nd the
sooner you get to bed the better. Go now, don't forget to say your
prayers; and Fritz, see that your head keeps on the pillow of the lounge
and not on the chair beside it."

CHAPTER VII

THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished
breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but
drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.

"Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.

"It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest
when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone. "They should
look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet
they seem to look upon us as enemies."

"Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a
policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."

"Well, I am not bringing trouble. I only came to enquire if there is a
boy here named Fritz."

"Yes, Fritz is here. He is my brother's son, and is visiting me."

The boys had heard all and made a rush for the door, where they stood
behind Mrs. Steiner, gazing with intense interest at the tall, dark man
who had such piercing black eyes and a moustache so large that Fritz
told his aunt afterward that it looked as if a blackbird had lighted
upon his upper lip and spread its wings under his nose.

"Now, which one of these boys is Fritz?" he asked.

"This one," said the aunt, turning to the boy, who was doing his best to
hide Pixy from the eyes of the law. But Pixy was not willing to be
obscured. He did not like the looks of the man, and gave one of his low
growls.

"Call your dog away, boy, I have no business with him, although he has
no tag. However that is no harm, so long as he stays in the house. Now,
Fritz, what is your other name?"

"Fritz Heil. My father is a clothing merchant, and his store--"

"I do not have need to know of him. Did you lose a pocketbook
yesterday?"

"No, it was stolen from me."

"Well, I came to take you to the police commissioner."

"Aunt, has the policeman arrested me?" asked the boy, clinging to his
aunt's arm.

"You are not under arrest, boy," laughed the man. "You are only wanted
as witness. We hope to catch the thief. Now forward, march."

"Yes, Fritz, go and do what you can to help. Do you think you can find
your way back?"

"I will see that he gets back all right, madam," and down the steps they
went, Franz and Paul looking after them until they disappeared fro