Page:Wren--The young stagers.djvu/41

Rh Buddha, a large doll, and a set of big skittles, they made a satisfactory army, and, all being arranged, the Vice climbed carefully into the chariot, and the battle began.

It was evident from the speed at which Amir rocked that they were dashing along at a terrible pace.

Knowing that something was expected of them, Widdy and Venus remained in statu quo ante, but while Widdy sat up and took an intelligent interest, Venus lay down, grinned fatuously, and wumped the floor with his tail in an idiotic manner.

"That's Julius Cæsar—and he's not trying," cried Boadicea pointing at him.

The hint was sufficient, and the armour-bearer raised his mighty bow, drew it to his shoulder—and caught Venus fairly in the stomach. With a yelp of disgust the stricken Cæsar scrambled to his feet and returned to his kennel. Anybody who wanted him to play Romans some more, could come and fetch him. His demoralisation spread, and Widdy followed him, pursued by a grey-goose shaft.