I told him that I wanted a license for the circus to camp for one night; that I also desired permission to pitch camp somewhere in the vicinity. He made out the license, stamped it, handed it to me, and I paid him the usual fee. 165

“I’ve heard of circuses,” he said; “they’re like those shows at country fairs, I suppose.”

“Yes—in a way. We have animals.”

“What kind?”

“Lions, tigers—”

“I’ve seen them.”

“—a camel, an elephant—”

“Alive?”

“Certainly.”

“Ma doué!” he said, with slow emotion, “have you a live elephant?”