Monkey on a Stick." I'd like to see this race."

"So would I," said the Calico Clown. "And there is only one way we can
be certain the watchman is not here."

"Tell us how!" suggested the Bold Tin Soldier.

"This is the way," answered the Calico Clown. "I will recite that
funny riddle I started to give you earlier in the evening. If the
watchman is here he will laugh at it, and then well know he is
watching us."

"That will be a fine way!" said the Lamb on Wheels. "Go ahead, Calico
Clown. Tell us the riddle, and we must all listen to see if the
watchman laughs."

"All right I Here I go!" agreed the Calico Clown. He banged his
cymbals together and then, in a loud voice, asked: "Why is a basket of
soap bubbles like a piece of chocolate cake?"

They all listened after the Calico Clown had asked this riddle. But
there was no laugh. It was as quiet in the toy department as if none
of the playthings had made believe come to life.

"I guess the watchman isn't there," said the Calico Clown, "or else he
would have laughed at my riddle."

"Maybe he is waiting for the answer," said the White Rocking Horse. "I
think that must be it, for I don't see anything very funny in the
riddle itself. Maybe the watchman is waiting for you to give the