Ronald detached the flag from the rope, and then went out to the barn to see how Oscar was getting on with the pole. He found it nearly ready for its place, although only the day before it was a young tree in the forest. As it was to be fastened to the gable of the barn, it was not very large, but was tall, straight, and rounded in a smooth and uniform manner. Oscar was now inserting into the top of it a small pulley or grooved wheel for the line to run over. Ronald, meanwhile, went to work upon the cap that was to surmount the whole, which he made out of a wooden knob that belonged to an old bureau.
Before they had finished the staff, Jessie had washed the flag, and hung it upon the line. It was much improved in appearance. Soon after Marcus came along, and having examined the flag a minute or two, he entered the barn, saying:
“Ronald, I don’t think you made much of a bargain when you bought that flag.”
“You don’t? Why, what is the matter with it?” inquired Ronald.
“Oh, it’s an old thing, and it wasn’t made properly in the first place, either,” replied Marcus.
“I don’t care, so long as it’s a flag,” said Ronald. “I’ll get that torn place mended, and then I guess it will do.”
“I think it is altogether too large for your staff,” continued Marcus.
“I don’t think so,” replied Ronald.
“Besides, it strikes me it is not in good proportion,” added Marcus.
“I don’t care for that,” replied Ronald.