Phil shot downward head first. Yet with the instinct of the
showman he curled his head up ever so little as he half
consciously felt himself going.



CHAPTER VI

THE SHOWMAN'S REWARD

Phil struck the net with a violent slap that was heard outside
the big top, though those without did not understand the meaning
of it, nor did they give it heed.

Mr. Sparling was the first to reach him. The lad had landed on
his shoulders and then struck flat on his back, the proper way
to fall into a net. Perhaps it was instinct that told him what
to do.

The lad was unconscious when the showman lifted him tenderly from
the net and laid him out on the ground.

"Up with that peak!" commanded Mr. Sparling. "Get some water
here,
and don't crowd around him! Give the boy air! Tucker, you hike
for the surgeon."

A shove started Teddy for the surgeon. In the meantime
Mr. Sparling was working over Phil, seeking to bring him back