The soldiers wore their best blue uniforms and were formed before
the palace in marching order, so Trot and Cap'n Bill headed the
procession, and then came the soldiers--all keeping step--and then
the bands, playing very loud noises on their instruments, and
finally the crowd of Blue citizens waving flags and banners and
shouting joyfully. In this order they proceeded to the main gate,
which Trot ordered the guards to throw wide open. Then they all
marched out a little way into the fields and found that the Army of
Pinkies had already formed and was advancing steadily toward them.
At the head of the Pinkies were Ghip-Ghisizzle and Button-Bright,
who had the parrot on his shoulder, and they were supported by
Captain Coralie and Captain Tintint and Rosalie the Witch. They had
decided to capture the Blue City at all hazards, that they might
rescue Trot and Cap'n Bill and conquer the Boolooroo, so when from a
distance they saw the Blueskins march from the gate with banners
flying and bands playing, they supposed a most terrible fight was
about to take place.
However, as the two forces came nearer together, Button-Bright spied
Trot and Cap'n Bill standing before the enemy, and the sight
astonished him considerably.
"Welcome, friends!" shouted Cap'n Bill in a loud voice; and
"Welcome!" cried Trot; and "Welcome!" roared the Blue soldiers and
the people of the Blue City.
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