moment later they had unfastened the gate and fled into the open
country, where they headed toward the low mountain whose outlines
were plainly visible in the moonlight.

The guard was now howling and crying for help. In the city were
answering shouts. A hue and cry came from every direction, reaching
as far as the palace. Lights began to twinkle everywhere in the
streets, and the Blue city hummed like a beehive filled with angry
bees. "It won't do for us to get caught now," panted Cap'n Bill as
they ran along. "I'm more afeared o' them Blue citizens ner I am 'o
the Blue Boolooroo. They'd tear us to pieces if they could."

Sky Island was not a very big place, especially the blue part of it,
and our friends were now very close to the low mountain. Presently
they paused before a grim archway of blue marble, above which was
carved the one word, "Phinis." The interior seemed dark and terrible
as they stopped to regard it as a possible place of refuge.

"Don't like that place, Cap'n," whispered Trot.

"No more do I, mate," he answered.

"I think I'd rather take a chance on the Fog Bank," said
Button-Bright.

Just then they were all startled by a swift flapping of wings, and a
voice cried in shrill tones,

"Where are you, Trot?
As like as not I've been forgot!"