hich hung in
frames on the wall turned round in their excitement and showed that they
had a wrong side to them, although they had not the least intention of
exposing themselves in this way or of objecting to the game.

It was late at night, but as the moon shone through the windows, they
had light at a cheap rate. And as the game was now to begin, all were
invited to take part in it, even the children's wagon, which certainly
belonged among the coarser playthings. "Each has its own value," said
the wagon; "we cannot all be noblemen; there must be some to do the
work."

The money-pig was the only one who received a written invitation. He
stood so high that they were afraid he would not accept a verbal
message. But in his reply he said if he had to take a part he must enjoy
the sport from his own home; they were to arrange for him to do so. And
so they did.

The little toy theater was therefore put up in such a way that the
money-pig could look directly into it. Some wanted to begin with a
comedy and afterwards to have a tea party and a discussion for mental
improvement, but they began with the latter first.

The rocking-horse spoke of training and races; the wagon, of railways
and steam power--for these subjects belonged to each of their
professions, and it was right they should talk of them. The clock talked
politics--"Tick, tick." He professed to know what was the time of the
day, but there was a whisper that he did not go correctly. The bamboo
cane stood by, looking stiff and proud (he was vain of his brass ferrule
and silver top), and on the sofa lay two worked cushions, pretty but
stupid.

When the play at the little theater began, the rest sat and looked on;
they were requested to applaud and stamp, or crack, whenever they felt
gratified with what they saw. The riding whip said he never cracked for
old people, only for the young--those who were not yet married. "I crack
for everybody," said the nutcracker.

"Yes, and a fine noise you make," thought the audience as the play went
on.

It was not worth much, but it was very well played, and all the actors
turned their painted sides to the audience, for they were made to be
seen only on one side. The acting was wonderful, excepting that
sometimes the actors came out beyond the lamps, because the wires were a
little too long.

The doll whose neck had been mended was so excited that the place in her
neck burst, and the money-pig declared he must do something f