“But, Aunt Fanny, my purse is not empty,” and he told of the nickels given him by Uncle Braun.

“It was kind in him to take you out; and he is very generous in every way.  Now pick up the pieces of plate, and put them upon this waiter and then we will set the table and have supper.”

This was done, and while his aunt was out of the room Fritz took out one of the pink plates, put the cake upon it and set it in the middle of the table.  It was a great surprise to her and she was gratified that they remembered her while they were out, and said so, whereupon the conscientious boys would not let her remain in ignorance of the fact that it was Uncle Braun who suggested it.

“Well, it is no matter who first thought of it,” she said cheerfully, “you boys used your money to prepare a surprise for me.  We will cut it in four parts and it will make a fine dessert.”

The boys insisted that she should keep it all for herself, but she said she would enjoy her part more when all had a share, so they did not refuse it.

“Now, boys, tell me something of your afternoon,” said Mrs. Steiner, and each vied with the others to describe what they had seen.  Fritz contributed his share of it by telling of his wish that he could find a gold-piece on the street, and what Uncle Braun said in regard to it, ending with “Oh, my new, bright, gold-piece with the—­”

“Oh, dear, are we again to hear that cry?” grumbled Franz.  “You are like Hannibal weeping upon the ruins of Carthage.”

“You have not lost any gold-piece, and you are wrong about Hannibal; it was Scipio who wept on the ruins of Carthage.”

“You are both wrong,” corrected Paul, “it was Marius who wept upon the ruins of Carthage.  Wasn’t it, Aunt Steiner?”

“My dear boy, I have forgotten much that I once knew of ancient history, but I think that Hannibal was a great Carthagenian general who fought the Romans.  Whether he wept or not over the ruins of Carthage I cannot say; but I do know that you boys are tired and sleepy and the sooner you get to bed the better.  Go now, don’t forget to say your prayers; and Fritz, see that your head keeps on the pillow of the lounge and not on the chair beside it.”

CHAPTER VII

THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.

“Why are you here?” she asked anxiously.

“It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors,” he said in a kindly tone.  “They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies.”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, “one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble.”