L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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gowns. So we intend to conquer the City and run the government to suit
ourselves."
Jinjur spoke these words with an eagerness and decision that proved
she was in earnest.
"But war is a terrible thing," said Tip, thoughtfully.
"This war will be pleasant," replied the girl, cheerfully.
"Many of you will be slain!" continued the boy, in an awed voice.
"Oh, no", said Jinjur. "What man would oppose a girl, or dare to harm
her? And there is not an ugly face in my entire Army."
Tip laughed.
"Perhaps you are right," said he. "But the Guardian of the Gate is
considered a faithful Guardian, and the King's Army will not let the City
be conquered without a struggle."
"The Army is old and feeble," replied General Jinjur, scornfully.
"His strength has all been used to grow whiskers, and his wife has such a
temper that she has already pulled more than half of them out by the
roots. When the Wonderful Wizard reigned the Soldier with the Green
Whiskers was a very good Royal Army, for people feared the Wizard. But no
one is afraid of the Scarecrow, so his Royal Army don't count for much in
time of war."
After this conversation they proceeded some distance in silence, and
before long reached a large clearing in the forest where fully four
hundred young women were assembled. These were laughing and talking
together as gaily as if they had gathered for a picnic instead of a war of
conquest.
They were divided into four companies, and Tip noticed that all were
dressed in costumes similar to that worn by General Jinjur. The only real
difference was that while those girls from the Munchkin country had the
blue strip in front of their skirts, those from the country of the
Quadlings had the red strip in front; and those from the country of the