"Flying squadron?What's that?" demanded Teddy, interested at once."The flying squadron is the train that goes out first.It carries the cook tent and other things that will be needed first.We didn't have that last year.You'll find a lot of new things, and some that you won't like as wellas you did when we had the old road show.What's your act this year?" "Same as last.""Elephant?"
"Yes, and the rings.My friend Teddy I expect will ride the educated mule again."While they were talking the steward was preparing a pot of steaming coffee for them, which he soon handed over to the lads with a plate of wafers, of which they disposed in short order.
It was broad daylight by this time, and the boys decided to go out and watch the erection of the tents.It was all new and full of interest to them.As they caught the odor of trampled grass and the smell of the canvas their old enthusiasm came back to them with added force.
"It's great to be a circus man, isn't it, Phil?" breathed Teddy.
"It is unless one is getting into trouble all the time, the way you do.I expect that, some of these days, you'll get something you don't want.""What?"
"Oh, I don't know.But I am sure it will be something quite serious." "You better look out for yourself," growled Teddy."I'll take care ofmyself."
"Yes; the way you did last night," retorted Phil, with a hearty laugh."Come on, now; let's not quarrel.I want to find some of our old friends.Isn't that Mr.Miaco over there by the dressing tent?""Sure."
Both lads ran toward their old friend, the head clown, with outstretched hands, and Mr.Miaco, seeing them coming, hastened forward to greet them.