"Well," began the creature with the trunk and tusks, "I think I will tell you——"
But just then there was a whirring noise at the end of the shelf, and a little voice cried:
"Oh, save me, somebody! Please save me! I'm wound up too tight, and my wheels are running away with me! I'll run to the edge of the shelf and fall off! Save me, somebody, please!"
A Rolling Mouse, that could run across the room on wheels when wound up, dashed along the toy shelf. As she had said, she was in danger of falling off. Straight toward the Stuffed Elephant ran the Rolling Mouse, squeaking in fright.
"I'll save you! I'll save you!" trumpeted the big toy. "Don't be afraid, Miss Mouse! I'll save you!"
He uncoiled his long nose of a trunk, and stretched it out toward the Rolling Mouse.
CHAPTER II
THE MAN AND THE ELEPHANT
"Catch me! Save me! Catch me before I fall off the shelf and break to pieces!" squeaked the Rolling Mouse.