But Feklitus came and stood in front of him, saying "That is my place"; for his father had told him that the first place was no more than his right.

Oscar would not yield, and the case came before the teacher, who, finding that Oscar was the senior by two days, decided in his favor.

Feklitus, however, was not to be put down so; he would not sit below Oscar, so he took the first place on the next bench, and, as the class was so large a one as to occupy both benches, the teacher allowed the affair to be settled so, and so it had continued ever since.

And thus both boys were first.
Oscar was well pleased with this arrangement, because it brought next him a boy whom he much preferred to Feklitus; Fani, the son of Heiri, the day-laborer.

Fani was a lively and courageous fellow, who was always ready to join Oscar in any undertaking he might have in view, no matter how bold it might be.