“Yes, I think every one has gone,� answered a White Rocking Horse, as he moved slowly to and fro on the floor, just under the toy counter. He was too large to be put up on the shelf. Besides, he might accidentally have kicked a hole in the drum. Mind you! I’m not saying he would have done it on purpose, but he might have done it by accident.
“I don’t see any one,� said the Bold Tin Soldier, and he waved his sword over his head.
“Isn’t he just wonderful!� whispered the Candy Rabbit to the Calico Clown. “I wish I were as brave as he! If any one has stayed behind in Toy Town to try to watch what we do after store hours, I’m sure they’ll be glad enough to run away when they see the sword of the Tin Soldier.�
“Yes, he is a bold chap,� answered the Calico Clown, and he felt the least bit jealous because the Candy Rabbit thought the Tin Soldier chap was so fine. “I always wanted to be a soldier,� went on the Calico Clown, “but when I was small I began playing tricks and making jokes, so—look what I am!� and he held out his two long arms, on the end of each of which was a round, shiny piece of brass. These brasses were called “cymbals,� and they tinkled together with a clanging sound. “No use for me to wish to be a soldier,� sighed the Calico Clown. “My life is a joke!�
“I like you best as you are. You’re real jolly, I think,� chattered a Monkey on a Stick, as he climbed up and then climbed down again. “We must have some fun in this world, as well as being guarded by Tin Soldiers.�
“That is very true,� remarked a Lamb on Wheels, as she rolled over toward the White Rocking Horse. “I love jolly times. That’s why I’m always so glad when night comes and we toys may do as we please.�
“We may, if there is no one to watch us,� said the Sawdust Doll, as she got up on her feet, rather stiffly, for, as I have said, she had been lying on her back all day, and you know how tiresome that is. “But we must be very careful not to start our fun until every one is away,� went on the Sawdust Doll.
“I’ll take a look,� offered the Bold Tin Soldier.
“I’ll come with you,� said the Calico Clown. “If we find that any boys or girls, or their fathers or mothers, have hidden themselves away in our Toy Town, to spy on us at our play, I’ll bang my cymbals together.�
“And I’ll shout and wave my sword,� went on the Tin Soldier.