Part 4 (2/2)

The donkey's hoofs shot up into the air with the clown on them.

The hoofs were quickly drawn back, but the Spanish clown continued right on, sailing through the air like a great gaudy projectile.

The audience yelled its approval.

Manuel landed with a crash in the midst of the lower grandstand seats. A second later there was a mix-up that required the united services of a dozen ring attendants to straighten out.

In the meantime, Teddy Tucker was rolling on the ground near the center pole, howling with delight, while January, with lowered head, was trotting innocently toward the paddock.

The ringmaster's whistle trilled for the next act, and the show went on with its characteristic dash and sprightliness.

However, Teddy Tucker's plan to get one of the Spanish hat-throwing clowns into trouble had been an entire success.

He had succeeded, also, in making another bitter enemy for the Circus Boys.

CHAPTER III

A DAY OF MEMORIES

Mr. Sparling, the owner of the show, had been a witness of the latter part of Teddy's act. The showman was standing over near the entrance to the menagerie tent when Manuel took his unexpected flight, and the proprietor sat down on the gra.s.s, laughing until the tears started from his eyes.

The act had been a breach of discipline, so Mr. Sparling prudently kept himself out of sight until the show had progressed further.

Later in the evening he chanced to pa.s.s Teddy out in the paddock.

”Well, my lad, how is January working tonight?” he asked, with a twinkle in his eyes.

”Never better, sir, thank you.”

”I presume he obeys your commands perfectly, eh?”

”Does everything I tell him to, Mr. Sparling. I can do anything with that donkey. Why, I could wink at him and make him kick your head off. I--”

”I'll take your word for it, young man--I'll take your word for it. Let me warn you to be careful that you do not tell him to do anything that will interfere with the programme.

We must have our acts clean cut, and embodying nothing that has not been arranged for in advance. Do you understand?”

”Yes, sir,” answered Teddy, giving the owner a keen, inquiring glance.

”I'll bet he saw that,” mused the lad. ”He's letting me off easy because he had to laugh, just the same as the rest of the people did.”

”What did Mr. Sparling have to say?” questioned Phil, who had emerged from the dressing tent just as Teddy was walking away from the showman.

Teddy told him.

”You got off pretty easy, I must say. It is a wonder he did not discipline you for that.”

”Do you think he saw Manuel fly?”

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