The Circus Boys Across The Continent | Page 5

sleep
out in an open canvas wagon, either."
"Where shall we sleep?"

"Probably in a car."
"It won't be half so much fun," objected Teddy.
"I imagine the life will be different. Perhaps we shall not have so much
fun, but we'll have the satisfaction of knowing that we are part of a real
show. It will mean a lot to us to be with an organization like that. It will
give us a better standing in the profession, and possibly by another
season we may be able to get with one of the really big ones. Next
spring, if we have good luck, we shall have finished with our school
here. If they'll have us, we'll try to join out with one of them. In the
meantime we must work hard, Teddy, so we shall be in fine shape
when we join out two weeks from today. Come on; I'll wrestle you a
few falls."
"Done," exclaimed Teddy.
Phil promptly threw off his coat and vest. A few minutes later the lads
were struggling on the wrestling mat, their faces dripping with
perspiration, their supple young figures twisting and turning as each
struggled for the mastery of the other.
The readers of the preceding volume in this series, entitled, THE
CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS, will recognize Phil and
Teddy at once as the lads who had so unexpectedly joined the Sparling
Combined Shows the previous summer. It was Phil who, by his ready
resourcefulness, saved the life of the wife of the owner of the show as
well as that of an animal trainer later on. Then, too, it will be
remembered how the lad became the fast friend of the great elephant
Emperor, which he rescued from "jail," and with which he performed in
the ring to the delight of thousands. Ere the close of the season both
boys had won their way to the flying rings, thus becoming full-fledged
circus performers. Before leaving the show they had signed out for
another season at a liberal salary.
With their savings, which amounted to a few hundred dollars, the boys
had returned to their home at Edmeston, there to put in the winter at
school.

That they might lose nothing of their fine physical condition, the Circus
Boys had rented an old carpenter shop, which they rigged up as a
gymnasium, fitting it with flying rings, trapeze bars and such other
equipment as would serve to keep them in trim for the coming season's
work.
Here Phil and Teddy had worked long hours after school. During the
winter they had gained marked improvement in their work, besides
developing some entirely new acts on the flying rings. During this time
they had been living with Mrs. Cahill, who, it will be remembered, had
proved herself a real friend to the motherless boys.
Now, the long-looked-for day was almost at hand when they should
once more join the canvas city for a life in the open.
The next two weeks were busy ones for the lads, with their practice and
the hard study incident to approaching examinations. Both boys passed
with high standing. Books were put away, gymnasium apparatus stored
and one sunlit morning two slender, manly looking young fellows, their
faces reflecting perfect health and happiness, were at the railroad
station waiting for the train which should bear them to the winter
quarters of the show.
Fully half the town had gathered to see them off, for Edmeston was
justly proud of its Circus Boys. As the train finally drew up and the
lads clambered aboard, their school companions set up a mighty shout,
with three cheers for the Circus Boys.
"Don't stick your head in the lion's mouth, Teddy!" was the parting
salute Phil and Teddy received from the boys as the train drew out.
"Well, Teddy, we're headed for the Golden Gate at last!" glowed Phil.
"You bet!" agreed Teddy with more force than elegance.
"I wonder if old Emperor will remember me, Teddy?"
"Sure thing! But, do you think that 'fool mule,' as Mr. Sparling calls

him, will remember me? Or will he want to kick me full of holes before
the season has really opened?"
"I shouldn't place too much dependence on a mule," laughed Phil.
"Come on; let's go inside and sit down."
CHAPTER II
ON THE ROAD ONCE MORE
All was bustle and excitement.
Men were rushing here and there, shouting out hoarse commands.
Elephants were trumpeting shrilly, horses neighing; while, from many a
canvas-wrapped wagon savage beasts of the jungle were emitting roar
upon roar, all voicing their angry protest at being removed from the
winter quarters where they had been at rest for the past six months.
The Great Sparling Combined Shows were moving out for their long
summer's journey. The long trains