On the shady side, the colors were more somber, and black predominated.
Suddenly the band began to play, and the bulls could be heard bellowing in their dark pens.
It was so bewildering that the two American lads were somewhat giddy, and the professor was fairly exhausted before there was a sign of the beginning of the performance.
Above the door where the bull was to enter rose a sort of balcony, called the Toril. On this balcony were those who were to announce the feats.
Suddenly a great fanfare of trumpets came from this balcony.
The hour for the affair to begin had arrived!
Frank never forgot the cold thrill that ran through his veins when he heard that blast of trumpets and knew the spectacle was about to begin.
At the sound of that blast, twenty thousand eyes were turned toward the entrance gate, which opened immediately, admitting the toreadors in full dress.
The band gave a burst of music as they came in, and the great throng of people arose as one man and greeted them with a wild yell, a flourish of hats and handkerchiefs, and a demonstration of unbounded joy and admiration.
The espadas were in advance, and, as they were the ones who always slew the bulls, they received the greatest attention. There were three of them, dressed in silk, satin and velvet, the colors being orange, blue and carnation.