At the far end of the beach was a huge canvas tent, and all of the "trappings," or "properties" were stored beneath its shelter. From this tent the procession would start, and pass along the beach, where hundreds of spectators would be watching from the tiers of seats that had been erected along the route.
Princess Polly, Rose, and Sprite stood waiting to take their places.
"What do you suppose Gwen and Max meant?" Polly asked.
"When they said they'd get up something of their own?" said Rose.
"Why, yes," Polly said. "Don't you remember how they spoke?"
"Oh, yes, I know," Rose replied, "but Gwen and Max often say they'll do things, and then they don't do at all as they say they will. They speak like that when they're provoked, and then they forget all about it."
"Do you know," Sprite said, "I think this time they'll remember what they said, and I'm just wondering what they will do."
A trumpet called the children to order, and soon all was bustle and excitement.
Then when all were ready, the long line of lovely children attired in rainbow hues, with here and there an adult figure to add dignity to the pageant, slowly made its way along the beach, receiving cheers and applause from the delighted on-lookers.
First came a group of thirty of the village children, dressed as water sprites, and blowing on soft-toned silver horns.