The other one who heard was a tall man, wearing a broad brimmed hat with a long plume. People called him Long Jim, but did not know him to be the most clever courtier in all of Grumbletown and the craftiest spy that King Redbeard had ever sent to Toyville. Not only did this man understand what the Mayor had said, but by his sly ways he managed to ask of Peter Poodle’s people a question here and another there, until finally he had {62} a complete account of what had happened to the three Buccaneers. A cunning smile then twisted up the corners of Long Jim’s mouth, for he thought: “These people think they have made fine plans to get ahead of the King of Grumbletown, but they have reckoned without Long Jim. I will show them a thing or two that will knock their plans topsy turvy.”
There was now so much noise that Coal Black and Snow White began to get quite wild and skittish. The two noble steeds danced about and showed their fine mettle; but Helen and Tommy sat so firmly in the saddle, that all the people gave them a long cheer for such a fine exhibition of riding.
The Mayor looked at this performance with wonder, and said to Mr. Poodle that he did not think the equal of that riding could be found in all Toyville, even among the most skilled soldiers at the barracks of the cavalry. Then he invited the toymaker to ride in his carriage, and, bidding Captain Ten Pin of the police to clear the way, the procession started for the city.
One remained behind, however, and went hurrying up the road in search of the three Buccaneers. This was the man with the big hat, the crafty courtier, Long Jim.
The Ninth Chapter.
Of a Royal Welcome. Also of a Most Marvelous and Extraordinarily Wonderful Entertainment.