Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/62

 "Ladies and gentlemen," cried Jerry in a clear, ringing voice, "we have with us to-day the only pony in the British Isles that can tell time. It is now just three o'clock by my watch. I will show the timepiece to Sir Wilton III and see what time he makes it."

He held the watch in front of the pony, which seemed to view it critically.

"Have you got it, old chap?" asked Jerry. Dapples bowed his assent. "All right," said Jerry. "Tell the crowd what time it is."

Dapples pawed slowly three times.

"Right," cried his trainer. Then Jerry fell to examining his own clothes critically.

"Dapples," he said at last, "I forgot to brush my clothes when I came away from home. Bring the brush and brush me."

The pony obediently trotted to a nearby desk and brought a clothes-brush, holding the handle with his teeth. Then Dapples very painstakingly brushed Jerry, while the children laughed and clapped.