I
bear these strangers no ill will, nor do I believe they are in any
danger. But since you, Tourmaline, have determined to attempt this
terrible thing at once, I shall go with you and see what will
happen."
Some of the Pinkies looked pleased and some troubled at this speech,
but they all prepared to escort the prisoners to the nearest edge of
the island. The rain was pouring down in torrents, and umbrellas
were unknown; but all of them, both men and women, slipped gossamer
raincoats over their clothing, which kept the rain from wetting
them. Then they caught up their sharp sticks and surrounding the
doomed captives commanded them to march to meet their fate.
THE ARRIVAL OF POLYCHROME
CHAPTER 17
Cap'n Bill had determined to fight desperately for their lives, but
he was a shrewd old sailorman, and he found much that was reasonable
in the Witch's assertion that fairies would protect them. He had
often wondered how the Magic Umbrella could fly and obey spoken
commands, but now he plainly saw that the thing must be directed by
some invisible power, and that power was quite likely to save them
from the cruel death that had been decreed. To be sure, the Magic
Umbrella was now in the Blue Country, and the fairies that directed
its flight might be with the umbrella instead of with them, yet the
old sailor had already experienced some strange adventures in Trot's
company and knew she had managed to escape every danger that had
threatened.
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