"No; I rather think that's so.What's your plan?""We have plenty of wagons that are not in use--take for instance the pole wagons.Why not send our wagons over to the village and bring the people here? I am sure they will enjoy that," suggested Phil.
"Splendid," glowed the showman."But I'm afraid the horses never would be able to pull them over.""Think not?"
"I said I was afraid they would not be able to." "I had considered that, sir.""Oh, you had?"
"Yes."
"Of course, I might have known you had.Well, what is it?""I have an even better scheme, and it will be great advertising-- one that few people in town will be able to resist.""Yes?I am listening."
"Well, in the first place, have the long pole wagons fixed up to bring the people over.We can use our ring platforms to make a bottom for the passengers to sit on.""Yes, that will be easy."
"Then, take some side wall poles, stand them up along the sides of the wagon and build a roof with canvas.That will keep the inside of the wagon as dry as a barn.""A splendid idea.But how are you going to get the folks over hereafter you have done that?"
"Wait, I am coming to that.What do you say to hitching the elephants to the wagons and hauling the people back and forth? Nothing like that has ever been done, has it?"Mr.Sparling tossed up his hat regardless of the fact that the rain was beating down on his head and running down his neck.
"Nothing ever been done to compare with it, since P.T.Barnum ploughed up his farm with Jumbo.By the great Dan Rice, that's a scheme!" shouted Mr.Sparling enthusiastically.
"But you will have to hurry if you are going to put the plan into operation," urged Phil.
"What would you suggest, Phil?"
"I would suggest that you send men into town on horseback, right away, having them call at every house, at the post office, the hotel and every other place they can think of, telling the people what we propose to do.Teddy and I will take horses and go out with the rest, if you say so.The rain won't hurt us, and besides, it will be great fun.What do you say, sir?"Mr.Sparling hesitated for one brief second.
"Come on!" he shouted as with hat in hand he splashed toward the lot followed a short distance behind by Phil.
The arrangements suggested by the Circus Boy were quickly made, and a company of horsemen rode over to the village to tell the people how they might see the show without getting wet.While this was being done the pole wagons were being rigged for the purpose, and the elephants were provided with harness strong enough to stand the strain of the heavy loads they would have to draw.
The wagons were to be driven along the village streets at one o'clock, the circus to begin at half-past two.That would give the show people plenty of time to prepare for the performance.
The suggestion met with great enthusiasm.Few people had ever had the privilege of riding behind an elephant team, and they gladly welcomed the opportunity.
At Phil's further suggestion a separate wagon had been prepared forthe colored people.When all was ready the elephants were first driven across the ridge without their wagons, to show the animals that the footing was safe.Then they were hooked to the covered pole wagons and the work of transporting the village to the lot was begun.
