Zoraya was left behind. She was sent to a hospital where she was
destined to remain many weeks, before she would be able to be moved to
her little home in Indiana. She never performed again.
In the meantime the Great Sparling Combined Shows had moved
majestically along. They had left the United States and were touring
Canada, playing in many of the quaint little French villages and larger
towns, where the Circus Boys found much to interest and amuse them.
Teddy and Shivers had made a great hit in their "brother" clown act,
which was daily added to and improved upon as the show worked its way
along the Canadian border.
One day Phil, who had been downtown after the parade, where he
went to read the papers when he got a chance, came back and sought out
Mr. Sparling in the latter's private tent.
"Well, Phil," greeted the owner cordially, "what's on your mind?"
"Perhaps a good deal, but possibly nothing of any consequence. You
will have to decide that."
"What is it?" questioned Mr. Sparling sharply.
"Do we show in Corinto?"
"Yes; why?"
"I thought I had heard you mention that we were to do so."
"Why do you ask that question?"
"I'll answer it by asking another," smiled the Circus Boy. "When do we
make that stand?"
The showman consulted his route book.
"A week from next Tuesday," he said. "Anything wrong about that?"
"Yes."
"What?"
"Nothing except that there is another show billed to play there the day
before."
"What?"
Mr. Sparling bent a keen gaze on Phil's face, to make sure the lad was |
