“Did Squinty, the comical pig, meet Tum Tum?” asked Slicko.
“No, Squinty did not have a chance,” said Mappo, “but he saw him. If I can, I’ll call Tum Tum over here to see you. I’m sure you’d like him. And he’d give you a ride on his back.”
“Oh, I’d be afraid to let him!” exclaimed Slicko.
“Pooh! He wouldn’t hurt a fly!” laughed Mappo. “Lots of the children who come to the circus ride on Tum Tum’s back. He is very kind to them, and he would be kind to you. Only, if you should see him, be sure to tell him you’re not a rat or a mouse.”
“Of course I’m not a rat or a mouse,” said Slicko. “Why should I tell Tum Tum, the elephant, that I am not, when he can see for himself, if he has any eyes?”
“Well, you do look a little like a great rat,” said Mappo. “Not that it’s any harm, Slicko. But, you see, Tum Tum and other elephants are very much afraid of rats and mice. I don’t know why, unless they are afraid the little creatures will run up inside their trunks and make them sneeze. But, anyhow, you’re not a rat or a mouse. And if you see Tum Tum, be sure to tell him that, the first thing.”
“I will,” promised Slicko, “but maybe I won’t see Tum Tum to speak to.”
“Oh, you might,” answered Mappo. “You can’t tell.”
Just then the merry little monkey gave a jump, and cried out:
“Ha! There come some circus men over this way. I think they are going to hunt for me again. I don’t want to be caught just yet, and be put back in my cage, so I’m going to run off and hide in the woods again. Good-bye, Slicko. I am glad I met you.”