"Why, I came in with him myself less than ten minutes ago--"

"I know. He stopped right in front of my table here to speak to
the ringmaster. Heard him say you were not to be allowed to go
on till tomorrow. We don't have to go in the parade today if we
don't want to, either. But you are to ride Emperor in the
Grand Entry, and I'm to do my stunt on the educated mule."

"Pshaw, I can work today as well as I ever could," said Phil in a
disappointed tone. "And I'm going on, too, unless Mr. Sparling
gives me distinct orders to the contrary."

Phil got the orders before he had finished his breakfast.

"Believe me, Phil, I know best," said Mr. Sparling, noting the
lad's disappointment. "You have had a pretty severe strain this
morning, and to go on now with the excitement of the first day
added to that, I fear might be too much for you. It might lay
you up for some weeks, and we cannot afford to have that happen,
you know. I need you altogether too much for that."

"Very well, sir; it shall be as you wish. I suppose I may go on
in the Grand Entry as usual?"

"Oh, yes, if you wish."

"I do."

"Very well; then I'll let Mr. Kennedy know. You had better lie
down and rest while the parade is out."