At this cry, the Ladies turned pale with fright and the Nobles sought hastily for the swords they had laid aside at the beginning of the dance. “Every man be brave!” shouted the King. “We must rally to the defence of the Ladies! Let King Red Beard and his ruffians come, they will find us ready!”
But for all King Tommy spoke so bravely, he was not at all deceived, and realized quite the same, as did the Mayor and some others, that any defence would prove practically useless, and at best do no more than prolong an engagement, which in the end could result only in their defeat and capture.
To reach the gardens from the court yard, it was necessary to go half way around, or else right through the Castle; the Grumbletown company, therefore, divided; one party going one way, the other going another way.
As has been told, Red Beard and his followers, when once within the walls of the Castle, were in high glee. “We will make a fine big capture of prisoners to-day, my hearties,” said the King. “When this fine boy and girl are marching to Grumbletown dragging their heavy chains along the highway, they will wish that that old toy maker, Peter Poodle, had never brought them on a visit to Toyville. What ho, my brave followers, do I speak the truth?”
“Aye, aye, aye!” answered the band, barely above a whisper, not wishing to be heard by the Toy people.
“Aye,” said Red Beard, “we will make a fine capture of prisoners and a big haul of treasure. Every man must fill his pockets with gold and silver and jewels, all he can carry; we will loot the whole Castle. That will be a haul worth making; what ho, my hearties?” {137}
“Aye, aye, aye!” replied the band.
“We must make no noise,” said Red Beard. “Every man creep along stealthily, take them by surprise. I say that’s the way to make a good capture.”
While Red Beard was talking and creeping along so slowly, King Tommy would have had time to make new plans for defence, had any chance existed of such plans proving successful. “There is nothing for us to do but depend upon our swords,” said he to Mr. Poodle. {138}