“All ready now. Don’t be afraid. Hold each position till I give you the word to change it.”
“Ready,” announced the lad.
“Emperor! Jupiter!”
The twitching of a ponderous ear of each animal told that they had heard and understood.
“Rise!”
Phil had scrambled to all fours.
“Hold him, Emperor!”
The great trunk curled up, ran over the boy’s legs and twined about them.
“Up you go, kid!”
Phil raised himself fearlessly, straightened and stood full upon his feet. That strong grip on his legs gave him confidence and told him he had nothing to fear. All he would have to do would be to keep his ears open for the trainer’s commands both to himself and the beast, and he would be all right.