human
Well, Teddy, said Mr. Sparling,
gpt
You boys beat anything I ever came across in all my circus experience,
human
Where do we sleep?
gpt
The cabins are all on the upper decks. The lower decks will be used wholly for the equipment. I have had all the partitions ripped out, down there, and the deck flooring lowered a little so that the elephants will have room to stand. I have also had smaller wheels put on all the wagons. Had I not done so the wagons would not have gone in through the openings on the sides.
human
What about the tent poles? asked Phil.
gpt
You never will be able to drive a pole wagon on board.
human
You have an eye to business, I see. Have you noticed that the center poles are spliced this season?
gpt
Yes, I did observe that.
human
It was for the purpose of easier handling. The poles will all be swung to the upper decks in bundles. In the morning they will be lowered to the wagons, which can be done without much difficulty. All the poles, except those belonging to the big top, will go out on the 'Little Nemo,' as you have named her. At first, handling the show will be a little awkward, but we shall soon get the hang of it and fit into the new arrangement just as if we had been always traveling on boats. Traveling on the water, you see, we shall be able to show on both sides of the river all the way down, which we could not do were we traveling by train. That will give us a long season, short runs overnight and a fine outing. Everybody will be delighted with the change, don't you think so?
gpt
If not, they will be pretty hard to please, I should say, rejoined Phil.
human
Why, it will be a regular vacation--all summer!
gpt
How far do we go?
human
The length of the river.
gpt
To the Gulf of Mexico?
human
Yes. New Orleans probably will be our last stand of the season. That is, if we do not get wrecked on the big river.
gpt
We can swim out if we do,
human
I hope nothing of the sort will occur. I think our new plans will make a great hit along the river.
gpt
They cannot help but do so. We shall have a fine business, I know, smiled Phil,
human
May we go on board?
gpt
I hardly think you will have time this morning, Teddy. You boys had better get back to the lot now. I will let you run the show, Phil, as I shall be busy most of the day arranging for the transfer to our new quarters. I chose Saturday for the purpose, as it will give us plenty of time. We probably shall not get away from here much before daylight.
human
What boat do we berth on?
gpt
The 'Fat Marie,' answered the showman, with a laugh.
human
I believe I'll have these new names of yours painted on the boats. They certainly make a hit with me. Skip along, now!