Smother her?
Oh no; I could not have harmed that innocent little doll-faced being, had it been to save myself from life-long imprisonment.
Suddenly, like a flash of lightning, a bright thought flitted through my brain.
I have run, hopped, and stood on one foot, kicked one foot high in the air, crossed my legs, etc., to amuse the little princess, but I have never danced for her!
If she can find it amusing enough to laugh heartily at such plain old-fashioned antics, she will surely go into convulsions when she sees me dancing a quick time jig with heels flying in the air.
So, calling out to her in my gayest manner, I said:
“Come, little princess, come little Umi-Loba. Hop this way! Be quick; I’ve something very funny to show you.”
She didn’t wait for a second bidding.
With two bounds she was beside me.
Bidding her be seated I began to dance and she began to laugh. In half a moment I quickened my step and she broke out into the wildest merriment.