Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/196

 there had never seen a full-fledged American show, and they were all eagerness for its coming.

Mr. Bingham asked for a rising vote as to whether his great family would like to take the trip, and nearly every one arose.

"Good," he said. "I will close the contract at once. It will be a great experience for us all."

So in November, Freckles found himself one day watching the loading of the elephants onto a great ship. Most of the animals had been taken aboard on the gangplanks, but the elephants balked at this method of embarking. So strong harnesses had been made for the pachyderms, and, when everything was in readiness, a mighty crane reached down and lifted them bodily on board. It did not matter that they roared, trumpeted, shrieked, and lashed out with their trunks. For once they had met a power that was stronger than they.

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