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Chapter Eleven - The Wicked King and Googly-Goo
When our friends approached the great doorway of the castle they found it
guarded by several soldiers dressed in splendid uniforms. They were armed
with swords and lances. Cap'n Bill walked straight up to them and asked:
"
"
Does the King happen to be at home?"
His Magnificent and Glorious Majesty, King Krewl, is at present inhabiting his
Royal Castle," was the stiff reply.
"
Then I guess we'll go in an' say how-d'ye-do," continued Cap'n Bill,
attempting to enter the doorway. But a soldier barred his way with a lance.
"
Who are you, what are your names, and where do you come from?"
demanded the soldier.
"
You wouldn't know if we told you," returned the sailor, "seein' as we're
strangers in a strange land."
"
Oh, if you are strangers you will be permitted to enter," said the soldier,
lowering his lance. "His Majesty is very fond of strangers."
"
"
Do many strangers come here?" asked Trot.
You are the first that ever came to our country," said the man. "But his
Majesty has often said that if strangers ever arrived in Jinxland he would see
that they had a very exciting time."
Cap'n Bill scratched his chin thoughtfully. He wasn't very favorably impressed
by this last remark. But he decided that as there was no way of escape from
Jinxland it would be wise to confront the King boldly and try to win his favor.
So they entered the castle, escorted by one of the soldiers.
It was certainly a fine castle, with many large rooms, all beautifully furnished.
The passages were winding and handsomely decorated, and after following
several of these the soldier led them into an open court that occupied the very
center of the huge building. It was surrounded on every side by high turreted
walls, and contained beds of flowers, fountains and walks of many colored
marbles which were matched together in quaint designs. In an open space
near the middle of the court they saw a group of courtiers and their ladies,
who surrounded a lean man who wore upon his head a jeweled crown. His
face was hard and sullen and through the slits of his half-closed eyelids the
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