His ears swept back as he cleared his throat, patted a hoof against his chest. But slowly, the confusion deepened into suspicion. If her society had to use that whole story to please the very little ones, then...

Oh, the candy-colored ponies absolutely do the mambo.

Two can play that game.

"Oh, you know: Cigars, cigarettes... pencils, carrots... a peppermint stick, maybe."

A grin. "Golly, I can't imagine what else there could be..."