“Did you write that you were coming to-day, dear?” asked his aunt when all hands were seated and the boys had laid aside their knapsacks.

“No, aunt.  You know I wrote two weeks ago and told you that Franz and I were coming as soon as school was done; and we thought you would not mind if we brought Paul.”

“No, I am really glad he is with you; I met Paul and his parents when I was at your home in the country and am glad to welcome him as well as Franz, whose parents are dear friends of mine.  The only reason that I would be glad if you had written is that I might have provided another bed.  There is only one in my spare room.”

The boys looked at each other with anxious glances.  It seemed to them a hopeless case for they had tried the experiment of three in a bed at the Swan inn, and it had not been a success.

“Don’t feel concerned, dear boys,” said Mrs. Steiner kindly; “there is a wide lounge in the room with a head-piece which serves as a pillow.  One of you can sleep upon it.”

“Let Franz and Paul have the bed, aunt.  I am perfectly willing to sleep on the lounge.”

“Then that matter is settled.  Now about the dog.”

“He does not need a bed, dear Aunt Fanny,” replied the boy, reddening with anxiety.  “He can sleep on the floor anywhere, and he does not eat much; just the scraps from the table will suit him.”

“I am not thinking of his bed or of his food, my dear; but you have come to Frankfort on a sight-seeing tour, and dogs will not be allowed at any place that you will want to go.”

“Then we can leave him here.”

“But to that there is also an objection.  When I rented this suite of rooms, I assured the owner who lives on the first floor that I had no dog.  In the apartments below me lives an old lady who is afraid of dogs and is frightened at noise.  Now if Pixy should howl or bark while you are out, what would I do?”

Fritz loved his dog and it distressed him that there seemed to be no place in the world where he was tolerated except his father’s house; therefore there seemed no other course than to return home and take Pixy with him.

“Oh, dear aunt!” he said tearfully, “let us stay this one night, and to-morrow I will go back home.”

“My dear boy,” said his aunt with tears of sympathy in her eyes, “do you think for a moment that I would allow you to go home, when this is the very first time you have paid me a visit?  No; come with me and bring Pixy with you.  We will go down to the first floor to see Mr. Steerer, the owner of this house, and ask him if he will let you keep your dog during your visit.”

This was one ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, and Fritz and Pixy followed down the long steps.  Mrs. Steiner rang the bell of the first floor apartments, and Mr. Steerer opened the door and invited them in.

“Now tell the gentleman why we have come,” said Mrs. Steiner.