Jumbo had never made as quick a start in all his circus career as
he did that day. He fairly leaped into the air, though only one
man understood the reason for the mule's sudden move.
With a bray that was heard all over the big top Jumbo burst
through the red curtains like a tornado. There he paused for one
brief instant, as if uncertain whether to do a certain thing or
not.
Recalling the ringmaster's words, the spectators at first were at
a loss to account for the odd-looking figure that was clinging to
the back of the educated mule.
Suddenly they broke out into roars of laughter, while the
performers peering through the red curtain fairly howled with
delight.
Teddy was hanging to the cinch girth uncertain what to do. The
ringmaster, amazed beyond words, stood gaping at the spectacle,
for the moment powerless to use his usually ready tongue.
Jumbo launched into the arena.
"Get off!" thundered the ringmaster, suddenly recovering himself.
"I can't!" howled Teddy, though from present indications it
appeared as if he would dismount without any effort on his own
part.
Jumbo's heels flew into the air, then began a series of lunges,
bucking and terrific kicking such as none among the vast audience
ever had witnessed in or out of a show ring.
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