“There,” cried Nipper, “am I a liar?” But Nipper and Bobby were forgotten in the excitement. Everyone rushed down to the road to see the circus pass, on its way to the village green, where the great tent was to be pitched.
The elephants, led by tiny gipsy boys, with very white teeth and gold rings in their ears, stopped and snuffed at the Cubs with their great, moist trunks. The Cubs gave them bits of bread. And there were camels and dromedaries (not unicorns), and a lion in a cage, and lots and lots of caravans.
“There is going to be a Grand Performance to-morrow afternoon,” said Danny. “Buffalo Bill, tight-rope walkers, the lion-taming lady, bare-back riding, and all sorts of good things.”
The Cubs’ eyes danced with delight. They had never seen a circus in all their lives.
“Oh, Miss Prince!” they cried, and looked at her expectantly.
She laughed. “Yes,” she said, “a half-holiday—I know. Well, be very good boys to-morrow morning and earn one. Then we’ll all go to the circus in the afternoon.”
They showed their gratitude by pummelling her till she cried for mercy.
Just then a strange figure came by in the procession—a huge man, with a bushy black beard and thick black eyebrows. He was mounted on a great black horse.
“That’s Black Bill,” said Danny, “the boss of the show. I’ve often heard of him. Everyone in the circus is awfully afraid of him—even the lion-taming lady!”
The Cubs shrank back as Black Bill passed, for he gave them a stern look. Danny met his eyes, and something seemed to say within him, “You’ll see more of Black Bill before you’ve done.”