“Mountain lions,� answered Mr. Manley. “Real mountain lions! We shot their mother, and we figgered we ought to give the youngsters a start in life. So we brought ’em over here.�
“Aren’t they cute?� came from Nell. “When they grow up, maybe you can tame them.�
“And maybe not,� Teddy retorted grimly. “The only tame mountain lion I ever saw was a dead one. When these grow up they go to the circus, hey, Dad?�
“If they live,� answered Mr. Manley.
“Now,� said Roy, as he pushed the cage further out into the sun, “we’ll show you our famous cook, Sing Lung. This way, ladies and gentlemen! This way for the big show!�
They strolled to the front of the mess-house, and Teddy stuck his head inside.
“Hey, Sing Lung!� he called. “Come here a minute, will you? You have visitors.�
Sing Lung, his face wreathed in an expansive smile, shuffled forward.
“Hillo,� he greeted them genially. “How you? Nice day?�
“Keep him talking a while,� Teddy said in a low voice to Roy. “I’ll get his fiddle.�