"I know why we can't find a pocket!" cried he. "While I was thinking very hard of a way to get you into the circus and almost had the thought, you said, 'Have you got it? Did the thought come?' Now, didn't you?"
The appalling truth burst upon Jerry. He had spoiled Whiteface's thought by interrupting and their thoughts had got mixed.
"I didn't know I was going to," he said. "I tried so hard not to."
"And didn't you think that it would take only fifty cents to buy a ticket?" asked the clown.
"Yes," Jerry miserably admitted.
"That's it!" exclaimed the clown. "That's what mixed my thoughts all up with yours. I was trying to think of a way to get you in without any money. Then, when our thoughts got mixed, I began thinking of the ordinary way of getting into a circus by buying a ticket."
"Can't you think again?" Jerry pleaded in a very contrite voice. "I will keep still this time. I will!"
Just as he spoke a band inside the tent started playing. It was so near him that he was startled, and jumped.
"The circus is about to begin," said the clown. "The band is playing for the parade. I must think quickly so you won't miss any of it."
There was no need of warning Jerry not to say anything this time. He would have said nothing if he had seen the clown turn into an elephant. It was an awful hard thought to think, for the clown stretched out on the ground right close to the tent and looked under the canvas. Then he rolled over, sat up and wagged his head solemnly at Jerry.