CHAPTER VIII
IN THE SAWDUST ARENA
The lad repressed an inclination to cry out, for the thing that
had encircled his waist and raised him up seemed to be tightening
about him.
A familiar voice just behind him served to calm Phil's disquieted
nerves.
"Don't be frightened, kid. It's only Emperor having a little
joke. He's a funny fellow," said the elephant's attendant.
Phil had read somewhere that elephants possessed a keen sense of
humor, and now he was sure of it. But he never thought he would
have an opportunity to have the theory demonstrated on himself.
The elephants were on their way to participate in the grand
entry, and there was not a minute to spare now. Emperor on his
way into the other tent had come across his new-found friend and
recognized him instantly, while Phil had not even heard the
approach of the elephants.
No sooner had the elephant discovered the lad than he picked him
up with his trunk, slowly hoisting the boy high in the air.
"Steady, Emperor! Steady!" cautioned the attendant. But Emperor
needed no admonition to deal gently with his young friend. He
handled Phil with almost the gentleness of a mother lifting a
babe.
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