pt behind the
box on which his master sat and looked up at him with a very penitent
air.

The seats the boys had taken did not prove permanent, for at every
station some of the freight must be taken out, and some brought in, but
they enjoyed the trip, for the old woman and her chickens left the car
at one of the stations, and they had the place to themselves.

"Is this Frankfort?" they asked at every station.

"No," the guard replied, "and I expect you to ask at every stopping
place until we really reach Frankfort, and then you will not ask."

"Why?" asked Fritz.

"Because you will know without asking."

Presently Franz called out, "Hurrah, we are here!"

"Where?" asked Fritz, hurrying to the window.

"At Frankfort. See, we are crossing a river. It is the Main. Yes, there
is the dome! I know it from the picture of the cathedral in my picture
of Frankfort."

"Didn't I say that you wouldn't ask if this is Frankfort? Now boys, out
with you, and take your dog. Good-bye!"

CHAPTER IV

A KIND WELCOME

The train drew slowly into the depot at Frankfort, and for the first
time in their lives the country boys saw something of the bustle and
excitement of travel. A crowd of people was hurrying out of the cars,
and an equally hurrying one was passing in, while on the platform of the
depot was a waiting crowd greeting returned ones, and bidding farewell
to departing ones, in all of which the boys were so interested that for
a time they forgot their own interests. At length the departure of the
train brought to their remembrance that they, too, must depart and Fritz
stepped up to an old gentleman whose pleasant countenance inspired
confidence.

"We wish to go to the house of my aunt, Mrs. Fanny Steiner," he said.
"Are you acquainted with her? She is a little, thin lady, has gray hair,
and wears a widow's cap."

"No, my boy," smiled the old gentleman, "I have not the honor of her
acquaintance. Perhaps you can tell me the number of her house and the
street?"

"Yes, it is number 37 Bornheimer street."

"Good! I can direct you exactly how to go. You take the electric car
which will pass here in a few minutes, and it will take you to the
corner of the street not more than a few steps from number 37."

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" said Fritz much relieved. Paul and Franz
touched their hats and thanked him, taking Fritz as an example in all
things.

The car came, and the three, followed closely by Pixy, rushe