All at once he halted and listened. The blare of the big horns of a circus band reached his ears.
"The parade has started. I must hurry now. The Sully wretches may do something to the parade," Phil cried, starting away on a run. Nor did he slacken his pace until he had gotten well into the town. Now he could hear two bands playing, and knew that the rival parades were under way.
"Where is the circus lot—where is the parade," he asked a man as he dashed by.
The man pointed off to the right and Phil took the next corner with a rush. As he swung into that street he saw the banners of the Sparling show fluttering in the breeze as the parade moved majestically toward him. Taking to the street, for the sidewalks were crowded, Phil ran with all speed. Mr. Sparling, in his carriage at the head, saw him coming. At first he did not recognize the lad; then all at once he discovered who the boy was.
Phil dashed up to the carriage. Mr. Sparling reached out a hand and pulled him in.
"Phil!" he cried.
"Quick, get the tents guarded! Sully's gang are going to cut the guy ropes. Look out for the parade too. I suspect they will try to break it up!"
CHAPTER XVI
THE BATTLE OF THE ELEPHANTS
"What!"