"No yawning here!" he cried, giving Sammy a sharp little rap with his scepter. "This is the Land of the Wide-Awakes. We always wake up the sleepy people."
And then, just because he knew he mustn't, Sammy yawned. "Ye-aw-w-w!" he said, so loud that it frightened him, and he clapped his hand quickly over his mouth.
But the king had heard him.
"Sleepy Cure Number One, men!" he cried.
The men in the funny clothes at once formed in two lines, facing each other and twinkling more than ever.
"Sammy Sleepyhead, step forward between the lines," commanded the king sternly.
Sammy saw each queer little man pull a small paddle from his pocket. His knees were shaking with fear, but he dared not disobey.
"Run!" ordered the king.
Sammy started. Spat! went the first paddle. "Ouch!" screamed Sammy.
"Faster!" cried the king.