rdly
the way to speak to a man of my years and standing. One, too, who with
the decline of the year expects to be at the top of the tree."

But the Officer merely laughed loudly and shrugged his shoulders.

From this instance, which is only one example of many, you will easily
understand how the Wooden Soldiers came to be disliked in the toy-shop.

As for the fear they inspired, this was partly owing to the long swords
they wore, and partly owing to the boasting way in which they vowed they
could use them.

"My men and I really command the whole shop," said the Officer one day.
"Moreover, who faces one, faces all, for we all march in the same
direction. We not only have our good swords, but we know how to use
them. They are sheathed now, but let no one count upon that to offend
us. Let but a foolhardy toy dare insult us, and--" here he gave the word
of command, and instantly a dozen and one swords sprang from their
scabbards.

The lady Dolls shrieked, the Grocer and the Butcher began to put up
their shutters with trembling hands; the white, furry Rabbit became a
shade whiter; and the corners of the Clown's mouth dropped instead of
going up as usual. It was plain that a general panic was felt.

The only Toy that did not appear to be affected was the great gray
Elephant lately arrived. He twisted his trunk round thoughtfully, but
never changed countenance.

The Officer saw the general terror he had inspired, and both he and his
Soldiers were well pleased.

"Besides," he continued, speaking more loudly than before, "if our
swords fail us we shall have recourse to gunpowder, which will make
short work of our enemies."

The Elephant looked at the Officer and his men.

"I don't see it," he said bluntly.

"I didn't suppose you would," said the Officer scornfully. "Don't speak
in such a hurry. The powder I'm speaking of is felt but not seen. It's
our last improvement, arrived at by slow degrees. Gunpowder,--smokeless
gunpowder,--soundless gunpowder,--invisible gunpowder. Thus we may
surround an enemy with enough gunpowder to blow up a town, but they
neither see it nor hear it. In fact, they know nothing about it until
they are blown up."

This time all the Toys nearly expired with fright! The Elephant only
remained, as before, unmoved.

"Invisible gunpowder is more humane in the end," the Officer continued.
"You are quite unaware of what is happening until you find yourself in
pieces."

"The same thing may ha