A familiar voice just behind him served to calm Phil’s disquieted nerves.
“Don’t be frightened, kid. It’s only Emperor having a little joke. He’s a funny fellow,” said the elephant’s attendant.
Phil had read somewhere that elephants possessed a keen sense of humor, and now he was sure of it. But he never thought he would have an opportunity to have the theory demonstrated on himself.
The elephants were on their way to participate in the grand entry, and there was not a minute to spare now. Emperor on his way into the other tent had come across his new-found friend and recognized him instantly, while Phil had not even heard the approach of the elephants.
No sooner had the elephant discovered the lad than he picked him up with his trunk, slowly hoisting the boy high in the air.
“Steady, Emperor! Steady!” cautioned the attendant. But Emperor needed no admonition to deal gently with his young friend. He handled Phil with almost the gentleness of a mother lifting a babe.
Phil Forrest experienced a thrill that ran all through him when he realized what was taking place.
“We can’t stop to put you down now, my boy. You’ll have to go through the performance with us. Grab the head harness when he lets you down on his head. You can sit on the head without danger, but keep hold of the harness with one hand. I’ll bet you’ll make a hit.”
“I will if I fall off,” answered Phil a bit unsteadily.
As it was, the unusual motion made him a little giddy.