"What's that?"
"No flying rings today."
"I don't understand."
"No flying rings, I said. Mr. Sparling isn't going to put on our act today."
"How do you know?" asked Phil in some surprise.
"Heard him say so."
"When?"
"Just now."
"Why, I came in with him myself less than ten minutes ago—"
"I know. He stopped right in front of my table here to speak to the ringmaster. Heard him say you were not to be allowed to go on till tomorrow. We don't have to go in the parade today if we don't want to, either. But you are to ride Emperor in the Grand Entry, and I'm to do my stunt on the educated mule."