Phil made some guarded inquiries, but was unable to learn
whether or not anyone had been observed about the chariots
that day. The hub cap, of course, might have been removed
while the chariots were still on the boat, but in that event
its loss would no doubt have been noticed, for the caps were
of brass, large and prominent.
Phil decided that the act must have been committed just before
the chariots were driven into the arena for the Roman races.
In this, Phil Forrest was right.
The solution of the mystery was at hand, however, and was to come
in a most unexpected manner.
Supper had been eaten, and most of the performers were out on
the lot, enjoying the balmy air of the early evening for the few
moments left to them before they would be obliged to repair to
the dressing tent to make ready for the evening performance.
Phil decided to go in, after finishing a talk with Mr. Sparling
in the latter's private tent. As the lad passed through the
menagerie tent the attendants were lighting the gasoline lamps
there and hauling them up the center poles.
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