march around some more before morning comes and we have to stay in our
box all day. You know it is the Christmas season, and any one of us
may be bought any day and taken far off. So let us be jolly together
while we may. All quiet now, for the Calico Clown's joke!"

"Thank you," returned the funny fellow again. "Now, why is it that
when--"

And just then there was a rumbling, rolling sound on the floor of the
toy department.

"Dear me!" exclaimed the Candy Rabbit, "can that be the watchman
coming so soon?"

They all listened, and heard the noise more plainly. It rumbled and
rolled nearer and nearer.

"Dear me!" said the Calico Clown, "I'm never going to get a chance to
tell my joke. What is it, Candy Rabbit? Can you see?"

The sweet chap was just going to say he could see nothing, when there
came a whinny from a big White Rocking Horse standing on the floor
near a lawn swing.

"Oh, you're here at last, are you?" neighed the White Rocking Horse.

"Yes, I'm here," answered a voice, and with it came again the
rumbling, rolling sound. "I'm sorry if I am late, but I had to go over
in the sporting goods section to get a pair to fit me."