With a loud and jubilant song he joined his brothers and sisters.
Mrs.Maxa was also very happy that Kurt had regained his cheerfulness.
What met her ears now, though, was not Kurt's singing, but loud cries of delight.

Opening the door, she distinguished the well-known calls of "Uncle Philip, Uncle Philip!" So her longed-for brother was near at last.
Her two little ones, who had met with him on their stroll home, were bringing him along.

All five children shouted loudly in order to let their uncle know how welcome he was.
"Oh, how glad I am that you have come at last! Welcome, Philip! Please come in," Mrs.Maxa called out to him.
"I'll come as soon as it is possible," he replied, breathing heavily.

He held a child with each hand, and three were between his feet, all welcoming him tumultuously, so that for the moment it was impossible for him to move forward.
Gradually the whole knot moved into the house and towards the uncle's armchair.

Here ten busy hands fastened him down so that he should not at once get away.
"You rascals, you!" the uncle said, quite exhausted.