I tried to save
every penny of it and now it is gone! No wonder that you can feel
cheerful! you have your money, but I--"

At that moment his Aunt Fanny returned, and brought some cheer with her.

"While the police have no clue to the thief," she slid, "as no one saw
the theft committed, yet they will take every means to trap him. And
now, Fritz, don't grieve any more. You shall not feel the need of money
if I can help it, for when you want it you shall have it. Now we will
take the meat and other things to the table, but first I must fix Pixy's
plate."

This was done and Fritz carried it to the porch, then they took seats at
the table, their plates were filled and a dish of the pea-soup was at
each plate. The kind little hostess was glad to see that they ate
heartily and enjoyed their dinner. As she glanced at Fritz she said to
herself: "Thank goodness that it was his money that was lost instead of
his appetite. That would be a far worse loss than even his gold-piece."

Roast veal, potatoes, beans and lettuce disappeared like mist, and
before they arose from the table she said: "Boys, is your hunger
entirely satisfied?"

"Perfectly satisfied!" was the unanimous response.

"Oh, what a pity!" she said, as if reflecting.

"Why a pity, Aunt Fanny?" asked Fritz.

"Because I have a basket of fine ripe cherries in the cupboard which I
intended for dessert. But as you are satisfied, I suppose we must wait
for another time."

The young guests looked crestfallen, and for a time were silent; then
Franz came to the rescue with the right word.

"Cherries," he remarked, "have so much juice that I do not know that
they could be called food. Instead, I would say that they are more like
drink."

"Franz, you are a born lawyer," laughed Aunt Fanny. "You certainly
deserve a fee for that brilliant opinion. As you say that you are
satisfied that you have sufficient food, you may bring in a fresh drink
in the shape of ripe, red cherries."

Franz was not slow to obey, and soon four heaps of cherry stones proved
that the new drink was appreciated.

"Now could you enjoy another dessert?" asked Aunt Fanny, smilingly. "One
that you will appreciate quite as much as the red cherries? Look!" and
she held up a letter and two postals.

"Oh, please, please! They bring us news from home," cried the boys in a
breath; and Fritz asked who was to get the letter.

"It is for Paul, and you and Franz get the postals. Now you can read
them