It seemed as if all the children in River Heights had gathered to watch the big tents being put up. They were running in every direction so as not to miss anything. The good-natured workmen did not seem to mind the excitement and confusion.

Nancy had a hard time keeping track of Teddy. For a while she held onto his hand, running along with him as he darted from place to place.

A short respite came as he paused to watch the elephants being watered in a large tent. It was a thrill for the small boy when a man handed him a bucket and asked if he would like to let Old Jumbo, the biggest elephant, drink out of it.

"Can I really!" Teddy cried gleefully.

Just then a girl's voice called, "Hi, Nancy!"

It was George. She had her little nephew in tow. The two girls chatted for a few seconds, then Nancy turned back to watch Teddy. He was not in sight!

"Oh, my goodness!" Nancy said, worried. "I thought he was giving the elephant a drink."

She looked around the tent. Not seeing Teddy there, Nancy dashed outside. Her eyes roamed over the crowd. Finally she spotted the red-haired youngster and hurried toward him.

But before Nancy could reach him, she was horror-struck to see a large pole on a truck next to the boy begin to slide. If he did not get out of the way, it would strike him!

"Teddy!" Nancy screamed. "Run!"

CHAPTER IIIThe Cruel Ringmaster

For a harrowing second Teddy Brown did not seem to understand what Nancy was saying. The heavy pole, sliding down from the top of the pile, was going to fall on him at any second!

"Teddy!" Nancy screamed again. "Run! Run!"

This time the little boy obeyed. He jumped out of the path of the pole in the nick of time. It landed on the ground with a tremendous thud and began to roll. But Teddy Brown, running to Nancy, was safe.

She dashed up and threw her arms about the youngster. Her heart was pounding wildly.