Paul in the meantime had set the table neatly, and had returned from the bakery with a fine large seed cake, Mrs. Steiner having given him two marks to pay for it.

The potatoes, ham, good brown and white bread, butter and lettuce was now upon the table, Fritz brought the coffee, and all took seats at the hospitable board.

Mr. Heil at his sister’s request asked the blessing, then with pleasant chat the meal progressed, the guest assuring the boys that he did not know that he had ever enjoyed one more.

“If it would not tire you too much, sister, I would prefer that we walk to the Forest-house, as I would like to call on the way at the Stayman cloth house and leave an order for cloth and ready-made clothing.”

“I prefer walking this lovely evening.”

“And oh, papa, we are glad to go there, for we know Mr. Stayman!  We spent part of the time with him watching the fireworks,” exclaimed Fritz.  “Do you know, papa, that he is a tailor?”

“Yes, and I hope that you will have as good knowledge of how the work should be done as has Mr. Stayman when old enough to go in business.”

“But I would rather be a merchant.”

“He is a merchant and a successful one; and his success lies in the fact that he understands thoroughly how the work of making the clothing should be done.”

“He invited us to come to his store and I am glad you will take us.  Will we see him on his work-table with a needle in his hand?”

“I am not sure; but if so, we should have double respect for him, for it would prove that he is not above his business.  You appear to have the foolish opinion that it is the kind of work that demeans or elevates a man.  I know of but two classes of men, the worker and the drone.  The king who rules wisely and the tailor who does honest work are pleasing to God in the position in which he has placed them.  But the man who thinks the world owes him a living and will not work but begs from door to door is like a parasite that lives upon the fruit tree.”

As soon as the meal was finished the boys helped Mrs. Steiner put the place in order, and they set out for the Forest-house, Mr. Heil leading the way with his sister, the boys following, and Pixy enjoying the freedom of running along without the restriction of his cord, but always keeping near his master.  They halted at the house of Uncle Braun and invited him to meet them at the Forest-house which he gladly accepted; then they passed on and soon stood before the palatial clothing house of the Staymans and to the surprise of the boys it was the very one which Franz and Paul had visited and near which Fritz was robbed.  They were met by a young man, dressed in the latest-style business-suit, who welcomed them courteously and asked how he could serve them.

“Please tell Mr. Stayman that Frederick Heil of the Odenwald wishes to leave an order with his firm,” said Mr. Heil.