“And Owly,” continued the Captain, “please remember that you are not responsible for the mistakes of our guests, for if I catch you correcting anyone, I’ll send you to Doomdell.”
Now Doomdell is as bad for the elves as prison is for us, and Captain Featherweight knew very well how to frighten Owly.
“And Rainbow, on account of your tact, I put you in charge of the whole affair. You must oversee the others and be sure that their work is well done.”
The Elves of Mount Fern were as busy as bees all that week, and when Thursday evening came round they were ready for their guests.
Captain Featherweight was always prompt, and if he had anything to do, he always got it done in time.
When the moon was high in the sky the Elves of Oakdale arrived at Mount Fern. And after the greetings were over, they all sat down on fresh green moss-mounds which had been brought in for the occasion.
Then Rainbow, who was master of ceremonies, commanded Lightning to pass around some apple-blossom honeydew in bluebell cups; and after they had partaken of the sparkling nectar, Captain Featherweight, arm-in-arm with Captain Acorn, led the way to Oaktree Lawn.
When they were all assembled there, Lightning presented Captain Acorn with the choicest of the mallets and balls, and the play began.
In Skyball the target is the face of the moon, and the player who comes nearest the mark, wins the game.
Captain Acorn, as guest, had first play.