Aunt Ninette hastened at once to her husband’s study, and laid the new plan before him.  Uncle Titus received it with pleasure, for although the want of fresh air was becoming very trying to him, yet taking a walk for air and exercise was something he had never been accustomed to, and he could not make up his mind to the loss of so much valuable time.  The offer was therefore very seasonable.  He even proposed to go to the summer-house directly, and his wife accompanied him.  They took the longest way, round the outside of the garden, so as to avoid meeting any one.  At the farthest end they came to a little garden-gate which led directly to the secluded summer-house.  Close to the little house were two old nut-trees and a weeping willow, with thick pendent branches, and behind, far away into the distance, stretched the soft green meadows.  Far and near, all was perfectly still.  Uncle Titus had brought several thick books with him, under each arm, for he thought he should like to take possession at once, if he found it to his mind.  Aunt Ninette carried the inkstand and paper, and Dora brought up the rear, with cigars and the wax-taper.

Mr. Ehrenreich was well pleased with the place; he settled himself at once, took his seat at the table, drew in a long breath of the pure air which blew in through the open doors and windows, and softly rubbed his hands with satisfaction.  He began to write directly, and Aunt Ninette and Dora withdrew, and left him alone to his work.

By this time the news of the twins’ exploit of yesterday, had spread through the house.  For when Rolf returned from his morning lessons, he went straight for his bow, and of course discovered at once the loss of one arrow.  Very much incensed, he ran about the house to find out who had been meddling with his property.  He had little trouble in discovering the offenders, for the twins were so broken down by the suffering they had been through, that they confessed at once, and told him the whole story, including their horror at the cry of pain, and adding that their mother had now gone to the cottage, to inquire who had been hit.  Then they showed Rolf where they had fired the arrow through the hedge, and to be sure there it was, lying on the ground, in Mrs. Kurd’s garden.  The recovery of his treasure put Rolf again in good-humor.  He rushed back to the house, calling out, “Jule, Paula, did you know that the twins shot a child yesterday?” And so it came about that all six of the children, and Miss Hanenwinkel, besides, stood on the stone steps, on tip-toe with excitement, awaiting the mother’s return from the cottage.  The moment she appeared, Hunne called out, “Where was it hit?” and then each one asked a different question, and all at once: 

“Is it a child?” “Is it a boy?” “How big is it?” “What is its name?” “Is it much hurt?”