stumping along on his crutches.

Meanwhile the Donkey, the Clown, and the Soldier and his men, being left
by themselves in the other room, had a chance to talk.

"I am so glad to meet you," brayed the Donkey. "I have heard so much
about you."

"Did you hear how once I burned my trousers?" asked the Calico Clown.

"I heard it mentioned," the Donkey said; "but I should like to hear more
about it."

"I'll tell you," offered the funny chap. So he related that tale, just
as it is told in another of these books.

"Well, that was quite an adventure," said the Donkey, when all had been
told. "I suppose you have had adventures, too?" he went on, looking at
the Bold Tin Soldier.

"Oh, a few," was the answer.

"Tell them about the time, in the toy shop, when you drew your sword and
frightened away the rat that was coming after the Sawdust Doll and the
Candy Rabbit," suggested the Clown.

"All right, I will," said the Soldier, and he did. You may read, if you
like, about the Candy Rabbit and the Sawdust Doll in the books
written especially about those toys.