Part 15 (1/2)

”All ready now Don't be afraid Hold each position till I give you the word to change it”

”Ready,” announced the lad

”E of a ponderous ear of each animal told that they had heard and understood

”Rise!”

Phil had scrareat trunk curled up, ran over the boy's legs and twined about theo, kid!”

Phil raised hihtened and stood full upon his feet That strong grip on his legs gave hi to fear All he would have to do would be to keep his ears open for the trainer's coht

He felt hi akin to that which Phil had once experienced when ju tickled by straws

The elephants were rising on their hind legs, uttering shrill screaed over the hu put upon theoing up until the lad's head was against the top of the tent He ventured to look down

What a distance it was! Phil hastily directed his glances upward

At last the elephant had risen as high as he could go He was standing alure of the boy appeared almost unreal to those off on the seats

Thunders of applause swept over the asseer ones hurling hats high in the air and uttering catcalls and shrill whistles, until pande top,” as the circus tent proper is called by the show your hat at them!”

The trainer had to shout to ht the words as froh, gazing wonderingly off over the seats He could distinguish nothing save a waving, undulatingAnd Phil Forrest went suddenly dizzy again

”I' ether I shall surely fall off Then they will have soh at rather than to applaud”

He took himself firmly in hand But the applause did not abate one whit

”Watch out, we're going doarned the trainer

”Right!”

The elephant trainer's coreat beasts lowered therab the harness!”

Phil did so