The boys, glad of some task to perform, began their work with a
will. With something to do it was surprising how quickly they
forgot their misfortunes. In a short time they were laughing and
joking with the good-natured cooktent man and making the dishes
fairly fly out of the barrels.

"Guess I'll have to keep you two boys with my outfit," grinned
the showman.

"I think Mr. Sparling said my friend, Teddy here, was to work in
the cook tent for the present."

"All right, Mr. Teddy. There's one thing about working in the
cook tent that ought to please you."

"What's that?"

"You can piece between meals all you want to. If you are like
most boys, you ought to have a good healthy appetite all the
time, except when you are sleeping."

"That's right. I could eat an elephant steak now--right this
minute. How long before breakfast?"

"Seven o'clock, I told you."

"What time does Mr. Sparling get up?" inquired Phil.

"Up? Ask me what time he goes to bed. I can answer one question