"Oh, boys, I forgot him and we have eaten all the pudding from him," he
said, remorsefully.

"We will each give a penny and ask the mistress to give him some
dinner," said Paul.

But it was not needed. Pixy had been well fed on the remains of the
soup, and was ready to journey as soon as they gave him notice. Fritz
thanked the kind woman, and she in turn was pleased with the well-bred
boys who had given evidence of being satisfied with the food, and had
paid her the price she asked.

Then they set out cheerily and soon broke into a melody they sang at
school. They had good voices and sang with spirit. So interested were
they that they did not hear the sound of wheels although a carriage was
coming slowly behind them, and a gentleman who was in it was listening
with pleasure. At length the song was finished and the boys heard the
sound of wheels, halted and turned, then lifted their hats to the
stranger.

"I hope you will keep on with your singing. I love it, and I love boys,"
said the gentleman in a pleasant voice. "I like to see them on their
travels. Have you any objection to telling me where you are going?"

"To Frankfort," they all replied at once.

"Why not go by railway?"

"We wished to walk all the way."