While the King and the General were talking, another scout came to report. “My General,” said the scout, “I have ridden to the very walls of Grumbletown, where I was {96} told by a peasant that the Grumbletown army has not ventured outside the gates of their city.”
While this scout was reporting, another came riding up as fast as his horse could gallop.
“My General,” cried the second scout, “I have come from the high hills yonder. There is a ship entering the Lake of Toyville. It is the pirate ship from Grumbletown, called the
manned by the Buccaneers.”
“We have been tricked!” cried the King. “We have left the Castle unguarded, and the Queen without protection. The Queen will be made captive! We must ride to her rescue!”
“To the Queen’s rescue! To the Queen’s rescue!” cried an officer of the King’s Guard; and, shaking the reins over their horses’ necks, a great company of riders led by the King and Mr. Poodle went galloping back to Toyville.