Part 6 (1/2)
”My men and I really command the whole shop,” said the Officer one day
”Moreover, who faces one, faces all, for we all ood swords, but we kno to use them They are sheathed now, but let no one count upon that to offend us Let but a foolhardy toy dare insult us, and--” here he gave the word of co from their scabbards
The lady Dolls shrieked, the Grocer and the Butcher began to put up their shutters with tre hands; the white, furry Rabbit became a shade whiter; and the corners of the Clown'sup as usual It was plain that a general panic was felt
The only Toy that did not appear to be affected was the great gray Elephant lately arrived He twisted his trunk round thoughtfully, but never changed countenance
The Officer saw the general terror he had inspired, and both he and his Soldiers ell pleased
”Besides,” he continued, speaking more loudly than before, ”if our swords fail us we shall have recourse to gunpowder, which will make short work of our enemies”
The Elephant looked at the Officer and his men
”I don't see it,” he said bluntly
”I didn't suppose you would,” said the Officer scornfully ”Don't speak in such a hurry The powder I' of is felt but not seen It's our last irees Gunpowder,--sunpowder Thus we unpowder to blow up a town, but they neither see it nor hear it In fact, they know nothing about it until they are blown up”
This tiht! The Elephant only reunpowder is more humane in the end,” the Officer continued
”You are quite unaware of what is happening until you find yourself in pieces”
”The sa may happen to yourself, I suppose?” asked the Elephant, in his heavy and clu pardon; did anyone speak?” inquired the Officer in theof voices For he despised the Elephant and wished to snub hiht not happen to yourself?” the Elephant repeated, regardless of the Officer's attempt to make him appear foolish ”What if the eneood beast,” he answered in hismanner, ”is easily disposed of We have special Soldiers trained to _sunpowder We have unpowder anywhere within gunshot”
”I don't believe it,” said the Elephant
The Officer at this laughed a grih, truly awful to hear
”Ha, Ha!” he exclaimed; ”do not provoke me too far lest I slay you with my sword I'm a man of sport, and to do the act would cause me no little diversion Beware!”
The Elephant htened hireat cluht, sir,” answered the Soldiers
”Now to drill,” he continued sharply ”Attention! Eyes right, eyes left; right movement, left movement; swords out, swords in!
Mark--_tied to obey with their heads, their feet being tightly guuet free even when Mortals were not present, and all the Toys were at liberty to speak, walk, and talk Indeed, nothing but a strong blow could possibly loosen them from their position
Therefore, when they ed tothe platforranted leave of absence to one, he was obliged to grant it to all, even to himself, otherwise no one could have taken it
”Coht beast Letand a half cost three halfpence, how ht to, if you went to an honest fisher,”
answered the Elephant
The Officer and his hed loudly