By the time they had all returned to the camping-place, Cæsar had quite recovered his equanimity, and joined heartily in the laughter at Nalla's impertinence.
"He got the best of me that time, and no mistake," he said; "but I'll be even with him yet, see if I'm not!"
They made haste to deck themselves out for the parade, and spent an hour marching up and down the village street, while Cæsar from the howdah on Nalla's back, called out the place and time of the performance.
Then back to the van for supper, and after supper a general move into the village where they found a capital location, in a small square beside the town-hall.
"We shall no doubt have a good crowd," Nadine remarked thoughtfully, when the simple preparations had been completed, "for the people have certainly taken a lot of interest in us, and have been very kind too, but perhaps they may not have much money to spare. They don't seem to be rich around here."
"It won't be another Morainville, that's certain," said Cæsar, shaking his head dolefully. "Such luck as we had there doesn't come often. But," he added, straightening himself up, and looking more cheerful, "we'll give them the best performance we can, and hope that they will give us all the money they can, eh?"
The villagers began to gather early, and by the time the performance opened every seat was filled with women and girls, while a crowd of men and boys stood up behind, or squatted upon the ground wherever a clear view of the stage could be obtained.
One after another the different acts were given, and warmly received. A more appreciative gathering could hardly have been desired. Cæsar's juggling, Nadine's singing, the animals' acting, and Lydia's dancing were all enthusiastically encored. But when the little bowl appeared a marked change came over the spirit of the spectators. They not only grew indifferent very suddenly, but actually seemed anxious to slip away.
This was not a new experience for the Tambys, and hitherto they had been content to take it silently, but this time Cæsar's blood was stirred. He had not counted upon any such meanness, and the indignation it aroused gave him courage to do what he had never done before.
Springing upon the stage he called for attention with an emphatic gesture, and, when all eyes were turned upon him, he began an address to the assemblage.