This made Tum Tum feel quite happy, more happy even than did the nice big lumps of sugar, and loaves of bread, he was given for his supper as a reward.
For you know animals like to be spoken kindly to, as well we do, boys and girls. You just try it with your dog. Speak harshly to him, or scold him, and see how he cringes down, and tucks his tail between his legs. He knows when you are not kind to him.
And then try speaking nicely. Tell him what a good dog he is, and how much you like him, and see what a change there is.
He will jump up, and wag his tail, and bark, he is so glad because you are speaking kindly to him. And, if you let him, he will try to kiss you with his red tongue. Oh, yes, indeed, animals know a great deal more than most persons think they do.
So that was how Sharp Tooth got out of her cage, and how Tum Tum helped to catch her again. After that the animals' cages were never left open, even for a second.
"Did you get very scratched?" asked Tum Tum of Maggo, when everything was once more quiet in the animal tent.
"No, not much," answered the lady elephant.
"I'm sorry I was not quick enough for the tiger," said Tum Tum. "Never mind, it is all over now."
Then the two elephant friends stood side by side in the tent and ate hay and talked to each other in elephant language.
And now my story of Tum Tum is drawing to a close. I shall tell you one more thing that happened to him, and then I am finished.