Page:The American Boy's Handy Book edition 1.djvu/376
[WOLFGANG must be drawn backward toward the light. This will cause his shadow to grow to immense proportions. After slowly lifting him over the candle, take up the RAT and just as slowly put it over the light, and move the puppet up until it touches the cloth. The audience will see Wolfgang swell up to a shapeless mass, and then, apparently, reduce himself to a tiny rat. Puss must then be made to pounce upon the RAT, and by passing the RAT behind Puss, and then letting it drop, it will look to the audience as if Puss swallowed the Rat whole.]
Puss: Bah! Ugh! Spat! What a horrid rat!
[Struts up and down the stage.]
Well, I think for a cat I'm pretty plucky! Now I'll go and bring The Princes and the King To the castle of Lord Carabas, The Lucky!
[Puss, dancing frantically, laughing and purring, nearly tumbles against the KING, CARABAS, and the PRINCESS, as they enter.]
Puss Pardon, most gracious Sire, pardon, great King! That your humble servant should do such a thing; It's because I'm delighted, More than if I had been knighted, That the marquis, my master, should entertain the King. KING: A truly faithful servant you must be, Pussy. When the marquis can spare you, come to me, Pussy. We'll see that you're not slighted; Even now you shall be knighted― Sir Thomas Cat de Boots your name shall be, Pussy. KING (continuing to CARABAS): This castle, marquis brave, Beats the very best we have. CARABAS: Most gracious Sire, there's not a thing Belongs to me―
[Puss rushes frantically to Carabas, and whispers in his ear; then returns.]