We journalists were all ready; coffee and bread-and-butter had been thoughtfully served early in our sleeping-tents, and an elaborate breakfast was going on all the time in the refectory pavilions.

We had a preliminary look round, and then there was a sort of general pause for breakfast.

We took advantage of it, and attacked the sumptuous--indeed, memorable--meal which was served for us.
The ceremony was to commence at noon, but at ten o'clock the whole place was astir--not merely beginning to move, but actually moving; everybody taking their places for the great ceremony.

As noon drew near, the excitement was intense and prolonged.

One by one the various signatories to the Federation began to assemble.