“We thank you for the honor you have shown us,” responded King Tommy. “My gracious Queen and myself will be pleased indeed to watch the games of our beloved subjects.”
The Mayor was exceedingly happy at these words of the King; he quickly turned to the waiting Herald and waved his staff, this being the sign that the entertainment might begin.
The Herald now blew three mighty blasts upon a bugle and cried: “Let the games commence!”
Of course, Tommy and Helen were greatly surprised at being made King and Queen. Mr. Poodle was not surprised, though, and he said that the people were certainly fortunate in having made such a wise choice. He was sure too, that Tommy and Helen would make a splendid King and Queen, and he predicted that their reign would prove a happy one.
“Yes,” said the Mayor, “it certainly will if trouble does not come from the people of Grumbletown.”
Tommy could see that the Mayor seemed quite a little worried about what might be done by the Grumbletown {70} King, and was going to ask him if he feared any immediate trouble. Before he had time to do this, however, the games began, and proved so interesting that both Queen Helen and he had to spend every minute watching them, and could think of nothing else.
From the first number on the program, which was a grand parade, consisting of a long procession of elephants, camels, lions, tigers and nearly every animal of which one could think, led by a fine band and followed by numerous gaily plumed horses and chariots, up to the last when the Master of Ceremonies introduced Professor Wow Bow and his marvellously trained dogs, the entertainment proved one long delight. There was bareback riding, then came feats of tumblings, performing Jacks, funny Clowns, and every other act of which one might think.
The little man with a funny pig made Tommy and Helen laugh so much that they almost had to cry; or at least, they had to wipe tears out of their eyes. {71}