CHAPTER III -The Circus Boys Across the Continent

In Chapter III of “The Circus Boys Across The Continent,” titled “Phil to Rescue,” the tale unfolds with Phil Forrest discovering his friend, Teddy Tucker, missing as their circus train departs. Desperate to locate Teddy, Phil searches the train to no avail. Meanwhile, Teddy, in an act of daring, has climbed atop a stock car, clinging for dear life as the train speeds along. His precarious position is soon discovered by a brakeman who, upon learning Teddy is with the circus but without proof, decides he must remove the boy at the next town.

Teddy, determined to stay, resists the brakeman’s threat with stubbornness even as he is admired by the brakeman’s ease on the moving train. A series of exchanges between Teddy, the brakeman, and the roustabouts sleeping on the train unfolds, with Teddy being viewed as an intruder. Despite this, he stubbornly refuses to be dismissed easily.

The climax of the chapter occurs when the train makes a stop at McQueen’s siding to let another train pass. Here, the brakeman attempts to forcibly remove Teddy, leading to a brief confrontation. Teddy, utilizing his circus skills and quick wits, manages to evade the brakeman and re-board the train, hiding atop the caboose.

As the train reaches Atlantic City, Teddy’s attempt to disembark unnoticed fails, and the brakeman catches him once more, this time deciding to involve the police. Teddy’s situation seems dire as the chapter closes with him facing potential legal trouble for his adventurous but unauthorized ride.

This chapter vividly highlights the themes of loyalty, bravery, and resilience through Teddy’s desperate efforts to stay with the circus and avoid being left behind. It sets the stage for further adventures and challenges that the Circus Boys must navigate as they travel across the continent.