at the same time, leaving him clothed in a brilliant blanket of
white and gold.

But a long drawn "a-h-h-h," rippled over the packed seats as the
old elephant's bonnet suddenly collapsed.

Out of the ruins rose a slender, supple figure, topping the
pyramid of elephant flesh in a graceful poise. The figure, clad
in red silk tights, appeared to be that of a beautiful girl.

The audience broke out into a thunder of approval, their feet
drumming on the board seats sounding not unlike the rattle of
musketry.

The girl's hand was passed around to the back of her waist, where
it lingered for an instant, then both hands were thrown forward
just as a diver does before taking the plunge.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

"Fly!"

The young girl floated out and off from the elephant's back,
landing gently on her feet just outside the sawdust ring.

Emperor, at this juncture, threw himself forward on his forelegs,
stretched out his trunk, encircling the performer's waist and
lifting her clear off the ground.