f they went on
their way to the village.

"Do you think it lightens the burden for my horse that you keep your
knapsacks on your shoulders?" smiled the gentleman. "If you lay them off
you will see that he can trot just as well; and if there were a dozen
boys he would not consider them a burden but would keep on trotting. You
have told me where you are going, now tell me where you are from."

"We are from the country near the village of Michelstadt," replied
Fritz. "We left at six o'clock this morning to pass our holiday with my
father's sister, Mrs. Fanny Steiner."

"That is good. Now tell me your names and your fathers'."

"My father is Fritz Heil, and I am named for him. He is a clothing
merchant in the village of Michelstadt."

"Very good! I know him well. Now tell me who you are," turning to Paul.

"My father is Paul Roth, he is a teacher. My name is the same."

"Very good; now, my boy," turning to Franz.

"My father is named Franz Krupp, and I am named for him. He is the
head-forester in the Odenwald. The master-forester is old and when he
dies my father will get the place."

"Halt, my boy! Guard your speech. Don't speak to a stranger or to anyone
of the master-forester's death. Is he not in good health?"

"No, he is sick. I never heard my father say anything about his death or
of taking his place, but I know that he will have it when he dies."

"Nor should you speak of it. I know the master-forester as well as I
know your father. Suppose I should tell him what you have just said
about his dying and your father getting the position?"

The eyes of Franz filled with tears and he looked alarmed.

"Don't be anxious, my boy. I know you meant no harm, but I wish to warn
you to be careful of your speech. The master-forester has a brother
living in this neighborhood. I may be that brother. If so, would I like
to hear that your father is looking forward to his death in order to
have his place? And would it be to your father's advantage to have it
known that he is looking forward to it?"

Franz was silent a moment, then he reached forward and put his hand in
that of his adviser and thanked him, and his friend shook it heartily.

"Now, as a matter of courtesy, I should tell you my name. It is James
Furman. I am a farmer and live near the village of Umstadt. I know your
fathers well and am glad to meet their sons."

"And we are glad to meet you! It is kind of you to ask us to ride. We
were getting very tired,