All the other boys were followers of Feklitus; for he had a terrible phrase, which he used with great effect, when he wished to press them into his ranks; it was, “Just you wait till you come into our factory!” It was curious to see how this would work like a charm with the wavering boys; for the very indefiniteness of what would happen when they came to the factory, lent a mysterious force to this dark threat.  But no threat, no promise, no hint had the slightest effect upon Fani.  He was to enter the factory the coming Easter, at the close of the school-year; and this he knew very well; but he adhered firmly to Oscar’s side, and when Feklitus would angrily call out to him, “Just you wait,” he would turn on his heel, and answer laughing, “Oh yes!  I’ll wait!  I’m not in the least hurry”; an answer which did not lessen Feklitus’ anger, and which made him long for the time when the boy should be “in the factory,” when he promised himself that things should not go too easily for him.

Still, in spite of all these little jealousies, the two parties generally worked peaceably together; for it was important for Oscar to be on the right side of Feklitus, as his plans required large numbers for their successful execution.  Just now they were on a most cordial footing.  Oscar had started the idea of a grand Musical Festival.  Every one in the school who wished might take part, and after all necessary preparations they were to have a grand celebration.  The assistance of Feklitus had been secured by giving him a prominent place in the arrangements for the great occasion.  The embroidered banner, which was to be a salient feature, was sure to be ready, since Oscar’s aunt had undertaken it, which was quite a different thing from being dependent on Emma.  Fani was to be the bearer.  To-day the motto must be selected for it, and at the close of school several of the boys were stationed at the door, to summon the others, as they came out, to a meeting for the decision of this important matter.  On a knoll in a field near by, the boys assembled; and then Oscar announced that he had found a pretty couplet, suitable to the occasion, which he proposed as a motto for the banner, and he read in a loud voice:—­

    “Music the truest pleasure gives,
      So sing we merrily.”

But Feklitus did not approve.  He said that he had often been present on occasions of this kind and had seen many prettier mottoes than this.  He could recall one which he thought ought to be chosen.

    “Our Fatherland shall ever live;
      May freedom never die!”

Oscar said that this motto would do very well for some patriotic occasion, but was not exactly the thing for a musical festival.  Feklitus would not yield, and called on his followers to stand by him and his motto.  Then followed loud discussion on both sides, which soon grew into an uproar.  The Oscarians and Feklitusians screamed so loud that not one word could be distinguished from another.  Presently Oscar seized Feklitus by the arm, and drew him aside out of the mob.