"If I had a hook I believe I could lead him. He's a very bad elephant. I hope nobody has been killed."
It was more quiet in the street where Forrest now found himself, and by degrees the excitement that had taken possession of the huge beasts began to wear off.
Phil uttered his commands to them in short, confident tones, all the time drawing nearer and nearer to the circus lot.
Very soon the fluttering flags from the big top were seen above the intervening housetops.
"I'm going to win—oh, I hope I do!" breathed the Circus Boy.
With rapid strides, at times merging into a full run, the beasts tore along, now understanding that they were nearing their quarters, where safety and quiet would be assured.
And, beyond that, it was time for their dinners. Already bales of hay had been placed in front of their quarters, and the elephants knew it.
As the procession burst into the circus lot a dozen attendants started on a run toward them.
"Keep off!" shouted Phil. "Do you want to stampede them again?
Keep away, I tell you and I'll get them home. Drive all the
people out of the way in case the bulls make another break.
That's all you can do now."
Now young Forrest urged Emperor to the head of the line of bobbing beasts, feeling sure that the others would follow him in now.