Over the lawn ran the four children, leaving their toys on the grass. And, seeing this, the Bold Tin Soldier said:
“Ah, now we have a chance to do as we please!”
“Then you must please tell me how you saved the Calico Clown,” begged the Sawdust Doll.
“Shiver my sword!” cried the Soldier, laughing, “have you heard that story, also? It was nothing–just a little happening. We soldiers must do our duty, you know.”
“Yes, but tell me about it,” begged the Doll, and the Captain did.
“My, how brave you are!” said the Sawdust Doll, when he had finished. “And now tell me about the Candy Rabbit, the Monkey on a Stick, the Elephant on Roller Skates, and all the others.”
“Yes, do tell her,” urged the Lamb.
“Yes, I want to hear about the Elephant,” said the White Rocking Horse. “He tried to race with me once. Ha! Ha! That was funny!”
So the Bold Tin Soldier told of the happenings in the toy department of the store, and the toys were having a good time among themselves when, all of a sudden, into the yard ran a big dog. He was much larger than Carlo, the poodle dog that had once carried off the Sawdust Doll in his mouth.
With a wiff-wuffing bark this dog ran right among the toys who were talking together.