d so you think the life of a marine a jolly one?" he asked, turning
again to Franz. "Well, our kaiser will need good strong men, and I will
not discourage you. I was three years on the sea in storm and adventure,
on a war-vessel, and am yet living and in good health."

"And what are you now?" asked Fritz.

"I am the owner of a cloth and clothing store, and also a tailor, and
can wield the needle as well as ever, although my hands had been
hardened by the heavy ropes."

"Did you have to come to Frankfort to join the marines?" asked Franz.

"No, I was born in Frankfort on the shore of the Main. People used to
call me a water-rat; and they were right, for I became a more expert
seaman on the Main than do many on the ocean. My longing was to be a
seaman, and my mother, who was at first opposed to it, gave consent, and
I have never regretted it. I looked death in the face many times, but
escaped without a scratch."

The boys were deeply interested in this conversation, but it was
interrupted by a succession of splendid fireworks on the island which
surprised and delighted them beyond measure. They almost held their
breath while watching an especially brilliant piece reflected in the
water.

"Now, boys, we will go," said Aunt Steiner when the last exhibition of
the evening fireworks went up, making the words "good-night" high in the
air; "and we will call at a confectioner's for a glass of ice-cream
soda."

"Let me have the pleasure of showing some attention to your young
guests," said Mr. Stayman. "I shall be pleased to accompany you to the
store."

Mrs. Steiner gave willing assent, and soon the five thirsty ones found
themselves upon comfortable seats under the awning in front of the store
and Mr. Stayman gave the order for five glasses of ice-cream soda with
cake. This was a pleasant ending to the first evening of sight-seeing in
Frankfort, and the triplets realized that "their lines had fallen in
pleasant places."

As they were separating Mrs. Steiner thanked Mr. Stayman for his
kindness, and he in turn invited her guests to visit his store, which
was eagerly agreed to by Fritz, who considered the clothing business
exactly in his line.

"Then you expect to be a clothing merchant, do you?" asked his new
acquaintance.

"Yes, a merchant in the manufacturing branch of the business," was the
reply in a slightly pompous tone and manner.

"Well, then it may be that you will come to Frankfort and learn the
busine