The show people could not understand it, and gossip was rife among them as to the meaning of the unusual order.
Orders also had been given to the various heads of departments to prepare to desert the train, bag and baggage.
"Where are we going?" demanded Teddy suspiciously.
"For a walk. You need not go along, unless you wish to," added the showman.
"Of course I wish to go. Do you think I want to stay on the lot when anything is going on somewhere else, eh?"
"There would be plenty going on, if you remained. I am sure of that," replied Mr. Sparling, with a short laugh. "Come along, boys."
Still wondering what it was all about, Phil and Teddy walked along with their employer. They passed on through the business street of the town, then turned off sharply, heading for the north. A few moments of this and they turned to the left again.
"Hello, there's the river," announced Teddy.
"Yes, that is the river."
"I wish I could take a boat ride."