ere is no way for us to
prove he is wrong."

"Oh," said Button-Bright. "How old is the Boolooroo?"

"He was two hundred years old when he was elected," replied
Ghip-Ghisizzle. "If he has already reigned three hundred years as I
suspect, then he is now five hundred years old. You see, he is trying
to steal another hundred years of rule so as to remain a tyrant all his
life."

"He don't seem as old as that," observed Cap'n Bill thoughtfully. "Why,
I'm only sixty myself, an' I guess I look twice as old as your king
does."

"We do not show our age in looks," the officer answered. "I am just
about your age, sir--sixty-two my next birthday--but I'm sure I don't
look as old as that."

"That's a fact," agreed Cap'n Bill. Then he turned to Button-Bright and
added, "Don't that prove Sky Island is a fairy country as I said?"

"Oh, I've known that all along," said the boy. "The slicing and
patching proves it, and so do lots of other things."

"Now then," said Ghip-Ghisizzle, "let us talk over your duties. It
seems you must mix the royal nectar, Cap'n Bill. Do you know how to do
that?"

"I'm free to say as I don't, friend Sizzle."

"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 eveni