“Do you belong in this circus?” asked Shaggo.
“No,” barked Don in answer. “I live here in town. But I happened to be down near the railroad when the circus train came in, and I just slipped over here to see some of my friends. I know Tum Tum, Nero and Tamba.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” said Shaggo, “for they are friends of mine.”
“Is Dido here?” asked Don.
“Who is Dido? Is he a monkey? I guess you mean Mappo, don’t you?” inquired the buffalo.
“No, I mean Dido. He is a dancing bear, and he was with a circus at one time. I have lost track of him lately, and I thought maybe he might be here. I’ll take a look around.”
“And then come back and talk to me,” begged Shaggo. “Nero and Tamba are in the big tent doing their tricks, and so is Tum Tum, so I’m lonesome.”
“I’ll be back,” promised Don.
He trotted away, making the rounds of the other cages. Shaggo could hear him talking to some of the animals who remained, and, pretty soon, Don came back again.
“I didn’t find Dido,” he said. “I guess he isn’t with this circus. What’s the matter?” he asked, as he saw Shaggo limping around the cage. “Did that bad man hurt you?”