Emperor's delight at seeing his little friend again was expressed
in loud trumpetings, and his sinuous trunk quickly found its way
into Phil Forrest's pocket in search of sweets. And Emperor was
not disappointed. In one coat pocket he found a liberal supply
of candy, while the other held a bag of peanuts, to all of which
the big elephant helped himself freely until no more was left.
"Have you got my trappings ready, Mr. Kennedy?" asked Phil
of the keeper.
"You'll find the stuff in fine shape. The old man has had a new
bonnet made for Emperor and a new blanket. He'll be right smart
when he enters the ring today. Been over to the cook tent yet?"
"Yes; but not for breakfast. We are going soon now. We want to
see them raise the big top first."
When the boys had passed out into the open they observed the
big circus tent rising slowly from the ground where it had been
laid out, the various pieces laced together by nimble fingers.
Mr. Sparling was on the lot watching everything at the same time.
This was the first time the tent had been pitched, and, as has
been said before, most of the men were green at their work.
Yet, under the boisterous prodding of the boss canvasman,
the white city was going up rapidly and with some semblance
of system.
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