to see her. They wrote of it in the newspapers. The "Daily
Mirror," I think it was, had a fine long article about her.

But in certain quarters, the whole thing was looked upon as a
"fish story."




CHAPTER V


SIR BOOUM CALLS UPON MOTHER ETIENNE


Just about this time placards were posted about the whole village,
announcing the arrival of a Great American Circus, bringing in its
train the most wonderful spectacles. Menageries,--curiosities of
all kinds, such as had not been seen since the time of the
Caesars.

Incredible things were on show. Nobody, however small their purse,
could resist the pleasure of witnessing these sights. Nobody, that
is, except the people in and around this village.

The menagerie prepared for its performance by splendid
processions. Caparisoned in gold the elephants marched around.
There were horses of all colours and of all sizes, dromedaries,
rhinoceroses, black men and white monkeys, bands of musicians,
fairy chariots.