“Yes, there are,” said Mr. Poodle, “I am sorry to say it is quite a large realm and is constantly growing larger, because the toys of children who complain and find fault always go to Grumbletown in place of Toyville. The King of Grumbletown is a sly and crafty old pirate, called Red Beard, and sometime, if he becomes too powerful, he will make war on the peaceful, contented Toy people.”
It was a long, long way the happy little company now travelled; through winding valleys they went and over towering hills until at last, after crossing one high hill, there spread before them, all at once, the broad walls and beautiful gate at the entrance to the Valley of Happiness. On the gate there was painted a black rooster, and standing on guard at each side, was a brave little soldier.
As soon as Mr. Poodle and his company came in sight, the two soldiers saluted, then holding their muskets at present arms, waited for the visitors to approach.
When Mr. Poodle reached the gate, he lifted the heavy knocker and gave three loud raps. At the third rap the gate swung open, and there they were right on the edge of the Kingdom of Toyville, with the sounds of the city coming faintly through the hills from far down in the little Valley of Happiness. {32}
Mr. Poodle now seemed very much surprised and the look in his eyes showed that he was also a little worried.
“What is the matter, Mr. Poodle?” asked Tommy, kindly. “Haven’t we come the right way?”
“Oh, yes,” said Mr. Poodle, “this is the right road to Toyville; but I am very much surprised that none of the Toy people are waiting to meet us. I expected to find a company of cavalry at this gate and even thought the Mayor and some of the Nobles would come to escort us to the city. It is certainly most strange that no one is here, for I sent a Messenger to tell them we were coming. It is not at all like the Toy people to treat guests in this way. I hope the Messenger has not been captured by the bold brigands or bandits.”
When Mr. Poodle stopped speaking, Tommy and Helen thought they heard someone laughing behind a clump of bushes not far away; but as Mr. Poodle either did not hear it, or if he heard, he paid no attention, they said nothing about the matter, but followed him through the gate and into the new land.
