"Buzz-z-z—There they are—There they are," called a voice—and looking up and away to the East Billy saw Bumbus and several objects that he knew at once for Scally Wags.
"Princess, you must leave at once," he cried.
"Right again," said the General. "We can outfly them—Company, 'Tenshun!!!—fix stings—carry Palanquin—forward—fly!" and up and off went the whole company, the Princess waving good-bye to Billy.
Indeed he was so intent on watching her and waving to her that when he did come to himself and realized that it was time he got away, it was too late.
"Buzz-z-z—here's Billy Bounce," cried Bumbus, settling down at his side.
"He-he-ho-ho, oh! what a joke," cried the Scally Wags in one voice, tweaking his nose and his ears and pinching his legs.
And though the tweaks and the pinches hurt, Billy couldn't help laughing at the funny little figures. Such great flapping ears, such wide slits of mouths set in a continual grin, such long arms, such round, funny little stomachs and such gay parti-colored clothes.
"Well, boy," said Bumbus, poking him in the ribs, "what are you laughing at?"
"At your friends, the Scally Wags," said Billy.