“The Boolooroo is very particular about his
nectar. I think he has given you this job so
he can find fault with you and have you punished.
But we will fool him. You are strangers here,
and I don’t want you imposed upon. I’ll
send Tiggle to the royal pantry and keep him there
to mix the nectar. Then when the Boolooroo or
the Queen or any of the Snubnosed Princesses call
for a drink, you can carry it to them and it will
be sure to suit them.”
“Thank’e sir,” said Cap’n
Bill. “That’s real kind of you.”
“Your job, Button-Bright, is easier,”
continued Ghip-Ghisizzle.
“I’m no bootblack,” declared the
boy. “The Boolooroo has no right to make
me do his dirty work.”
“You’re a slave,” the officer reminded
him, “and a slave must obey.”
“Why?” asked Button-Bright.
“Because he can’t help himself. No
slave ever wants to obey, but he just has to.
And it isn’t dirty work at all. You don’t
black the royal boots and shoes, you merely blue them
with a finely perfumed blue paste. Then you shine
them neatly and your task is done. You will not
be humiliated by becoming a bootblack. You’ll
be a bootblue.”
“Oh,” said Button-Bright. “I
don’t see much difference, but perhaps it’s
a little more respectable.”
“Yes, the Royal Bootblue is considered a high
official in Sky Island. You do your work at evening
or early morning, and the rest of the day you are
at liberty to do as you please.”
“It won’t last long, Button-Bright,”
said Cap’n Bill consolingly. “Somethin’s
bound to happen pretty soon, you know.”
“I think so myself,” answered the boy.
“And now,” remarked Ghip-Ghisizzle, “since
you understand your new duties, perhaps you’d
like to walk out with me and see the Blue City and
the glorious Blue Country of Sky Island.”
“We would that!” cried Cap’n Bill
promptly.
So they accompanied their new friend through a maze
of passages—for the palace was very big—and
then through a high, arched portal into the streets
of the City. So rapid had been their descent when
the umbrella landed them in the royal garden that
they had not even caught a glimpse of the Blue City,
so now they gazed with wonder and interest at the
splendid sights that met their eyes.
The Blue City was quite extensive, and consisted of
many broad streets paved with blue marble and lined
with splendid buildings of the same beautiful material.
There were houses and castles and shops for the merchants,
and all were prettily designed and had many slender
spires and imposing turrets that rose far into the
blue air. Everything was blue here, just as was
everything in the Royal Palace and gardens, and a
blue haze overhung all the city.
“Doesn’t the sun ever shine?” asked
Cap’n Bill.
