"Top of the bill of fare.I've cleaned up everything halfway down thelist, and I'm going through the whole bill, even if I have to get up and shake myself down like the miller does a bag of meal.""Be careful, old chap.Remember you and I have to begin our real work today.We shall want to be in the best of shape for our ring act.You won't, if you fill up as you are doing now," warned Phil.
"Not going to work today." "What's that?""No flying rings today." "I don't understand.""No flying rings, I said.Mr.Sparling isn't going to put on our act today.""How do you know?" asked Phil in some surprise."Heard him say so.""When?" "Just now."
"Why, I came in with him myself less than ten minutes ago--""I know.He stopped right in front of my table here to speak to the ringmaster.Heard him say you were not to be allowed to go on till tomorrow.We don't have to go in the parade today if we don't want to, either.But you are to ride Emperor in the Grand Entry, and I'm to do my stunt on the educated mule.""Pshaw, I can work today as well as I ever could," said Phil in a disappointed tone."And I'm going on, too, unless Mr.Sparling gives medistinct orders to the contrary."
Phil got the orders before he had finished his breakfast.
"Believe me, Phil, I know best," said Mr.Sparling, noting the lad's disappointment."You have had a pretty severe strain this morning, and to go on now with the excitement of the first day added to that, I fear might be too much for you.It might lay you up for some weeks, and we cannot afford to have that happen, you know.I need you altogether too much for that.""Very well, sir; it shall be as you wish.I suppose I may go on in the Grand Entry as usual?""Oh, yes, if you wish." "I do."
"Very well; then I'll let Mr.Kennedy know.You had better lie down and rest while the parade is out.""Thank you; I hardly think that will be necessary.I feel fit enough for work right now.""Such is youth and enthusiasm," mused the showman, passing on out of the cook tent, once more to go over his arrangements, for there were many details to be looked after on this the first day of the show's season on the road.