The way to it led up through a beautiful avenue of flowery trees, the perfume from which hung heavy on the air all around.
And this avenue, which was of smooth green grass, was lined with the king’s armed and savage soldiery on both sides, and all the way up.
Our heroes had never seen so terrible a display, such cruel-looking broadswords and strangely shaped axe-like clubs. Higher up and nearer to the gates these soldiers were women of bloodthirsty and fearful aspect. It must be confessed that both Barclay and Davie were far from easy in their minds, and would have given a good deal to be back in their ship.
Antonio was quite unconcerned; and nodded and bowed to many of the under-chiefs, whom he had know in days gone by.
But Teenie was delighted at all she saw. She looked up into the warriors’ faces, and even patted them as she passed along, till, grim as they were, they were fain to smile.
She came to one warrior, an old friend of Antonio’s, who was more wildly dressed than any of the others, and wore strings of gay beads, and armlets, necklets, and bangles of beautiful coral around waist and limbs.
Right through the septum of his nose, extending across both cheeks, was a small dagger.
Teenie confronted him, examined his bangles, his shield, and fingers. Then she looked up in his face, and innocently remarked—
“Is you a big chief?”
He nodded and laughed.