Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/177

 rived on the scene, the snake house, in which were also the monkeys, the tropical birds, and many of the more delicate animals, was wrapped in flames. Most of the animals had been taken out.

Freckles gave the snake house only a hurried glance, and then sped away to several long, low buildings where the horses were kept.

These had been prune storehouses. In fact, nearly all the buildings now occupied by the circus had belonged to a bankrupt prune farm.

Several of the grooms slept in these buildings, so when Freckles arrived, he found a long row of most valuable circus horses lined up like cavalry horses, with their bridles snapped together and several men holding them. Of course Freckles's first thought was for Sir Wilton.

Up and down the line of restless steeds he raced, looking for his friend. None of the grooms had seen him, but they thought of course he was out of the building.