Nor all the King’s men,
Could lift such a Camel
As Smiler was then.
“Oh, he’ll be back soon!” cried Coppertop. “Do look at these queer little excited things. They’re too funny for words!” and she laughed until she nearly fell off Miss Smiler’s back.
“Oh, look! LOOK! They’re trying to pull the White Elephant out by her trunk! I shall scream if it stretches and goes back with a bang!”
“’Es, like ’lastic,” cried Kiddiwee.
“Yes! I do hope Miss Smiler isn’t sitting too heavily on her; the East Wind won’t care very much for a squashed wife, will he?”
“We’ll ask for the December day before we give him the Elephant, don’t you think so?” she continued, addressing the Camel.
“Bet your life!” observed Miss Smiler.
“I never bet,” replied Coppertop, with dignity. “Except—well, it isn’t betting exactly—but Daddy always puts me on the Calcutta Sweep,” she added, truthfully.