But of course the man did not know that the toys could come to life and have a party among themselves when no one was looking, and so he thought the wind or a rat had made the cymbals tinkle.
And when he was gone the Sawdust Doll slowly raised her head from where she had lain down on a shelf and said:
“Fancy now! How foolish I was to think he was a robber! He is the good, kind watchman of this store.�
“But of course we can’t allow him to see us moving about, or hear us talk, any more than we can let the girls and boys,� said the Calico Clown, and he made such a funny face that the White Rocking Horse swung to and fro in laughter.
“Well, now that he’s gone, let’s have some more fun,� cried the Candy Rabbit. “Go on with the party.�
“That’s what I say!� chattered the Monkey on a Stick, as he quickly climbed up and down, so rapidly that the Sawdust Doll cried:
“Oh, don’t! You make me dizzy!�
“Yes, behave yourself,� said the Bold Tin Soldier. “We can’t all be as lively as you. Now, if you like, I’ll march out my men and we will parade for you. How will that do?�
“Oh, fine!� exclaimed the Sawdust Doll. “I love parades! Don’t you?� she asked the Calico Clown.
“Yes, they’re very nice,� he answered. “And when the drum goes ‘Boom! Boom!’ I feel like jumping up and down and banging my cymbals.�