“Some day,” she replied. And, giving full rein to her steed, she galloped down the length of the tent. As the White-White Horse nosed his way through the wall, the animals caught a glimpse of the first dartling beams of a far-distant star. The Pretty Lady seemed to regard the beams for a moment, as if trying to make up her mind whether they would quite do for spangle needles. Then the wall closed again and the Lady, the White-White Horse and the star passed from view, while all of the animals hurried back to their places, still discussing the spangles that were made from the dew. CHAPTER XI IN WHICH THE ANIMALS PLAY AT CIRCUS AND DAN PROMISES A STORY It was but a few evenings following that upon which the Pretty Lady had set out in quest of the spangle needles. Diggeldy Dan had mounted to his place on Hippo’s broad back, and Lion had taken his in front of the group, when the clattering crew made a startling discovery: Monkey was missing! Look where they would, he was nowhere to be found; call as they would, he gave no answering sound. “He unhooked my chain,” said Elephant. “And opened the gate to my corral,” added Ostrich. “I saw him talking with Zebra not a minute ago,” puzzled Dan. “Zebra,” repeated Lion, “Zebra? Where is Zebra? Why, he is gone, too!” Here was a mystery, indeed! “Scatter at once,” ordered Lion, “and leave no nook unsearched.” And “scatter” they did. Some went into the depths of the cages, others looked underneath, while Giraffe and his family inspected every square inch of the roofs. But not a glimpse did they catch of the runaway pair. “Redouble the search,” commanded Lion, from his station in the center of the menagerie tent. But scarcely had he spoken when from a distance came the patter and clatter of hurrying hoofs. “All searchers to the front,” countermanded Lion. “For, if I mistake not the sound, here comes a visitor who will doubtless be willing to lend us her aid.” Even as he concluded there dashed into view—whom do you suppose? The Pretty Lady and the White-White Horse? Ah! but you are wrong. For it was none other than Zebra, with that mischievous Monkey perched on his back! Down the length of the tent the two of them scurried, traveling lickety-split. “Here! Here!” commanded Lion. “Get back to your places this very minute!” “Just as soon as we’ve let the wind comb our hair,” came the cry in reply. And the next moment, with Zebra’s ears flopping this way and that, and Monkey doing his best to look entirely at ease, the truants returned to the group. What a picture they made! Zebra wore a bridle with a brilliant red plume, while Monkey was lost almost wholly to view in a gorgeous pink hat and a skirt made of blue. “Well, young sirs, what does this mean?” demanded Lion.