They crossed the bridge and looked at the great dome of the cathedral, and while they were gazing, eight solemn strokes sounded from its clock, and other clocks over the city struck the hour.

“We have but one clock and one church-tower in our village,” remarked Franz.  “The boys in Frankfort don’t get the chance to say the clock is wrong when they are late to school.”

Thus chatting, they reached the bridge, and, leaning upon the parapet, gazed at the brilliant scene.

“See, Aunt Fanny, what is that coming down the river?  A whole company of boats filled with people, and with music, and with flags flying?”

“That is a regatta, or sailing match.  It will go under this bridge and down to the old one, then will turn and go up to that island where they will all leave the boats and will have games and refreshments.”

As the boats passed under the bridge Fritz would have liked to jump down among the group of boys in the first boat; and he watched intently as the merry company passed up the river and turn, and then stepped off on the island.

“Aunt, do let us go to the old bridge, and look at the people,” he said eagerly.

Mrs. Steiner was glad to oblige, and they hurried to the bridge to see the boats land, each one greeted by cheers.  The whole company joined in a march to the sound of martial music by the band, then a short speech was listened to and when finished our triplets joined in the cheers, and the throwing up of hats without in the least knowing what the speech was about, or by whom made.

Fritz was so full of delight over the whole affair that he rubbed his hands in glee as he made known his resolution to be a cloth merchant when he was old enough and would come to live in Frankfort, and meant to join the rudder club.  “I will tell them now that I will join,” he ended enthusiastically.

“I think it will be a little too early, my boy,” smiled his aunt.

“I don’t wish to be too late.”

“But it will be some years before you are a merchant.”

“I am going to join the marines,” exclaimed Franz eagerly.  “Father wishes me to be a forester, and I had not made up my mind what I would be.  Now I know.  Yes, I will join the marines.  Oh, that is a jolly life.”

“Are you sure of that, my boy?” asked a man who stood near them on the crowded bridge, and Mrs. Steiner turned to greet August Stayman whom she had known from his boyhood, and introduced the boys to him.

“And so you think the life of a marine a jolly one?” he asked, turning again to Franz.  “Well, our kaiser will need good strong men, and I will not discourage you.  I was three years on the sea in storm and adventure, on a war-vessel, and am yet living and in good health.”

“And what are you now?” asked Fritz.

“I am the owner of a cloth and clothing store, and also a tailor, and can wield the needle as well as ever, although my hands had been hardened by the heavy ropes.”