He heard the trainer chuckling.

The spectators were shouting out Phil's name all over the big
tent.

"Fine, fine!" chuckled James Sparling, rubbing his palms
together. "That ought to fill the tent tonight."

The spectators realized, too, that they were being treated to
something not down on the bills and their shouts and laughter
grew louder and louder.

"Do you think you could stand up on his head?" came the voice of
the trainer just loud enough for Phil to hear.

"Me? Stand on the elephant's head?"

"Yes. Think you can do it?"

"If I had a net underneath to catch me, maybe I'd try it."

"Emperor won't let you fall. When I give the word he'll wrap his
trunk around your legs. That will hold you steady from the waist
down. If you can keep the rest of yourself from lopping over
you'll be all right. It'll make a hit--see if it don't."

"I--I'll try it."

"Wait till I give the word, then get up on all fours, but don't