"Here he is," answered the plaintive voice of Teddy Tucker.
"Come out of that!"
"I can't. I'm stuck fast."
The showman jerked him out with scant ceremony, while Teddy began pulling pieces of the trunk tray out of his clothes.
"Do you want to put my show out of business? What do you think this is—a cowboy picnic? I'll fire you. I'll—"
"Better fire the mule. I couldn't stop him," answered the boy.
By this time the performers, after making sure that the mule had gone, were creeping back.
"I'll cut that act out. I'll have the mule shot. I'll— Get out of here, before I take you over my knee and give you what you deserve."
"I'm off," grinned Teddy, ducking under the canvas.
He was seen no more about the dressing tent until just before it was time to go on for the evening performance.