“He unhooked my chain,” said Elephant.
“And opened the gate to my corral,” added Ostrich.
“I saw him talking with Zebra not a minute ago,” puzzled Dan.
“Zebra,” repeated Lion, “Zebra? Where is Zebra? Why, he is gone, too!”
Here was a mystery, indeed!
“Scatter at once,” ordered Lion, “and leave no nook unsearched.” And “scatter” they did. Some went into the depths of the cages, others looked underneath, while Giraffe and his family inspected every square inch of the roofs. But not a glimpse did they catch of the runaway pair.
“Redouble the search,” commanded Lion, from his station in the center of the menagerie tent. But scarcely had he spoken when from a distance came the patter and clatter of hurrying hoofs.
“All searchers to the front,” countermanded Lion. “For, if I mistake not the sound, here comes a visitor who will doubtless be willing to lend us her aid.”
Even as he concluded there dashed into view—whom do you suppose? The Pretty Lady and the White-White Horse? Ah! but you are wrong. For it was none other than Zebra, with that mischievous Monkey perched on his back! Down the length of the tent the two of them scurried, traveling lickety-split.
“Here! Here!” commanded Lion. “Get back to your places this very minute!”