Teddy. O, let’s hurry! (No longer holds back, but runs out, pulling Fun after him. As they leave, the foliage curtains should be quickly drawn together, leaving only the woods, and the light should now be turned on that scene. Enter Fun and Teddy, looking around. Teddy disappointed.) I don’t see anybody.
Fun. Just wait. Now you stand behind the tree and watch. Keep quiet. (Enter Red Ridinghood talking to the wolf, the dog. While she is talking, Fun takes the camera, and turns it in her direction. A stout rubber band can be attached to the camera so that no one can see it, and he snaps it very loud as he takes the picture. Fun turns to Teddy and grins.) I got that one; now we must get ready for the next. (Winds screw. At the same instant some one behind the scenes winds an old clock or something that makes an equally loud sound. This should be done each time a picture is taken. Just as he is ready for the next, Tom, Tom, the Piper’s Son, runs across the stage with pig, and Fun jumps quickly to snap the camera. Fun turns to Teddy and winks.) Nearly lost that one. (Winds again. After that the rest of the characters come in, in quick succession, so that all of them are in almost at the same time, each of course in his or her own way. Simple Simon should set his mother’s pail down at one side and begin fishing in it, always looking as silly as possible. Jack-be-Nimble places his lighted candle on the floor, and frequently jumps lightly back and forth over it. In the meantime the giant has lain down asleep, and Jack the Giant-Killer has taken his position with one foot on giant’s chest and sword in hand; Bo-Peep has fallen asleep, and so on. Fun skips in and out among them, snapping one picture after another, always winding after each. Finally he stops.) I wonder if I have them all.
Teddy (in loud whisper). You didn’t get the giant. (Is so interested that he forgets to keep back, and finds himself in the centre of the stage.)
Fun. Why, I forgot Little Bo-Peep! and the dear child is fast asleep. (Snaps camera again. At the same time, seeing Teddy, the children all begin to laugh and dance around him, having lots of fun. Teddy becomes frightened, and, burying his face in his hands, cries aloud. Fun runs to him, and when the children see the goblin they all scamper off the stage, Bo-Peep and the giant disappearing with the rest.) What is the matter, my little friend?
Teddy. I’m so (sobs) scared!
Fun. Scared at what?
Teddy. Because they’re all around me.
Fun. Who?
Teddy (looking up wonderingly). Why!—why, where are they?
Fun. You crazy child, who are you talking about?