In spite of the friendliness with which the Fink boys met the new-comer, the greeting was rather a one-sided affair, for Feklitus was not accustomed to making friends with strangers.

His trunks were handed over to the omnibus-driver, and the four boys proceeded to the hotel on foot.

Here he was shown to a very large room, furnished in splendid bright red satin, and with windows higher than the doors of most Buchberg houses.
Oscar began directly to tell Feklitus the arrangements that were to be made to-day in preparation for the great Festival to-morrow.

The flag-staff must be set in a hole in the ground, and held firm by stones placed close around its base, so that there would be no delay in the morning.

Then he told him whom he had found to join the society and take part in the Festival.
Feklitus' nose went up in scorn.
"A fine set of people you have collected! and all from the small cantons, too!" he exclaimed.
"What do you mean ?" cried Oscar, angrily.