She was standing in a ditch, covered quite to her neck in the muddy water, and holding up her arms above her head, in an effort to protect it from the many little green frogs that were sporting about her.

Aunty reached her first, and, taking the little girl by the arm, she quickly rescued her from her uncomfortable position.

As soon as Rikli found herself in safety, she exclaimed reproachfully:-- "Why didn't you come when I called you first ?" They did not stop to answer her, but hurried her into the house, and forthwith into the bath-tub without delay.

After the necessary scrubbing and cleansing were over, Rikli put her question again, and the explanation she received was likely to impress upon her the folly of unnecessary alarm, and the certainty that her cries would be unheeded as long as she persisted in uttering them so needlessly.
All this time Oscar was occupied with assembling his chorus in the place chosen for the festival, that the rehearsal might be conducted in due order, except the currant-wine and gingerbread, which naturally were reserved for the festival itself, which was to come off next day.

The stage was made of four posts, stuck into the ground, and covered with boards.
The moment for beginning the performance arrived; Feklitus mounted the platform.
"Highly respected gentlemen and brothers! now that we have sung together so well, let us rejoice together; and celebrate the event with a great feast, and all touch glasses together." With these words, spoken in a loud but rather hurried voice, Feklitus bowed to the company, and came down from the stage.
"Go on, go on with your speech!" shouted every one.
"Why, that's all; and then we must all touch glasses," said Feklitus, who was quite satisfied and elated at having got through so well.
But at his words arose a great uproar; the boys wanted more, and insisted on Feklitus' going on.