only be wasting his time.

However, down in the village of Frutigen there was a very skillful,
well-known wood-carver, who made wonderful large works which went far into
the world, even to America. He carved whole groups of animals on high
rocks, chamois and eagles and whole mountains with the herdsman and the
cows. Elsbeth could talk with this carver. If Toni studied with him he
could help him to sell the finished work, for he had ways open for it.

Elsbeth left the pastor with gratitude and new hope in her heart. In front
of the house Toni was waiting in great suspense. She had to tell him at
once everything the pastor had said, and when she finally related about
the wood-carver in Frutigen Toni suddenly stood still and said:

"Then come, Mother, let us go to the place at once."

However, his mother had not thought it over--she made many objections, but
Toni begged so earnestly, that she finally said:

"We must go home first and have something to eat, for it is very far
away; but we can do that quickly and then start off again right away."

So they hurried back to the house, took a little bread and milk and
started on their way again. They had several hours to travel, but Toni was
so busy with his plans and thoughts for the future, the time flew like a
dream and he looked up in great surprise, when his mother said:

"See, there is the church tower of Frutigen!"

They were soon standing in front of the wood-carver's house, and learned