It had been scrubbed up and painted red , cushions and plates put in , and two American flags adorned the roof . Being barred all round , a fine view of the Happy Family could be had , now twelve in number , as Molasses had lately added three white kits to the varied collection . The girls thought this would be the most interesting spectacle of all , and Grif proposed to give some of the cats extra tails , to increase their charms , especially poor Mortification , who would appreciate the honor of two , after having none for so long . But Molly declined , and Grif looked about him for some attractive animal to exhibit , so that he too might go in free and come to honor , perhaps . A young lady in the town owned a donkey , a small , gray beast , who insisted on tripping along the sidewalks and bumping her rider against the walls as she paused to browse at her own sweet will , regardless of blows or cries , till ready to move on . Expressing great admiration for this rare animal , Grif obtained leave to display the charms of Graciosa at the Fair . Little did she guess the dark designs entertained against her dignity , and happily she was not as sensitive to ridicule as a less humble-minded animal , so she went willingly with her new friend , and enjoyed the combing and trimming up which she received at his hands , while he prepared for the great occasion . When the morning of September 28th arrived , the town was all astir , and the Fair ground a lively scene . The air was full of the lowing of cattle , the tramp of horses , squealing of indignant pigs , and clatter of tongues , as people and animals streamed in at the great gate and found their proper places . Our young folks were in a high state of excitement , as they rumbled away with their treasures in a hay-cart . The Bunny-house might have been a cage of tigers , so rampant were the cats at this new move . Old Bun , in a small box , brooded over the insult of the refrigerator , and looked as fierce as a rabbit could . Gus had a coop of rare fowls , who clucked wildly all the way , while Ralph , with the bust in his arms , stood up in front , and Jill and Molly bore the precious bedquilt , as they sat behind . These objects of interest were soon arranged , and the girls went to admire Merry 's golden butter cups among the green leaves , under which lay the ice that kept the pretty flowers fresh . The boys were down below , where the cackling was very loud , but not loud enough to drown the sonorous bray which suddenly startled them as much as it did the horses outside . A shout of laughter followed , and away went the lads , to see what the fun was , while the girls ran out on the balcony , as someone said , `` It 's that rogue of a Grif with some new joke . '' It certainly was , and , to judge from the peals of merriment , the joke was a good one . In at the gate came a two-headed donkey , ridden by Grif , in great spirits at his success , for the gate-keeper laughed so he never thought to ask for toll . A train of boys followed him across the ground , lost in admiration of the animal and the cleverness of her rider . Among the stage properties of the Dramatic Club was the old ass 's head once used in some tableaux from `` Midsummer Night 's Dream . ''
This Grif had mended up , and fastened by means of straps and a collar to poor XXXXX 's neck , hiding his work with a red cloth over her back .
28th Club Graciosa Grif Ralph astir bedquilt cackling lowing tableaux