At that moment Teddy Tucker came strolling lazily in with a long, white feather tucked in the corner of his mouth.
The showman's eyes were upon it instantly.
"What have you there?" he demanded.
"Feather," answered Teddy thickly.
"I see it. Where did you get it?"
"Pulled it out of the pelican's tail. Going to make a pen of it to use when I write to the folks at Edmeston," answered the boy carelessly.
"You young rascal!" thundered Mr. Sparling. "What do you mean by destroying my property like that? I'll fine you! I'll teach you!"
"Oh, it didn't hurt the pelican any. Besides, he's got more tail than he can use in his business, anyway."
"Get out of here!" thundered the manager in well-feigned anger.
"I'll forget myself and discharge you first thing you know.
What do you want?"
"I was going to ask you something," answered Teddy slowly.