"No!" answered one of the soldiers, in a voice he tried to make gruff, but which sounded rather squeaky, as if it needed oiling.
"Why not?" inquired Tot.
"It's against orders," replied the soldier. "The Queen has commanded me to shoot any stranger who tries to open the gate."
"But your gun is only wood," said Dot, who was annoyed at the soldier's interference.
"Wooden guns can't shoot!" shouted Tot, gleefully.
The soldier seemed somewhat embarrassed at this and Dot thought he blushed a little.
"It does not matter whether my gun will shoot or not," he answered, stiffly. "I am ordered not to let anyone open the gate."
"But you have no right to give me orders," said the girl. "I don't belong to Merryland, so your Queen has no authority over either Tot or me."
"Then why are you here, if you don't belong here?" asked the soldier.