“Haven’t you,” said William airily, “they’re—they’re same as black uns’ cept that they’re white. They come from cold places—same as polar bears. That’s what turns ’em white—roamin’ about in snow an’ ice same as polar bears.”
The Outlaws were impressed.
“When are they comin’?” they demanded.
William hesitated. His pride would not allow him to admit that he did not know.
“Oh ... comin’ by train jus’ a bit before the Sale of Work begins. I’m goin’ to meet ’em an’ bring ’em to the Sale of Work. They’re s’posed to be savage but I bet they won’t try on bein’ savage with me,” he added meaningly. “I bet I c’n manage any ole elephant.”
They gazed at him with a deep respect.
“You’ll let me help with ’em a bit, won’t you?”
“William, can I help feed ’em?”
“William, can I have a ride free?”
“Well, I’ll see,” promised William largely, and with odious imitation of grown-up phraseology, “I’ll see when the time comes.”