a halt. Then he gave some sort of a signal that the animal
understood, for immediately he sank on his knees, and allowed the
keeper to slide down from his perch, making stepping places of tusks and
uplifted trunk.

"Fine!" cried the interested William; "a private performance for the
benefit of Stanhope Troop of the Boy Scouts of America. Where can I get
a bucket handy, mister? I'm just dying to see that big beast scoop up
the water in his trunk."

By this time the camel had arrived, and presently some vehicles came to
a stop close by, while men began to gather around.

Apparently every member of the circus company must be exceedingly
thirsty, for as soon as it was known that a spring lay among the rough
rocks where the flags floated, a number started climbing up, bearing all
sorts of drinking cups.

"How about your animals, sir?" asked Paul. "You see we're looking for a
chance to do a good turn to somebody or other, and if you supplied us
with buckets we'd be glad to water your stock for you."

The big bearded man who seemed to be the proprietor of the traveling
show looked at the speaker as though he could hardly believe his ears.
No doubt his experience with boys had been along quite a different line.
He evidently fancied that they were only made to prove a thorn in the
flesh of every circus owner, stealing under the canvas of the big
round-top, annoying the animals, and throwing decayed vegetables at the
clown when he was trying his best to amuse the audience.

"Buckets?" he exclaimed, presently, "oh! yes, we've got lots handy; and
the animals are certain peeved with thirst. Boys, I'm going to snap that
offer up, because you see, my canvasmen are pretty nigh done up, having
so little sleep. Here you are; just take your pick, and thank you!"

Every boy made haste to comply, so long as the supply of buckets held
out; and those who failed to secure one hung on the tracks of another
more lucky, waiting to claim it for the second filling.

The scene became an animated one indeed, with those khaki-clad lads
climbing up the hill, empty buckets in hand; and carefully lowering
themselves again when the wooden receptacles had been filled with the
clear and cold liquid.

Of course the official photographer had to snap off several views of the
busy scene, and every scout who had carried his camera along followed
suit. It was a "dandy" picture, as William declared, and would hardly be
equalled during the entire course o