Part 17 (1/2)

”What's the matter, sir?”

”Teddy,” answered the showman shortly.

”Oh, that boy again! What is it?”

”Jupiter tossed him.”

”Where is he?”

”Maybe in the river. Help me look for him up here. They are searching for him on the other side of the boat.”

Phil started on a run along one side of the deck, Mr. Sparling taking the other side.

”Here he is. Ahoy, boat! Go and get the gangway. I have the boy here,” called Mr. Sparling.

Phil hurried over to where Mr. Sparling was bending over Teddy, who lay doubled up against the pilot house.

”Is he hurt?”

”I don't know. I'll tell you when I get him untangled. He seems to be standing on his head. Lucky if his neck isn't broken.”

”Teddy's neck is too tough to be easily broken. I think he is merely stunned,” said Phil.

The showman straightened the Circus Boy out, and Teddy suddenly sat up, rubbing his head and neck gingerly.

”Did January kick me?” he demanded wonderingly.

”No; Jupiter threw you up here. Are you hurt?”

”Hurt?”

”Yes.”

”I'm worse than that. I'm like the carpenter who swallowed a tape measure. I'm dying by inches.”

Mr. Sparling uttered an impatient exclamation.

”Take care of him, Phil. I must get back. There is trouble down there.”

The showman hurried away, and Phil saw at once that his companion had sustained a severe shock, but nothing of a serious nature.

”You're all right, Teddy. What is the trouble down there?”

Teddy, still rubbing himself, explained what had happened.

Just then there came a call from below.

”Oh, Phil!”

”Yes.”