"Their backs are all broken," said Gay.
"No," said Tom, "they were born all humps and bumps—they are camels."
"Oh, yes!" said Gay. "I know—mama has got a shawl made out of one."
"And," added Tom, "he can drink enough at one time to last him a hundred years."
"Don't stretch it, sir," said Mr. Barnum, shaking his head at the boy; but Tom went on—"and he will carry you across the desert quicker than lightning!"
The snakes, and especially the boa-constrictor, made Gay shiver, and she refused to look at them after the first glance. But the others enjoyed seeing them. "Nothing that is quiet frightens me," said Trixie, "and I love to see the snakes twist and wriggle."
"I like the big green frogs," said Gay—"Ker-chong! ker-chong!" She had learned the whole frog language in an instant!
Then she straggled away with Tom, to listen to wonderful stories about the beaver, and how he builds his curious log hut; "But," added Tom, "his roof always leaks."
"Gay, here is an animal with a name longer than you are yourself!" said Mr. Barnum.
"What is it?" she asked, as they paused before a creature with a tremendous mouth.