Fritz had to laugh at her stern round face and her sharp command.
He saluted and said, "Yes, yes, General! I obey."
Then he took up his violin and began to play. Several people stopped to listen. They smiled but passed on. Mitzi stood on one foot and then on the other. Frank lay at her feet, wondering why they did not go on to explore this strange new city. Fritz played and Mitz stood, and only a few people seemed to notice them. Among these was a gentleman who put his hand into his pocket.
"Catch!" he said to Mitzi, as he threw her a coin.
After some time, Fritz grew tired and Mitzi discouraged.
"Let us go and buy sausage with this coin," said Mitzi.
She was not altogether pleased with the way things had worked out. But, anyway, she wanted to surprise her father with the small bit they had been able to make.
They turned to leave, when all at once they heard a whining sound behind them. They looked around. Sitting upon the church steps was a beggar. He wore ragged clothes and was a very old man. He held out his hand to Mitz and Fritz.
CATHEDRAL AT MAINZ