After an hour of this Phil felt sure that all the company had
been accounted for.
Mr. Sparling had arrived about twenty minutes earlier, and was
standing on the dock giving orders. As the lad saw the owner
enter the boat he turned away and hurried downstairs.
"When you are at liberty, I should like a few moments
conversation with you, sir," announced Phil.
"I am at liberty, now, my lad," answered the showman with a smile
and a friendly slap on the boy's shoulder.
"I would rather not talk here, Mr. Sparling," answered Phil in a
low tone.
"Something doing, eh?"
"There is."
"Is it important that you should talk with me at once, or will a
little later on answer the purpose?"
"Later on will do. It is not so urgent as that."
"When the men get these menagerie cages all shifted on deck I
will meet you in my cabin. That will be in about twenty
minutes, Phil."
"Very well, sir; I will be on hand."
Phil walked away, watched the loading operations for a few
minutes, then strolled to the main cabin on the upper deck,
where lunch was being served as usual.
Pages:
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176