Trot was horrified, and
wrung her little hands in sore perplexity, for this was a most
horrible fate that awaited her dear friend.
"First, bind the Earth Man in the frame," commanded the Boolooroo.
"We'll slice him in two before we do the same to the billygoat."
So they seized Cap'n Bill and tied him into the frame so that he
couldn't move a jot in any direction. Then they rolled the frame
underneath the Great Knife and handed the Boolooroo the cord that
released the blade. But while this was going on, Trot had crept up
and fastened one end of her rope to the frame in which Cap'n Bill
was confined. Then she stood back and watched the Boolooroo, and
just as he pulled the cord, she pulled on her rope and dragged the
frame on its rollers away, so that the Great Knife fell with a crash
and sliced nothing but the air.
"Huh!" exclaimed the Boolooroo. "That's queer. Roll him up again,
soldiers."
The soldiers again rolled the frame in position, having first pulled
the Great Knife once more to the top of the derrick. The immense
blade was so heavy that it took the strength of seven Blueskins to
raise it. When all was in readiness, the King pulled the cord a
second time, and Trot at the same instant pulled upon her rope. The
same thing happened as before. Cap'n Bill rolled away in his frame,
and the knife fell harmlessly.
Now, indeed, the Boolooroo was as angry as he was amazed.
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