A large dish of lettuce was set before them, then a bowl of soup at each plate, and some thick slices of brown bread.

“What drink will you have?” she asked.

“We prefer milk.”

“There is no milk.  It all went into the pudding, but you can have plenty of cold coffee.”

“No, we will take water, please.”

This was brought, and when the soup was finished, the pudding was brought, and although it was of fair size not a vestige of it was left; and it was then that Fritz remembered Pixy.

“Oh, boys, I forgot him and we have eaten all the pudding from him,” he said, remorsefully.

“We will each give a penny and ask the mistress to give him some dinner,” said Paul.

But it was not needed.  Pixy had been well fed on the remains of the soup, and was ready to journey as soon as they gave him notice.  Fritz thanked the kind woman, and she in turn was pleased with the well-bred boys who had given evidence of being satisfied with the food, and had paid her the price she asked.

Then they set out cheerily and soon broke into a melody they sang at school.  They had good voices and sang with spirit.  So interested were they that they did not hear the sound of wheels although a carriage was coming slowly behind them, and a gentleman who was in it was listening with pleasure.  At length the song was finished and the boys heard the sound of wheels, halted and turned, then lifted their hats to the stranger.

“I hope you will keep on with your singing.  I love it, and I love boys,” said the gentleman in a pleasant voice.  “I like to see them on their travels.  Have you any objection to telling me where you are going?”

“To Frankfort,” they all replied at once.

“Why not go by railway?”

“We wished to walk all the way.”

“Of course you expect to stay over night somewhere?”

“Yes, we expect to stay to-night at an inn if it is not too expensive.  If it is, we will sleep on straw somewhere.  We would not mind that this warm weather.”

“People who are used to a bed would find it very uncomfortable to sleep on straw.  What place did you expect to reach by evening?”

“The village of Umstadt; and we think we can find an inn there where we can stay.”

“It is quite a long distance from here, and you would be very late in reaching it.  You will get there much faster if you will step into my carriage, for I expect to pass through the village on my way to my home.”

“Would there be room for my dog Pixy?” asked Fritz, anxiously.

“Certainly there is room.  Two of you boys can sit on the back seat, and the other can sit by me and the dog can sit between us.”

It seemed to the three that an angel had come down to help them on their journey, for they were woefully tired, and evening was coming on.  Therefore it was with smiling countenances that they climbed in and took seats.  The gentleman spoke quietly to his horse and off they went on their way to the village.