At the unexpected interruption, the contending forces separated and looked about. To their consternation, scores of wondering people stood near the door of the roof, staring at the five boys. The cap and hairpins of one had slipped from his (or her) head, and yellow curls blew about her head in the breeze.
George never lost his presence of mind for an instant, although he feared this surprise meant the total collapse of both armies. He called to the four children:
"Attention!"
Instantly the four stood erect and took up their arms.
"Shoulder arms!"
The four obeyed.
"Form line!"
This was also done, to the unbelief of the audience.
"Forward—March!" cried George, taking his place at the head of the line.
They started and marched directly for the door leading to the roof, where crowds of curious guests stood gaping. As the army reached the doorway, the people fell back on both sides and the victorious general led his men down the stairs, down, down, down, followed by the throng, now laughing and gesticulating as wildly as any New Yorker can when he has been well fooled!