CHAPTER VIII
TUM TUM AND THE FIRE
Through the woods, near the circus town, went the men looking for lost Mappo. They wanted to get back the monkey because he was such a good one to do tricks, and because the children, many of whom came to the circus, liked to see him ride on the back of a dog, or pony, and jump through paper-covered hoops.
"We must find Mappo!" cried the keeper who had him in charge.
Mappo had run away, as I have told you in the book about his adventures, because he was afraid Sharp Tooth, the big tiger, would get loose and bite him. In the woods he had many wonderful adventures.
He met Slicko, the jumping girl squirrel, about whom I have told you, and also Squinty, the comical pig. Mappo liked Squinty, the pig, very much, for Squinty was a nice little chap.
On and on went Tum Tum and the men, looking for the lost monkey. After the search had gone on for several hours, Mappo, who was walking along through the woods with Squinty, saw the circus men coming after him.
"Here's where I have to run and hide," said Mappo.
"Why?" grunted Squinty, the comical pig.
"Because the circus men are after me. Look!" and the monkey chap pointed through the woods to where could be seen some men in red coats.