The big elephant's ears flapped.The procession that he was leading came to a sudden stop and Emperor trumpeted shrilly.
"Hehasn'tforgottenme,"breathedPhilhappily."Dearold Emperor!""Pipe him up again," urged Teddy.
"No; I wouldn't dare.He would be likely to break away from Mr.Kennedy and might trample some of the people about here.See, Mr.
Kennedy is having his troubles as it is.""Done any tumbling since you closed last fall?" questioned Mr.Miaco."We have practiced a little.I want to learn, if you will teach me--" "Why, you can tumble already, Phil.""Yes; but I want to do something better--the springboard." "They've got a leaping act this year.""How?"
"Performers and clowns leap over a herd of elephants.You've seen the act, haven't you?""Oh, yes; I know what it is.I wish I were able to do it.""You will be.It is not difficult, only one has to have a natural bent for it.Now, your friend Teddy ought to make a fine leaper.""I am," interposed Teddy pompously."I always was.""Yes; you're the whole show from your way of thinking," laughed Mr.Miaco."I must go see if my trunk is placed.See you later, boys."After leaving the clown, the lads strolled about the lot.They soon discovered that the Sparling Shows was a big organization.The tents had been very much enlarged and the canvas looked new and white.
In the menagerie tent the boys found many new cages, gorgeous in red and gold, with a great variety of animals that had not been in the show the previous summer.
Emperor's delight at seeing his little friend again was expressed in loud trumpetings, and his sinuous trunk quickly found its way into Phil Forrest's pocket in search of sweets.And Emperor was not disappointed.In one coat pocket he found a liberal supply of candy, while the other held a bag of peanuts, to all of which the big elephant helped himself freely until no more was left.