Having placed his humble foe in his old position, only upon his back instead of upon his feet, the Elephant with his trunk deliberately knocked over all the Soldiers one after the other. Then he grunted and walked slowly away.
So ended the reign of terror which the Officer and his Soldiers had established over the toy-shop. And so universal was the relief experienced after the strain that had been felt, that the Elephant was everywhere hailed as a Friend to the Public. Indeed, during the remainder of his stay in the shop, he was treated with greater respect and deference than any other toy,—Father Christmas only excepted,—and when he left at Christmas-time, the regret expressed was both loud and sincere.
“I am a little bit sorry for the Officer,” said the little girl. “He must have been a good deal hurt. And he must have felt very silly, too,” she added.
“Almost worse than being hurt, isn’t it?” said the little Marionette. “Yes, I was a little sorry for him myself; but I think he deserved all he got.”