"Because I would not let him out of his cage, when he and I were caught in the jungle," answered the monkey.
Then he told about the time Sharp Tooth had tried to get out of his cage.
"Never fear, Mappo," said Tum Tum. "I'll not let Sharp Tooth hurt you as long as I am around."
"Thank you," said Mappo.
For several days after this the circus went from town to town, traveling after dark each night, so as to be ready to give a show in the day-time.
One day Sharp Tooth, the tiger, spoke to Tum Tum as the elephant was passing the cage.
"Why did you stop my wagon from rolling down hill, Tum Tum?" asked the tiger.
"Because I did not want to see it smashed, and see you thrown out, Sharp Tooth," answered Tum Tum.
"But that is just what I wanted to do—get out," spoke the tiger. "I want to get loose! I am tired of staying in the cage!"
"But if you got out, you might bite someone," went on Tum Tum.