"I'd rather join the show," he grumbled.

"Never did see anything about school to go crazy over."

"You'll thank me someday for keeping you at it," said Phil.
"See how well you have done this winter with your school work.
I'm proud of you. Why, Teddy, there are lots of the boys a long
way behind you. They can't say circus boys don't know anything
just because they perform in a circus ring."

"H-m-m-m!" mused Teddy. "You haven't told me yet where we are
going this summer. What's the route?"

"Mr. Sparling says that, as we are going to continue our
last year's acts this season, there will be no necessity
for rehearsals."

The announcement did not appear to have filled Teddy Tucker
with joy.

"We do the flying rings again, then?"

"Yes. And we shall be able to give a performance that will
surprise Mr. Sparling. Our winter's practicing has done a lot
for us, as has our winter at school."

"Oh, I don't know."

"You probably will ride the educated mule again, while I expect