All this time the conquerors were in waiting in an anteroom, in great
trepidation, and fully prepared to be cashiered or cut in quarters.
They were rather surprised when, bowing to the ground, they were saluted
by some half-dozen lords-in-waiting as the heroes of the age,
congratulated upon their famous achievements, and humbly requested to
appear in the Presence.
The warriors accordingly walked up in procession to the Statue, who,
opening its mighty mouth, vomited forth a flood of ribbons, stars, and
crosses, which were divided among the valiant band. This oral discharge
the Vraibleusians called the 'fountain of honour.'
Scarcely had the mighty Furioso and his crew disappeared than a body of
individuals arrived at the top of the hall, and, placing themselves
opposite the Managers, began rating them for their inefficient
administration of the island, and expatiated on the inconsistency of
their late conduct to the conquering Bombastes. The Managers defended
themselves in a manner perfectly in character with their recent
behaviour; but their opponents were not easily satisfied with their
confused explanations and their explained confusions, and the speeches
on both sides grew warmer.
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