And to Fred’s amazement, the long neck twisted several times around his own neck in what was meant to be an affectionate embrace.
“Here—let go of me—get out!” cried Fred, trying to back away. “What kind of a neck have you, a rubber one?”
The girls giggled and Mr. Williamson untangled the long neck carefully.
“Don’t let it rip,” begged the giraffe. “If it comes unsewed the whole thing will be spoiled. That’s the old rubber hose in that neck.”
“So that’s what you’ve been doing so long,” said Polly. “I see! That’s why you were shaking the ceiling.”
“A GIRAFFE!” CRIED JESS, GUESSING FIRST.
“Well, if you think it’s easy to walk in this, you ought to try it,” said Artie’s voice. “Ward had to be the front because he is taller, and I’m the back legs. At first we walked into each other and couldn’t turn corners without making a mess of it. But how we do fine.”
“I don’t know whether it is safe to leave this menagerie or not, Mother,” said Mr. Williamson, smiling. “But we won’t be so far away that we can’t get back if we’re needed. Now, youngsters,” he added to the children, “go as far as you like and have all the fun you want. But don’t go off the grounds and don’t set the house on fire. Fred, I trust your good sense to know when to stop.”
“Good-bye,” cried the animals, crowding to the door. “Good-bye. We’re going to have a lovely party.”