"But I can stay near the tiger's cage, and when he does get out, I can grab him in my trunk, before he has time to scratch me, and push him back in his cage again," thought Tum Tum. "By that time the keepers will come, and shut the cage doors. Yes, I'll do that with Sharp Tooth; but what about Roarer? I need help there. I'll get Maggo."
So Tum Tum told Maggo, about the lion and tiger going to escape from the circus.
"And if you'll stand in front of the lion's cage, he won't dare run very far," said Tum Tum to Maggo. "If you'll look after the lion, I'll look after the tiger."
"All right," said Maggo, "I shall. It would not be right for those fierce animals to get away."
Toward evening, when the show was over for the afternoon, Maggo and Tum Tum were allowed to roam about the animal tent a little, the chains being taken off their feet.
"Now's our time, Maggo," whispered Tum Tum. "You go over by the lion's cage, and I'll stay by the tiger's."
"All right, I will," said Maggo.
Over she went to stand in front of the lion's cage. The cleaning man had been around, and the doors of the cages were open.
Then, before Tum Tum could get to the tiger's cage, that big, striped beast gave one blow with his paw on the unlocked door, pushing it open. He sprang out, crying:
"Come on, Roarer! Come on with me. I'm out! Jump out through the door and we'll go to the jungle!"