PRESENTED TO
TOBY TYLER
BY
THE SKELETON, THE FAT WOMAN,
OLD BEN, LITTLE ELLA.
Toby took the collar, and as he fastened it on the monkey's neck, he said, in a voice that trembled considerably with emotion:
"You've all of you been awful good to me, an' I don't know what to say so's you'll know how much I thank you. It seems as if ever since I started with the circus you've all tried to see how good you could be; an' now you've given me this monkey that I wanted so much. Some time, when I'm a man, I'll show you how much I think of all you've done for me."
The tears of gratitude that were gathering in Toby's eyes prevented him from saying anything more, and then Mrs. Treat and Ella both kissed, him, while Ben said, in a gruff tone:
"Now carry the monkey home, an' get your supper, for you'll want to come down here this evening, an' you won't have time if you don't go now."
Ella, after making Toby promise that he would see her again that night, went with Mr. and Mrs. Treat, while old Ben, as if afraid he might receive more thanks, walked quickly away toward the dressing-rooms, and there was nothing else for Toby and Abner to do but go home.