“And I’m just bursting to talk,” declared Little Black Bear, “only I simply can’t sit down to do it; I just have to stand up.”
“Suit yourself as to that,” laughed Lion, “only do begin and don’t leave one thing untold.”
So Little Black Bear, with no end of gestures and no end of wigglings of his wiggley nose, told the entire wondrous story from beginning to end. Then, when he had finished, there came whole dozens of questions, all of which he answered as best he knew how.
“That was an adventure,” Lion said, finally.
“Such an adventure!” the others exclaimed.
“Let’s draw straws again!” cried Monkey, “to see who’ll be the next to go after a story.”
“But perhaps the Pretty Lady—” Lion began.
“Oh, I shall be very glad to carry another passenger away with me,” answered she, “only I think it would be more fun if we this time made the selection by counting out.”
“Counting out?” questioned Lion.
“To be sure,” she replied. “First you must all form in a circle. You, Little Black Bear, will stand here with me, for of course you’ve already had your adventure. Now,” she continued, when the great ring had been made, “we will begin.” And she started around the circle, repeating the words which you shall hear while touching an animal with the tip of her whip with each word that spoke: