"Now just see!" ejaculated Paul, "you remembered the dog which is of no
use to us, and forgot the money that we cannot do without. We must go
back for it," and like the sons of Jacob returning to Egypt, they turned
their faces toward Umstadt.

A slight coolness reigned among the triplets; a cloud rested upon the
brows of Franz and Paul that for the forgetfulness of Fritz they must
face the landlord, and more than that the tipless Peter. So with red
cheeks and eyes cast down they returned to the Swan inn, and the
landlord met them at the door with a smiling welcome.

"I expected you," he said. "You remind me of the story of the traveler
who upon his journey came to a cross road, and, not knowing which to
take, returned home. But I judge you had a better reason that it will be
a great pleasure to you to relate."

On their way back Fritz had said, "If the money is under the pillow we
can get it, and there will be no need of telling the hotel people why we
came back. Then they will not have a chance to laugh at us."

The others agreed to this, so he was ready with his reply.

"Yes, sir; we left a trifle under our pillow, and came back to get it."

"Only a trifle?"

"A small package, but as we do not wish to leave it, we came back for
it."

"That was quite right. You can go up and seek for it."