"Oh, rats!" said the girl. "You'll do as I say. What fun! I know the people will follow. They are such jolly people! And what a splendid way to show Father!"
The sadness had left Mitzi. She beamed. She skipped along and sang, until Fritz caught some of her joy.
They arrived at their father's booth. But the toy maker was not there. He had closed his stand. So the children went home to their wagon. They found their father awaiting them there. The toy maker was twirling his mustache. He had a strange expression on his face.
"Now, Father," said Mitzi, "you can go and look for Mr. Krauss. Fritz and I will watch the booth for you."
But Mr. Toymaker did not move. Instead he smiled in a way which left his eyes unsmiling.
"I have decided not to go," he said. "I have decided to do something else."
"What, Father?" asked Mitzi.
"Tonight," said Mr. Toymaker, "we shall have sausage and sauerkraut and other good things for supper." Then he turned to Fritz, saying, "Give me the violin."
The boy drew away his precious violin. Mitzi stood in front of her brother.
| "GIVE ME THE VIOLIN" |