ntlemen," he said, in a funny deep voice, "the big show is about to
begin. Will you please find seats in the show tent?" The children
laughed and sat down on the ground.

[Illustration: HE WAS DRESSED LIKE A REAL SHOWMAN]

Bob went on talking like a showman. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said,
"you are now to see Dandy, the trick pony." When he had said this, Bob
went to the pen and brought Dandy out.

"Now Dandy," he said, "tell the ladies and gentlemen how old you are."
Dandy lifted his right foot and brought it down three times. The
children clapped their hands.

"Make a bow to the ladies and gentlemen, Dandy," said Showman Bob. Dandy
put his front feet out. Then he bowed his head almost to the ground. His
mane fell over his eyes and he looked very wise and funny.

Next Bob took an ear of corn from his pocket. He held it in front of
Dandy's nose. "Dandy, do you see this?" he said. Dandy nodded his head.
His mane fell over his eyes. He looked very funny and full of mischief.

"Now Dandy," said Showman Bob, "shut your eyes." Dandy winked and
blinked. Then he shut his eyes tight. "Keep your eyes shut till I call
'Come,'" said Bob. Then Bob started off with the ear of corn.

[Illustration: BOB HID THE EAR OF CORN BEHIND A BOX]

Dandy kept his eyes shut just one little minute. Then he opened them and
began to peep. He peeped very slyly to see where Bob was hiding the
corn. The children shouted with joy! Then Showman Bob came back. The
corn was still in his hand. He pretended to be angry. He made Dandy hide
his eyes once more.

Again Dandy peeped slyly to see where Bob was hiding the corn. At last
Showman Bob took little Dot's hat and tied it over Dandy's eyes. How the
children did laugh! Dandy looked so funny with a little girl's hat on.

Then Bob hid the ear of corn behind a box. He called, "Come, Dandy,
come!" Dandy shook his head very hard. The hat rolled on the ground.
Then Dandy began going round the show grounds. He stopped and sniffed at
everything. "Oh see!" said Peggy, "Dandy is looking with his nose!" Soon
Dandy sniffed at the box and found the ear of corn.

"Come, Dandy, come!" called Showman Bob. Dandy came trotting up with the
ear of corn in his mouth. But when Bob put out his hand for the corn
Dandy kicked up his heels and away he went. He ran round and round like
a pony in a circus.

The children clapped their hands and shouted. Dandy went faster and
faster. It was very exciting. At last Dandy sto