as if ashamed to look up."

"No, no, Aunt Fanny, it was not my Pixy," exclaimed Fritz, "I will take
all the blame upon myself."

"It was partly my fault," echoed Franz, "and I am sorry that the plate
is broken."

"So am I," rejoined Fritz, "and I will pay for it."

"Hear him, offering to pay for it," laughed Mrs. Steiner, "when he has
no money. Never mind, my boy, you need not pay for the plate. I have
plenty more, and here is a mark to put in your empty purse."

"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 a