“The Boolooroo is very particular about his nectar.  I think he has given you this job so he can find fault with you and have you punished.  But we will fool him.  You are strangers here, and I don’t want you imposed upon.  I’ll send Tiggle to the royal pantry and keep him there to mix the nectar.  Then when the Boolooroo or the Queen or any of the Snubnosed Princesses call for a drink, you can carry it to them and it will be sure to suit them.”

“Thank’e sir,” said Cap’n Bill.  “That’s real kind of you.”

“Your job, Button-Bright, is easier,” continued Ghip-Ghisizzle.

“I’m no bootblack,” declared the boy.  “The Boolooroo has no right to make me do his dirty work.”

“You’re a slave,” the officer reminded him, “and a slave must obey.”

“Why?” asked Button-Bright.

“Because he can’t help himself.  No slave ever wants to obey, but he just has to.  And it isn’t dirty work at all.  You don’t black the royal boots and shoes, you merely blue them with a finely perfumed blue paste.  Then you shine them neatly and your task is done.  You will not be humiliated by becoming a bootblack.  You’ll be a bootblue.”

“Oh,” said Button-Bright.  “I don’t see much difference, but perhaps it’s a little more respectable.”

“Yes, the Royal Bootblue is considered a high official in Sky Island.  You do your work at evening or early morning, and the rest of the day you are at liberty to do as you please.”

“It won’t last long, Button-Bright,” said Cap’n Bill consolingly.  “Somethin’s bound to happen pretty soon, you know.”

“I think so myself,” answered the boy.

“And now,” remarked Ghip-Ghisizzle, “since you understand your new duties, perhaps you’d like to walk out with me and see the Blue City and the glorious Blue Country of Sky Island.”

“We would that!” cried Cap’n Bill promptly.

So they accompanied their new friend through a maze of passages—­for the palace was very big—­and then through a high, arched portal into the streets of the City.  So rapid had been their descent when the umbrella landed them in the royal garden that they had not even caught a glimpse of the Blue City, so now they gazed with wonder and interest at the splendid sights that met their eyes.

THE BLUE CITY

CHAPTER 8

The Blue City was quite extensive, and consisted of many broad streets paved with blue marble and lined with splendid buildings of the same beautiful material.  There were houses and castles and shops for the merchants, and all were prettily designed and had many slender spires and imposing turrets that rose far into the blue air.  Everything was blue here, just as was everything in the Royal Palace and gardens, and a blue haze overhung all the city.

“Doesn’t the sun ever shine?” asked Cap’n Bill.