Part 28 (1/2)

”I must make it. I shall make it!” he breathed, starting on a run, having found a path at the side of the track.

However, he could not keep this up for long, and was soon obliged to settle back into his former slow pace.

At last Phil came in sight of the church spires of a town.

”I believe that is Corinto,” he said, shading his eyes and peering off at the distant town. ”At any rate I can't be far from it now.”

The knowledge was almost as good as a meal. Its effect on Phil Forrest was magical. He forgot all about his tender feet and empty stomach as he swung into a good strong pace.

All at once he halted and listened. The blare of the big horns of a circus band reached his ears.

”The parade has started. I must hurry now. The Sully wretches may do something to the parade,” Phil cried, starting away on a run. Nor did he slacken his pace until he had gotten well into the town. Now he could hear two bands playing, and knew that the rival parades were under way.

”Where is the circus lot--where is the parade,” he asked a man as he dashed by.

The man pointed off to the right and Phil took the next corner with a rush. As he swung into that street he saw the banners of the Sparling show fluttering in the breeze as the parade moved majestically toward him. Taking to the street, for the sidewalks were crowded, Phil ran with all speed. Mr. Sparling, in his carriage at the head, saw him coming. At first he did not recognize the lad; then all at once he discovered who the boy was.

Phil dashed up to the carriage. Mr. Sparling reached out a hand and pulled him in.

”Phil!” he cried.

”Quick, get the tents guarded! Sully's gang are going to cut the guy ropes. Look out for the parade too. I suspect they will try to break it up!”

CHAPTER XVI

THE BATTLE OF THE ELEPHANTS

”What!”

”Yes, hurry!” and Phil sank back, weak from lack of food and the severe strain he had put upon himself.

Mr. Sparling grasped the meaning of the lad's words in a flash.

s.n.a.t.c.hing a whistle from his pocket he blew two short, shrill blasts. A mounted man came riding up at a gallop.

”Go to the lot! Have the tents surrounded. Let no one through who doesn't belong to the show. I trust you to look out for our property. An attempt may be made to do us damage while we are out on parade. Now, ride!”

The man did ride. He whirled his horse and set it at a run down the line, headed toward the circus lot.

”I've got to get back there myself, Phil. Can you stand it to stay in the carriage until it reaches the lot?”

”Yes, but I don't look fit. I--”

”Sit up and look wise. The people will think you are a clown and they'll split their sides laughing. I'll talk with you later.

You must have had a rough time of it.”

”I have had.”

Mr. Sparling jumped out of the carriage, and, ordering a rider to dismount, took the latter's horse, on which he, too, rode back to the lot with all speed.