CHAPTER IV.
IN THE FISHERMAN'S HUT.
The next morning, Oscar was early on hand at the iron gate; waiting to see the baker's boy, when he brought the bread.

The boy came along with a huge basket on his arm, from which issued an agreeable smell of freshly baked loaves.

Oscar went to meet him, and asked abruptly:-- "Which canton are you from ?" "That is none of your business," answered the boy.
Oscar was not a whit surprised or daunted by this reply.
"You needn't be so rough," he said; "I've a very good reason for asking." And he went on to explain to the boy what he had in mind, and to enlarge on the pleasure of collecting as many Swiss as possible; and of holding a festival in honor of their country.

Then it appeared that the fellow was not a bad fellow at all, and had only answered in that rude way to show his independence.

He received Oscar's proposal with great interest, though he owned that he knew but very few Swiss in the neighborhood.