The act had been a breach of discipline, so Mr. Sparling
prudently kept himself out of sight until the show had
progressed further.
Later in the evening he chanced to pass Teddy out in the paddock.
"Well, my lad, how is January working tonight?" he asked, with a
twinkle in his eyes.
"Never better, sir, thank you."
"I presume he obeys your commands perfectly, eh?"
"Does everything I tell him to, Mr. Sparling. I can do anything
with that donkey. Why, I could wink at him and make him kick
your head off. I--"
"I'll take your word for it, young man--I'll take your word
for it. Let me warn you to be careful that you do not tell
him to do anything that will interfere with the programme.
We must have our acts clean cut, and embodying nothing that
has not been arranged for in advance. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," answered Teddy, giving the owner a keen,
inquiring glance.
"I'll bet he saw that," mused the lad. "He's letting me off
easy because he had to laugh, just the same as the rest of the
people did."
"What did Mr. Sparling have to say?" questioned Phil, who had
emerged from the dressing tent just as Teddy was walking away
from the showman.
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