"When they heard the reply, the men of Zurich were quite angry. They
were almost ready to fight. But the youngest one of their
councillors said:

"'We will force them to eat their own words. Indeed, they shall be
made to give us a different answer. And it will come soon, too, if
you will only leave the matter with me.'

"'Do as you please,' said the other councillors. They went back to
their own houses, while the young man hurried home, rushed out into
the kitchen and picked out the largest kettle there.

"'Wife, cook as much oatmeal as this pot will hold,' he commanded.

"The woman wondered what in the world her husband could be thinking
of. But she lost no time in guessing. She ordered her servants to
make a big fire, while she herself stirred and cooked the great