Then Sandow, bearing the flag, stepped gravely forward, and the boys all helped to plant it firmly in the middle of Sand Court, while the Queen and her lady-in-waiting nodded approval.
"Ha, Courtiers! I prithee sit!" the Queen commanded, when the flag was gaily waving in the breeze.
Her four courtiers promptly sat on the ground at her feet, and the Queen addressed them thus:
"Gentlemen-in-waiting of Sandringham Palace, there are much affairs of state now before us. First must we form our club, our Sand Club."
"Most noble Queen," and Tom rose to his feet, "have I your permission to speak?"
"Speak!" said the Queen, graciously, waving her sceptre at him.
"Then I rise to inquire if this is a secret organization."
"You bet it is!" cried King, jumping up. "The very secretest ever! If any one lets out the secrets of these secret meetings, he shall be excommunicated in both feet!"
"A just penalty!" said Tom, gravely.
"Is all well, O fair Queen? Do you agree?"