A second later Tucker gasped again. Following the bear, a gigantic bird that resembled an owl strutted into view. Behind the owl came a turbaned Turk with a curved sword in his hand. The Turk was followed by a painted and grinning clown. On the heels of the clown trod a crimson-clad, cloven-hoofed figure which resembled Satan himself. Then came a somber form in a long black cloak and high-peaked cowl. This last person bore a huge broad-bladed ax in his hands.
Tucker wondered if he was dreaming. As they gathered around him he saw that Satan was carrying a tinsmith’s hand furnace, in which a fire glowed.
“Hoo! hoo!” hooted the owl. “Look! See! He has upset!”
With a fierce growl the bear waved the flaring light in front of Tucker’s eyes.
“Pick him up,” said the Turk, flourishing his sword.
“Let him lie,” said Satan. “It comes natural for him.”
“Let him lie,” said the one in black, as he flourished the ax. “In this position I can easily lop off his head.”
“Restrain yourself, executioner,” chuckled the clown. “We must have fun with him first. He must answer my conundrum. Tell me, thou wretched creature, why is a hen?”
“Back up,” said the bear, elbowing the clown aside. “He can’t talk. Don’t you see he’s gagged?”
“Take hold, you imps,” commanded Satan. “Set him upright.”
The chair was lifted and planted on its legs.
“Poor fellow!” said Satan, with mock sympathy. “See how frightened he is! Why, Turk, you could hang your turban on his eyeballs.”
The executioner leaned on the handle of his ax.
“Some one remove the gag,” directed the wearer of the crimson.
The huge bird complied, and Tommy, with great relief, filled his lungs as the cloth was stripped away.
“Much obliged,” he said, his voice just a bit unsteady. “If you go away again, please don’t close my trap. The rats are a little too thick for comfort around here, and I couldn’t even cuss at them.”
“When we leave you next time your tongue will be silenced forever,” declared the executioner solemnly. “With this good blade I shall sever your head from your body.”
He flourished the ax as he spoke, swinging it with a sidelong movement until the edge touched the captive’s neck.
“Boo! that’s pleasant!” shivered Tucker. “So you’re going to decapitate me, are you?”