Part 18 (1/2)

”Very well.”

Once more Phil took hold of the trunk and led Emperor across and into the boat, the elephant making no protest; though, knowing him as he did, Phil saw that the animal was timid. The beast's confidence in the little Circus Boy overcame his fears, however.

Emperor got another lump of sugar as the result of his obedience.

”See if Jupiter will follow,” called Phil.

Jupiter would not.

Observing this, Phil swung Emperor around and led him to the dock.

”What are you going to do?” asked Mr. Sparling.

”Perhaps nothing at all. If Mr. Kennedy failed I do not see how I shall be able to accomplish anything. Get Jupiter up to the gangway, please.”

This was done.

”When I say the word, you give Jupiter the hook good and hard and quick. I'll promise you that something will happen.

See here; didn't I tell you fellows to keep away from those elephants?” demanded the boy, observing two figures edging up toward Emperor.

”Clear the dock!” roared Mr. Sparling.

A sudden thought seemed to strike Phil. He left Emperor and stepped around to the other side of the animal walking about and peering into the faces of the people who now were standing back at a respectful distance. Most of them proved to be villagers, with a few circus people sprinkled among them.

”Did you notice who those two men were who were standing on the other side, Mr. Sparling?” he asked in a low tone.

”No; why?”

”I wanted to know.”

”Why do you ask that question?”

”Because I am suspicious of them, that's all.”

Making sure that the dock was clear, Phil led Emperor up to Jupiter, placing the former's head against the hips of the stubborn elephant.

”Now!” he shouted, at the same time giving Emperor the signal to push.

The big elephant threw all his great strength into a forward movement. Jupiter, taken off his guard, plunged across the gangplank, with Emperor pus.h.i.+ng him along, the former trumpeting wildly in his fear and rage. Another minute, and Jupiter was landed safely on the lower deck of the ”Fat Marie.”

CHAPTER X

ALL ABOARD FOR THE GULF!

Day was breaking.

Clouds of dense black smoke were rolling from the funnels of the Sparling fleet, while steam was hissing from the overburdened safety valves.

The show was ready for its start down the river.

The ”Little Nemo” had already hoisted anchor and was drifting with the current awaiting the signal to start her engines.