The Humbug Volunteers is the eighth chapter of The Phantom Tollbooth.
Characters[]
Plot[]
As soon as King Azaz's nonsensical Royal Banquet is over, the guests rush from the hall, leaving only Azaz, Milo, Tock, and the Humbug, who explains that they have all gone straight to their next meal. It turns out that Dictionopolis has too many words and not enough sense. The king and the Humbug brainstorm, but none of their ideas sound good. Milo gently suggests that the return of Rhyme and Reason might help sort things out. The king agrees but thinks that it is impossible. The Humbug jumps in and says he knows how it could happen. The princesses could come back if their saviors (Milo and Tock) could go to Digitopolis and get the Mathemagician's permission, and then go through a dangerous journey to rescue the princesses from the Castle in the Air. But each part of the trip has its own specific danger. Before they know what's happened, Milo and Tock have been given the task of going on the trip and bringing back Rhyme and Reason. The king warns them that they'll encounter at least one terrible obstacle, but he won't say what it is. He gives an order and a bunch of servants come in. They tidy up after the banquet so well that the whole palace disappears. Azaz presents Milo and Tock with a box full of words, telling Milo that he may find it handy on his journey. Recognizing that Milo will need a guide, the king orders the Humbug to go along as well. The Humbug, who has been trying with all his might to agree with everybody all at once, suddenly finds himself in a very disagreeable position but is calmed by the king's flattery. They all bid each other goodbye, and then Milo, Tock, and the Humbug set off on their quest as a crowd gathers to cheer them on their way.
Chapter Guide[]
< The Royal Banquet (Chapter 7) | It's All in How You Look at Things (Chapter 9)>