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 Winkies had the yellow
strip in front, and the Gillikin girls wore the purple strip in front. All
had green waists, representing the Emerald City they intended to conquer,
and the top button on each waist indicated by its color which country the
wearer came from. The uniforms were Jaunty and becoming, and quite effective
when massed together.
Tip thought this strange Army bore no weapons
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whatever; but in this he was wrong. For each girl had stuck through the knot
of her back hair two long, glittering knitting-needles.
General Jinjur immediately mounted the stump of a tree and addressed her
army.
"Friends, fellow-citizens, and girls!" she said; "we are about to begin our
great Revolt against the men of Oz! We march to conquer the Emerald City --
to dethrone the Scarecrow King -- to acquire thousands of gorgeous gems --
to rifle the royal treasury -- and to obtain power over our former
oppressors!"
"Hurrah!" said those who had listened; but Tip thought most of the Army was
too much engaged in chattering to pay attention to the words of the General.
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