you will see that he can trot just as well; and if there were a dozen
boys he would not consider them a burden but would keep on trotting. You
have told me where you are going, now tell me where you are from."

"We are from the country near the village of Michelstadt," replied
Fritz. "We left at six o'clock this morning to pass our holiday with my
father's sister, Mrs. Fanny Steiner."

"That is good. Now tell me your names and your fathers'."

"My father is Fritz Heil, and I am named for him. He is a clothing
merchant in the village of Michelstadt."

"Very good! I know him well. Now tell me who you are," turning to Paul.

"My father is Paul Roth, he is a teacher. My name is the same."

"Very good; now, my boy," turning to Franz.

"My father is named Franz Krupp, and I am named for him. He is the
head-forester in the Odenwald. The master-forester is old and when he
dies my father will get the place."

"Halt, my boy! Guard your speech. Don't speak to a stranger or to anyone
of the master-forester's death. Is he not in good health?"

"No, he is sick. I never heard my father say anything about his death or
of taking his place, but I know that he will have it when he dies."

"Nor should you speak of it. I know the master-forester as well as I