"But," suggested Franz, "how easily the maker of the weather-vane could make the nine holes before it was placed on the top of the tower."
"You boys can settle that question among yourselves," replied Uncle Braun, "but listen to the rest of the story. The burgomaster and councilmen were glad to have the chance to spare the life of the stalwart and expert marksman, and told him that he was free to go, providing he would no longer molest travelers in the forest.
"He made no reply, and the councilmen held a consultation and one of them went to him with another offer.
"'The head-master of hunting died lately, and his place must be filled,' he said. 'You have given such an exhibition of your skill as a marksman that we offer the place to you. You can then live in the city of Frankfort and have all the rights and privileges of a citizen, together with the compensation that goes with the office, and our good wishes.'
"All expected Winkelsee to accept this offer with gratitude, but he waved his hand in refusal.
"'I do not wish the place,' he said. 'All my life I have been free and free I will be. My imprisonment let me see what it is to be buried alive. I would feel if enclosed by the walls of a city as a chaffinch would feel in the craw of a hawk. No matter if your city walls enclose a larger place, it is yet a cage. No, I will not stay. Hans Winkelsee seeks the woods. There he was born, there he will die and be buried under a shady oak tree.'"
The boys were so interested in the story that they did not realize that it was past their supper hour, but Uncle Braun knew that they must be hungry.
"We will go into a restaurant," he said, "and each of you can order whatever you wish just so that the price does not exceed ten pennies for each. That will buy enough to stay your hunger until you can reach home to enjoy the good supper your aunt will have ready."
"Ten cents will get enough for us and leave a little over for Pixy," remarked Fritz.
"No, I will provide for Pixy. He, too, is my guest."