Finally
came Billina, with her brood of chickens to whom she clucked anxiously
to keep them together and to hasten them along so they would not delay
the procession.
Another band followed, this time the Tin Band of the Emperor of the
Winkies, playing a beautiful march called, "There's No Plate Like Tin."
Then came the servants of the Royal Palace, in a long line, and behind
them all the people joined the procession and marched away through the
emerald gates and out upon the broad green.
Here had been erected a splendid pavilion, with a grandstand big enough
to seat all the royal party and those who had taken part in the
procession. Over the pavilion, which was of green silk and cloth of
gold, countless banners waved in the breeze. Just in front of this,
and connected with it by a runway had been built a broad platform, so
that all the spectators could see plainly the entertainment provided
for them.
The Wizard now became Master of Ceremonies, as Ozma had placed the
conduct of the performance in his hands. After the people had all
congregated about the platform and the royal party and the visitors
were seated in the grandstand, the Wizard skillfully performed some
feats of juggling glass balls and lighted candles. He tossed a dozen
or so of them high in the air and caught them one by one as they came
down, without missing any.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162