The elephant reared slowly on its hind legs, going higher and higher, as it did in its regular performance.
As he went up, the bonnet on Emperor’s head was seen to take on sudden life. The old calico gown fell away from the huge beast at the same time, leaving him clothed in a brilliant blanket of white and gold.
But a long drawn “a-h-h-h,” rippled over the packed seats as the old elephant’s bonnet suddenly collapsed.
Out of the ruins rose a slender, supple figure, topping the pyramid of elephant flesh in a graceful poise. The figure, clad in red silk tights, appeared to be that of a beautiful girl.
The audience broke out into a thunder of approval, their feet drumming on the board seats sounding not unlike the rattle of musketry.
The girl’s hand was passed around to the back of her waist, where it lingered for an instant, then both hands were thrown forward just as a diver does before taking the plunge.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
“Fly!”
The young girl floated out and off from the elephant’s back, landing gently on her feet just outside the sawdust ring.