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Well, it's easy enough, if you know how," asserted Cap'n Bill, so carelessly

that it greatly impressed his hearers. The King shifted in his throne uneasily.

He was more afraid of these strangers than before.

Do you intend to stay long in Jinxland?" was his next anxious question.

Depends on how we like it," said Cap'n Bill. "Just now I might suggest to your

Majesty to order some rooms got ready for us in your dinky little castle here.

And a royal banquet, with some fried onions an' pickled tripe, would set easy

on our stomicks an' make us a bit happier than we are now."

Your wishes shall be attended to," said King Krewl, but his eyes flashed from

between their slits in a wicked way that made Trot hope the food wouldn't be

poisoned. At the King's command several of his attendants hastened away to

give the proper orders to the castle servants and no sooner were they gone

than a skinny old man entered the courtyard and bowed before the King.

This disagreeable person was dressed in rich velvets, with many furbelows

and laces. He was covered with golden chains, finely wrought rings and

jeweled ornaments. He walked with mincing steps and glared at all the

courtiers as if he considered himself far superior to any or all of them.

Well, well, your Majesty; what news--what news?" he demanded, in a shrill,

cracked voice.

The King gave him a surly look.

No news, Lord Googly-Goo, except that strangers have arrived," he said.

Googly-Goo cast a contemptuous glance at Cap'n Bill and a disdainful one at

Trot and Button-Bright. Then he said:

Strangers do not interest me, your Majesty. But the Princess Gloria is very

interesting--very interesting, indeed! What does she say, Sire? Will she marry

me?"

Ask her," retorted the King.

I have, many times; and every time she has refused."

Well?" said the King harshly.

Well," said Googly-Goo in a jaunty tone, "a bird that can sing, and won't sing,

must be made to sing."

The Scarecrow of Oz