Pitter and patter, squeak and bang, rattle and rustle went the noise that had so frightened all the toy friends who were just getting ready for a party.
“What is it?� asked the Lamb on Wheels.
“Is it the watchman?� the Monkey on a Stick wanted to know. He had crouched down near a toy fire engine, and he was wishing he might shower some water on a stuffed elephant near by.
“Or is it some of the shoppers who have forgotten some toy they bought during the day?� asked the Candy Rabbit.
And then, all of a sudden, the Sawdust Doll, looking down at the floor, cried out:
“Oh, it’s a rat! It’s a great big rat! Oh! Oh-e-e-e-e-e!� and she squealed like the little Green Pig on the top shelf, only, as he was asleep just then, he didn’t do any squealing himself.
“Gracious! I hope he doesn’t nibble off one of my ears,� said the Candy Rabbit, and he tried to hide behind the Calico Clown, who had managed to get back to his place on the counter.
“Forward, march! Take aim! Charge bayonets,� a voice suddenly called through the dim darkness of the toy store.
“Oh, it’s the Bold Tin Soldier!� cried the Sawdust Doll. “Oh, protect us! Save us from the rat!� she begged.
“Of course I will!� the Tin Soldier answered. “Where is he? Let me and my men get at him!�