So King broke a somewhat awkward silence by saying, heartily, "Yep, we
know!" and all the others said "Yep" in chorus.

"I think, O Royal Court," the Queen began, "that our first paper is
fine. How often shall we issue _The Jolly Sandboy_?"

"'Bout once a week, I think," said Tom.

"All right," agreed King; "and you fellows get your stuff in a little
earlier next week so's I can typewrite it in time."

"And now, my beloved court," resumed Midget, "I think we have sat still
long enough, and I decree that we have a game of Prisoner's Base. And
what I say goes!"

There was no dissenting voice. The Queen unpinned her court train from
her shoulders, the Sand Witch laid aside her tall, peaked hat, and the
courtiers discarded such details of their costumes as seemed likely to
impede progress in the game. Prisoner's Base was followed by Hide and
Seek, and then it was time for the court to repair to its several homes.

"It's all so lovely, Marjorie," said Hester. "I'm _so_ glad you let me
play with you."

"That's all right, Hester, as long as you don't smash things or make
faces at us."

"Oh, I never will again; truly, Marjorie. I'm going to learn that poem
of your mother's by heart, and I _know_ I'll never lose my temper again,
Good-bye."