But, of course, Arabella Chick couldn't run home because she was at home
already, so she just looked out of the window once more, and there the
dog-soldier stood, and he was looking in his gun to see if it was loaded.

"Well, is Uncle Wiggily coming out?" called the dog again.

"I guess I am--that is--are you sure you want me?" asked the poor old
gentleman rabbit, puzzled like.

"Yes, of course I want you," replied the dog.

"Then I guess I've got to go!" exclaimed Uncle Wiggily, as he looked for
his crutch and valise. "I guess this is the end of my fortune-hunting.
Goodbye everybody!" And he felt so badly that two big tears rolled down
his ears--I mean his eyes.

Well, he bravely walked out of the door, and as he did so the dog-soldier,
with the gun, exclaimed:

"Ah, here you are at last! Now hurry up, Uncle Wiggily, or we'll be late
for the parade!"

And, would you believe it? that dog was good, kind, old Percival, who used
to be in a circus. And of course he wouldn't hurt the rabbit gentleman for
anything. Percival just put his gun to his shoulder, and said:

"Come on, we'll get in the parade now."

"Parade? What parade?" asked Uncle Wiggily. "Oh my! how you frightened
me!"