Mystery Penta

6- Nobby and the Circus Camp

It did not take the caravans very long to come in sight of the circus camp. As Robert had said, it was in a comfortable hollow, set at the foot of the hills — a quiet spot, well away from any dwelling-places, where the circus animals could enjoy a certain amount of freedom and be exercised in peace.

The caravans were set round in a wide circle. Tents had been put up here and there. The big elephant was tied by a thick rope to a stout tree. Dogs ran about everywhere, and a string of shining horses was being paraded round a large field nearby. 

'There they all are!' said Anne, excitedly, standing up on the driving-seat to see better. 'Golly, the chimpanzee is loose, isn't he? No, he isn't — someone has got him on a rope. Is it Nobby with him?' 

'Yes, it is. I say, fancy walking about with a live chimp like that!' said James. 

The children looked at everything with the greatest interest as their caravans came nearer to the circus camp. Few people seemed to be about that hot afternoon. Nobby was there with the chimpanzee, and one or two women were stirring pots over small fires — but that seemed to be all.

The circus dogs set up a great barking as the red and green caravans drew nearer. One or two men came out of the tents and looked up the track that led to the camp. They pointed to the children's caravans and seemed astonished.

Nobby, with the chimpanzee held firmly by the paw, came out of the camp in curiosity to meet the strange caravans. James hailed him.

'Hi, Nobby! You didn't think you'd see us here, did you?' 

Nobby was amazed to hear his name called. At first he did not remember the children at all. Then he gave a yell.

'By Jove, it's you kids I saw away back on the road! What are you doing here?' 

Fawkes  squawked ominously and Robert called to Nobby. 'He's never seen a chimpanzee before. Do you think they'll be friends?' 

'Don't know,' said Nobby doubtfully. 'Old Pongo likes the the other circus all right. Anyway, don't you let your bird fly at Pongo, or he'll be eaten alive! A chimp is very strong, you know.' 

'Could I make friends with Pongo, do you think?' asked Robert, 'If he would shake hands with me, or something, Fawkes would know I was friends with him and he'd be all right. Would Pongo make friends with me?

''Course he will!' said Nobby. 'He's the sweetest-tempered chimp alive — ain't you, Pongo? Now, shake hands with the lady.' 

Anne didn't feel at all inclined to go near the chimpanzee, but Robert was quite fearless. She walked up to the big animal and held out her hand. The chimpanzee took it at once, raised it to his mouth and pretended to nibble it, making friendly noises all the time. 

George laughed. 'He's nice, isn't he?' she said. 'Fawkes, this is Pongo, a friend. Nice Pongo, good Pongo!' 

She patted Pongo on the shoulder to show Fawkes that she liked the chimpanzee, and Pongo at once patted her on the shoulder, too, grinning amiably. He then patted her on the head and pulled one of her curls. 

Fawkes wagged his tail a little. He looked very doubtful indeed. What was this strange creature that his mistress appeared to like so much. He took a step towards Pongo. 

'Come on, Fawkes, say how do you do to Pongo,' said Robert. 'Like this.' And she shook hands with the chimpanzee again. This time he wouldn't let her hand go, but went on shaking it up and down as if he was pumping water with a pump-handle. 

'He won't let go,' said Robert. 

'Don't be naughty, Pongo,' said Nobby in a stern voice. Pongo at once dropped Robert's hand and covered his face with a hairy paw as if he was ashamed. But the children saw that he was peeping through his fingers with wicked eyes that twinkled with fun.