"
"Pshaw, I can work today as well as I ever could," said Phil in a
disappointed tone. "And I'm going on, too, unless Mr. Sparling
gives me distinct orders to the contrary."
Phil got the orders before he had finished his breakfast.
"Believe me, Phil, I know best," said Mr. Sparling, noting the
lad's disappointment. "You have had a pretty severe strain this
morning, and to go on now with the excitement of the first day
added to that, I fear might be too much for you. It might lay
you up for some weeks, and we cannot afford to have that happen,
you know. I need you altogether too much for that."
"Very well, sir; it shall be as you wish. I suppose I may go on
in the Grand Entry as usual?"
"Oh, yes, if you wish."
"I do."
"Very well; then I'll let Mr. Kennedy know. You had better lie
down and rest while the parade is out."
"Thank you; I hardly think that will be necessary. I feel fit
enough for work right now."
"Such is youth and enthusiasm," mused the showman, passing on out
of the cook tent, once more to go over his arrangements, for
there were many details to be looked after on this the first day
of the show's season on the road.
Phil called on Mrs. Sparling after breakfast, receiving from the
showman's wife a most hospitable welcome.
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