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[Illustration: The Gateway]
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The Fourth Chapter.
_Telling of how a Little Company departs on a long Journey through
the Hills. Also of the Tale told by Mr. Poodle. And of the Guards at
the Gate._
[Illustration]
In quick response to Tommy’s command, the whole company started. First,
of all, walked Mr. Poodle; next, came Tommy and Helen riding their
beautiful horses; then, Captain Noddle Poddle, who rode at the head
of his company of cavalry; and after him, came Captain Hinkle Pinkle
leading his brave command of infantry. Next, in line, was the express
wagon; and last of all rode Rolie Polie, sitting astride a funny little
donkey.
At first, Mr. Poodle hesitated about having the little clown
accompanying them; he thought Rolie Polie was such a tricky fellow he
would be sure to get into no end of mischief. But he finally yielded to
the wishes of Helen and Tommy, much to their delight. {30}
Presently, Mr. Poodle spoke earnestly with Captain Pinkle and Captain
Poddle, cautioning them to keep their soldiers near at hand and be
ready in case of any attack from pirates, or bandits, or ruffians.
Tommy jumped when Mr. Poodle said that. “Why, Mr. Poodle,” he asked,
“are there pirates and bandits in Toyville?”
“Well,” said Mr. Poodle, “I don’t think we will find any in Toyville,
but there may be some lurking in the hills by the way. The crusty King
of Grumbletown does not like the people of Toyville very well; he is
always threatening to make war on them and keeps his ruffians and
bandits spying around to see what is happening in Toyville. I suppose
when he hears that visitors are on the road, he will be more angry than
ever, for he will not want a boy and girl to go to Toyville and teach
the Toy people new tricks.”
“Is Grumbletown near Toyville, Mr. Poodle?” inquired Tommy.
“Oh yes,” said Mr. Poodle, “Toyville is at the lower end of the valley,
and Grumbletown is at the other end, but the valley bends about a big
hill which lies between the two realms.”
“I do not think Grumbletown is a pretty name,” said Helen. “Why is it
called Grumbletown, Mr. Poodle?”
“Well dear,” said Mr. Poodle, “the name came about in this way: one
time it fell to the luck of some toys to go and live with boys and
girls who were always complaining or fault finding, and who never were
contented and happy. Of course, when this happened, the toys were
sure to learn all manner of disagreeable ways, and became {31} ill
behaved and grumbly. Then, by and by, they ran away to the Hills of
Troubleland, and in place of going on to the happy and prosperous city
of Toyville, went further up the valley and founded a new realm, which,
because of all its subjects being grumble toys was given the name of
Grumbletown.”
“Are there many people living in Grumbletown, Mr. Poodle?” asked Tommy.
“Yes, there are,” said Mr. Poodle, “I am sorry to say it is quite a
large realm and is constantly growing larger, because the toys of
children who complain and find fault always go to Grumbletown in place
of Toyville. The King of Grumbletown is a sly and crafty old pirate,
called Red Beard, and sometime, if he becomes too powerful, he will
make war on the peaceful, contented Toy people.”
It was a long, long way the happy little company now travelled; through
winding valleys they went and over towering hills until at last,
after crossing one high hill, there spread before them, all at once,
the broad walls and beautiful gate at the entrance to the Valley of
Happiness. On the gate there was painted a black rooster, and standing
on guard at each side, was a brave little soldier.
As soon as Mr. Poodle and his company came in sight, the two soldiers
saluted, then holding their muskets at present arms, waited for the
visitors to approach.
When Mr. Poodle reached the gate, he lifted the heavy knocker and gave
three loud raps. At the third rap the gate swung open, and there they
were right on the edge of the Kingdom of Toyville, with the sounds of
the city coming faintly through the hills from far down in the little
Valley of Happiness. {32}
Mr. Poodle now seemed very much surprised and the look in his eyes
showed that he was also a little worried.
“What is the matter, Mr. Poodle?” asked Tommy, kindly. “Haven’t we come
the right way?”
“Oh, yes,” said Mr. Poodle, “this is the right road to Toyville; but
I am very much surprised that none of the Toy people are waiting to
meet us. I expected to find a company of cavalry at this gate and even
thought the Mayor and some of the Nobles would come to escort us to the
city. It is certainly most strange that no one is here, for I sent a
Messenger to tell them we were coming. It is not at all like the Toy
people to treat guests in this way. I hope the Messenger has not been
captured by the bold brigands or bandits.”
When Mr. Poodle stopped speaking, Tommy and Helen thought they heard
someone laughing behind a clump of bushes not far away; but as Mr.
Poodle either did not hear it, or if he heard, he paid no attention,
they said nothing about the matter, but followed him through the gate
and into the new land.
[Illustration]
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[Illustration]