And they had to, for they were very much frightened.
Then the Captain said—
“We have taken this town, and you are our prisoners. Do not attempt to escape, or I don’t know what will happen to you.”
The children explained that they had built the town, so they thought it was theirs; but the captain said very politely—
“That doesn’t follow at all. It’s our town now. And I want provisions for my soldiers.”
“We haven’t any,” said Fabian, but Rosamund nudged him, and said, “Won’t the soldiers be very fierce if they are hungry?”
The Blue Captain heard her, and said—
“You are quite right, little girl. If you have any food, produce it. It will be a generous act, and may stop any unpleasantness. My soldiers are very fierce. Besides,” he added in a lower tone, speaking behind his hand, “you need only feed the soldiers in the usual way.”
When the children heard this their minds were made up.
“If you do not mind waiting a minute,” said Fabian, politely, “I will bring down any little things I can find.”
Then he took his tongs, and Rosamund took
