Part 8 (1/2)
In a shrill, high-pitched voice he gave utterance to the high school cla.s.s yell, which was instantly taken up by the cla.s.s and eventually by the spectators themselves, until all seemed near the verge of hysterics.
Phil, instead of proceeding directly to the dressing tent, had waited by the bandstand to watch the new act of his companion, and he, with others of the performers, was laughing heartily as he leaned against the bandstand. Teddy knew he made a funny appearance, but just how ludicrous he could have little idea.
”Whose donkey is that?” demanded Mr. Sparling, hurrying up just as Phil and the other circus folks were congratulating the lad.
”He's mine,” rejoined Teddy.
”Where did you get him?”
”I bought him. Think I stole him? Been training him all winter.
Like him?”
”It's a great comedy act. He's engaged. Turn him over to the superintendent of ring stock and tell him to make a place on the train for the brute.”
”I've already done so.”
”Oh, you have, eh?”
”Yes, sir.”
”Anybody would think you owned this show, the way you give orders around here.”
”I'm willing, and so's the donkey,” grinned Teddy.
”For what---to go on at every performance?”
”No; to own the show. We're going on right along, anyway.
Gid-dap!”
”Hopeless!” muttered Sparling, shaking his head.
CHAPTER V
TAKEN BY SURPRISE
”Hurry up, Teddy!”
”What for?”
”Billy Ford is waiting for us out in the paddock.”
”Oh, is that so? What does he want?”
”He's going to walk to the train with us, he says.”
”That's good. I wonder if any of the other fellows will be along?”
”No; I think not. I asked him if he were alone, and he said he was.”