store," said the Donkey.

"No, that was another store," said the Elephant. "You'll like the Calico
Clown, I know you will, and the Bold Tin Soldier, too. Arnold and Sidney
will bring them over some day."

"Now that I think of it, I believe I have heard those toys spoken of in
the workshop of Santa Claus," said the Donkey. "The China Cat also
mentioned them. Yes, I should like to see them. But we had better stop
talking. I think I hear Joe or his mother coming back."

There was a noise at the door, but it was not made by the lame boy or
his mother. They were both at the front window, looking down the street
at Arnold and Sidney, who were going home, one with his Bold Tin
Soldier and the other with his Calico Clown.

And then, all of a sudden, something covered with fur and with a big,
bushy tail, like a dustbrush, jumped up on the table and sprang at the
Nodding Donkey.




CHAPTER VII

THE FLOOD


"Look out there!" roared the Noah's Ark Lion.