CHAPTER XXI -The Circus Boys Across the Continent

Emerging from a trying ordeal with only some minor injuries, Phil Forrest makes an anticipated return to the circus in St. Joseph, grateful to the farmers who aided him during his previous predicament. He repays their kindness with the monetary assistance from Mr. Sparling, the circus owner, who, deeply angered upon learning about Phil’s misadventure, vows to incorporate an officer into the circus staff for future protection. Despite the incident, Phil remains undeterred, sharing his harrowing experience with fellow performers, which includes an impromptu barnyard circus act that amuses them greatly.

Showing resilience, Phil delivers successful performances that day, despite his recent hardships. Afterwards, while enjoying a late snack with Teddy and other performers, their car is unexpectedly jolted by a switch engine, leading to spilled coffee and light-hearted complaints from Teddy. However, the situation swiftly escalates as their accommodation car is mistakenly directed onto a blind switch, derailing and tumbling over an embankment—a perilous accident followed by a more dire threat as the car catches fire.

In a display of remarkable bravery, Phil rescues Little Dimples and attempts to save others trapped in the inferno. His gallant actions don’t stop as he re-enters the flaming wreckage in search of Teddy, despite Mr. Sparling and others’ desperate protestations for him to stay back. Ultimately, it is Teddy, in a frantic state of loyalty, who plunges back into the blaze in search of Phil, culminating in a tense moment of suspense as the two are caught within the dangerous and fiery chaos of the wrecked accommodation car. Their fate hangs in balance, highlighting their unwavering friendship and bravery amidst disaster.