So Chunky told about swimming in the muddy river, of the crocodile that bit him, and how Tum Tum had pulled him out of the mud.
“Did I hear you speak of Tum Tum?” asked one of the elephants on the other side of the animal tent.
“Yes, I met him in the jungle,” said Chunky. “He said he used to be in a circus. Perhaps you knew him.”
“Know him? I should say I did!” trumpeted a large elephant. “Why, Tum Tum used to be in this very circus! He was such a jolly fellow! We were all sorry to see him go.”
“Who’s that you’re speaking of?” asked a bear, who came into the tent just then. He was dressed up like a clown.
“We were speaking of Tum Tum,” said one of the elephants. “Here is a hippo who has just joined our circus. He met Tum Tum in the jungle.”
“I have been wondering what had become of him,” went on the bear, who had been out in the ring doing some funny tricks with a clown.
“Did you know Tum Tum?” asked Chunky.
“I should say so!” laughed the bear. “My name is Dido, and I’m a dancer. Why, Tum Tum once saved me and some other animals from a fire when we were shut in our cages. He opened mine and the others’, and let us out, so we did not get burned. Tum Tum is a great elephant! He has a book written about his adventures. And so have I!”