“‘He can eat himself, crawl through himself,
And come out of himself with agility;
He can tie himself in a double bowknot
And undo himself with the greatest facility.’”
This masterpiece could not prevent a groan of disgust from the crowd who were disappointed at the size. Texas saw a chance to begin right there.
“’Tain’t so big as the picture!” he roared, and the spectators murmured approvingly.
They thought the bold fellow was out for more fun and they meant to back him up.
“That picture,” returned Mark, smiling, “is the exact size the boa constrictor would have been if he hadn’t died some fifty years ago, a misfortune for which I cannot be to blame. At present he is stuffed——”
“The whole show’s stuffed!”
It was the Parson who said that. Mark stared at the clerical and classical gentlemen until he saw that every one in the crowd was likewise taking in that lank burly form. And then he remarked dryly: