But people were beginning to go in , and it was impossible to delay when they came round to the entrance . Ben felt that now `` his foot was on his native heath , '' and the superb air of indifference with which he threw down his dollar at the ticket-office , carelessly swept up the change , and strolled into the tent with his hands in his pockets , was so impressive that even big Sam repressed his excitement and meekly followed their leader , as he led them from cage to cage , doing the honors as if he owned the whole concern . Bab held tight to the flap of his jacket , staring about her with round eyes , and listening with little gasps of astonishment or delight to the roaring of lions , the snarling of tigers , the chatter of the monkeys , the groaning of camels , and the music of the very brass band shut up in a red bin . Five elephants were tossing their hay about in the middle of the menagerie , and Billy 's legs shook under him as he looked up at the big beasts whose long noses and small , sagacious eyes filled him with awe . Sam was so tickled by the droll monkeys that the others left him before the cage and went on to see the zebra , `` striped just like Ma 's muslin gown , '' Bab declared . But the next minute she forgot all about him in her raptures over the ponies and their tiny colts ; especially one mite of a thing who lay asleep on the hay , such a miniature copy of its little mouse-colored mamma that one could hardly believe it was alive . `` Oh , Ben , I must feel of it ! -- the cunning baby horse ! '' and down went Bab inside the rope to pat and admire the pretty creature , while its mother smelt suspiciously at the brown hat , and baby lazily opened one eye to see what was going on . `` Come out of that , it is n't allowed , '' commanded Ben , longing to do the same thing , but mindful of the proprieties and his own dignity . Bab reluctantly tore herself away to find consolation in watching the young lions , who looked so like big puppies , and the tigers washing their faces just as puss did . `` If I stroked 'em , would n't they purr ? '' she asked , bent on enjoying herself , while Ben held her skirts lest she should try the experiment . `` You 'd better not go to patting them , or you 'll get your hands clawed up . Tigers do purr like fun when they are happy , but these fellers never are , and you 'll only see 'em spit and snarl , '' said Ben , leading the way to the humpy carrels , who were peacefully chewing their cud and longing for the desert , with a dreamy , far-away look in their mournful eyes . Here , leaning on the rope , and scientifically biting a straw while he talked , Ben played showman to his heart 's content till the neigh of a horse from the circus tent beyond reminded him of the joys to come . `` We 'd better hurry along and get good seats before folks begin to crowd . I want to sit near the curtain and see if any of Smitthers 's lot are ` round . '' `` I ai n't going way off there ; you ca n't see half so well , and that big drum makes such a noise you ca n't hear yourself think , '' said Sam , who had rejoined them . So they settled in good places where they could see and hear all that went on in the ring and still catch glimpses of white horses , bright colors , and the glitter of helmets beyond the dingy red curtains .
Ben treated XXXXX to peanuts and pop-corn like an indulgent parent , and she murmured protestations of undying gratitude with her mouth full , as she sat blissfully between him and the congenial Billy .
Bab Ben Billy Sam Smitthers flap muslin neigh proprieties puss