"I don't think you'll be able to get away," said the Villain.
"Well, at least I'll try," answered Kernel Cob. "Wouldn't you like to come with us?"
"You bet," said the Villain, for he had taken a great fancy to Kernel Cob and especially to Sweetclover, whose gentle manners appealed very strongly to him. "But how are you going to do it?"
"Let me think," said Kernel Cob and they were very quiet for a long while.
"I tell you what," said the Villain, "When I am going to play I'll run off the stage and as soon as you see the Showman run after me, you must be ready to run and before he catches me, you'll be safe away."
"But you won't be able to come with us, then," said Sweetclover, "and you'll be beaten."
"Well, as long as you and Kernel Cob get away, it won't matter what happens to me," said the Villain.
"That's very noble of you, I'm sure," said Kernel Cob, "and I see that you are a very friendly Villain, but I think I can find a better plan than that."
While they were talking, the Showman came and tied some strings on Kernel Cob and Sweetclover.
"What's that for?" asked Kernel Cob.