Page:The Wouldbegoods.djvu/143

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THE CIRCUS

2 White pigs—one to be Learned, and the other to play with the clown.
Turkeys—as many as possible, because they can make a noise that sounds like an audience applauding.
The dogs—for any odd parts.
1 large black pig—to be the Elephant in the procession.
Calves (several) to be camels, and to stand on tubs.


Daisy ought to have been captain because it was partly her idea, but she let Oswald be, because she is of a retiring character. Oswald said:

"The first thing is to get all the creatures together; the paddock at the side of the orchard is the very place, because the hedge is good all round. When we've got the performers all there we'll make a programme, and then dress for our parts. It's a pity there won't be any audience but the turkeys."

We took the animals in their right order, according to Denny's list. The bull was the first. He is black. He does not live in the cow-house with the other horned people; he has a house all to himself two fields away. Oswald and Alice went to fetch him. They took a halter to lead the bull by, and a whip, not to hurt the bull with, but just to make him mind.

The others were to try to get one of the horses while we were gone.

Oswald, as usual, was full of bright ideas.

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