"Mr. Miaco says I could. Says I'm just the build for that sort
of thing," protested the lad.

"Well, then, get him to teach you. Of course we can't know how
to do too many things in this business. We have learned that it
pays to know how to do almost everything. Have you made friends
with the mule since you got back?"

"Yes. He spooned over me and made believe he loved me like
a brother."

Teddy paused reflectively.

"Then what?"

"Well, then he tried to kick the daylight out of me."

"I thought so," laughed Phil. "I'm glad I chose an elephant for
my friend, instead of an educated mule. When are you going to
begin on the springboard--begin practicing, I mean?"

"Mr. Miaco says he'll teach me as soon as we get settled--"

"Settled? I never heard of a show getting settled--that is, not
until the season is ended and it is once more in winter quarters.
I suppose by 'settled' he means when everything gets to
moving smoothly."

"I guess so," nodded Teddy. "What are you going to do?"