"But," urged the lad, "the people will all think I am seriously
hurt if they see no more of me. Don't you think it would be a
good plan for me to show myself? They are liable to be uneasy
all through the performance. If I show myself they will settle
down and forget all about it in a few minutes."

Mr. Sparling turned to his assistant with a significant nod.

"I told you that boy was a natural born showman. You can't stop
that kind with a club. Can you stand up alone?"

"Yes."

Phil scrambled to his feet, steadying himself with a hand on the
table.

"I'll be all right after I walk about a bit. How long before the
elephants go in?"

"You've got fifteen minutes yet."

"Then I may go on?"

"Yes, yes, go on. You'll never be satisfied if you don't. But I
ought to take you over my knee and give you a sound walloping."

"Thank you. How is Mr.--Mr.--the trainer?"

"He isn't badly hurt, thanks to your presence of mind, young
man," answered the surgeon.