“The billygoat is the very best guard we could have, for ever’body’s ‘fraid o’ him,” remarked Cap’n Bill as he put the key of the room in his pocket.  “So now, Queen Trot, what’s next on the program?”

“Next,” said Trot, “we’re goin’ to hunt for that umbrel, Cap’n.  I don’t mean to stay in this dismal Blue Country long, even if I am the Queen.  Let’s find the umbrel and go home as soon as we can.”

“That suits me,” the sailor joyfully exclaimed, and then the two began a careful search through the palace.  They went into every room and looked behind the furniture and underneath the beds and in every crack and corner, but no place could they spy the Magic Umbrella.  Cap’n Bill even ventured to enter the rooms of the Six Snubnosed Princesses, who were by this time so thoroughly alarmed that they had become meek and mild as could be.  But the umbrella wasn’t there, either.

Finally, they returned to the great throne room of the palace, where they seated themselves on the throne and tried to think what could possibly have become of the precious umbrella.  While they were sitting and talking together, the Captain of the Guards entered and bowed respectfully.  “Beg pardon, your Small-Sized Majesty,” said he to Trot, “but it is my duty to report that the Pinkies are preparing to attack the City.”

“Oh!  I’d forgotten the Pinkies!” exclaimed the girl.  “Tell me, Captain, have you such a thing as a Brass Band in this City?”

“We have two fine bands, but they are not brass,” replied the Captain.  “Their instruments are made of blue metal.”

“Well, order ’em out,” commanded Trot.  “And say, get all the soldiers together and tell all the people there’s going to be a high time in the Blue City tonight.  We’ll have music and dancing and eating and—­”

“An’ neckties to drink, Trot.  Don’t forget the royal neckties,” urged Cap’n Bill.

“We’ll have all the fun there is going,” continued the girl, “for we are to entertain the Army of the Pinkies.”

“The Pinkies!” exclaimed the Captain of the Guards.  “Why, they’re our enemies, your Short Highness.”

“Not any more,” replied Trot.  “I’m Queen of the Pinkies, an’ I’m also Queen of the Blues, so I won’t have my people quarreling.  Tell the Blue people we are to throw open the gates and welcome the Pinkies to the City, where everybody will join in a grand celebration.  And jus’ as soon as you’ve spread the news an’ got the bands tuned up and the soldiers ready to march, you let us know, and we’ll head the procession.”

“Your Microscopic Majesty shall be obeyed,” said the Captain, and went away to carry out these commands.

TROT CELEBRATES THE VICTORY

CHAPTER 26