Now for a moment Little Black Bear was so taken back that he could do naught but wrinkle and unwrinkle the end of his nose. And when he finally found his voice there was so much commotion that no one heard what he said.
“Hurry, hurry!” the Pretty Lady was crying, “for we must be well out of Spangleland before the Petal Watch closes. Lively, now, Monkey, and bring me my White-White Horse. Come Sir Adventurer, and let Elephant help you to a seat just behind me.”
“With the greatest of pleasure,” cried Elephant, as he wound his great trunk around Little Bear’s back and lifted him into his place.
“Hold tight to my waist,” the Lady directed. “All ready, now—”
“Wait, wait!” cried Hippo, “why we are sending Little Black Bear away without any lunch!”
“Goodness, so we are!” Lion exclaimed. “Be quick, some of you and see what can be got together.”
At this. word of command all scurried away in every direction and soon there had been gathered two apples, three carrots, an orange, some peanuts, and a taffy-on-the-stick. These were hastily placed in an old paper bag that Dan dug from the depths of his pocket.
“Now at last we are off,” the Pretty Lady declared, as the bundle was tucked under Black Bear’s free arm. “Farewell till the twilight shall bring us back once again.” And away through the half-light the three of them sped.
“A merry journey!” cried some, as they followed the departing ones on down the tent.
“Be sure to get a good story,” called others.