Question and answer flew back and forth like snowballs in winter, and then Mrs. Steiner appeared at the door.
"Dear, dear, that is a great display of crockery!" she said.
"Franz did it," said Fritz.
"No, it was Fritz."
"Oh, you innocent lambs," she said laughingly, "of course neither of you did it, so it must be that little man on the clock face who stepped down to break a plate. Or perhaps it was the dog; he is hiding his face between his feet as if ashamed to look up."
"No, no, Aunt Fanny, it was not my Pixy," exclaimed Fritz, "I will take all the blame upon myself."
"It was partly my fault," echoed Franz, "and I am sorry that the plate is broken."
"So am I," rejoined Fritz, "and I will pay for it."
"Hear him, offering to pay for it," laughed Mrs. Steiner, "when he has no money. Never mind, my boy, you need not pay for the plate. I have plenty more, and here is a mark to put in your empty purse."
"But, Aunt Fanny, my purse is not empty," and he told of the nickels given him by Uncle Braun.