"Yes, of the Blues, but you know we're the away-from-home guard of Bogie Man, and he is our real Commander."
"Oh! I see. Then you can tell me how to get to Never Was."
"Indeed not. We were sent out to stop you, and that reminds me—Corporal Punishment and Private Tear, seize this boy."
"Snap," went the whip in Corporal Punishment's hand, "Crack," it struck Private Tear on the shoulder, and snuffing and wiping his eyes, Private Tear stepped out of the ranks.
"Seize him and throw him in the Dumps," cried Colonel Solemncholly.
As the Colonel spoke the drums gave a long dismal roll and the band struck up a funeral march.
Corporal Punishment's whip was circling in the air preparatory to coming down on Billy's head, and Private Tear was getting ready to put his handkerchief over his eyes when Billy laughed. It wasn't because he felt like laughing at all, but because Barker in snuggling closer to him had tickled him in the ribs.
"Look out, he's armed!" cried Colonel Solemncholly, Corporal Punishment and Private Tear in one breath.