“Jumbo’s eaten something that has disagreed with him,” replied the vet, drying his hands.  “He’s got indigestion — kind of a big stomachache”

E

li’s place was busier than ever.  Day after day, there were lines of people at the ticket office, eager to get inside.

The newest draw at the animal center was Jumbo the elephant.  Everybody loved to watch the big, friendly creature splashing around in his pool, lowering his trunk into the water, and squirting it over himself to cool down.

One afternoon, Eli was in his office doing paperwork when there was a knock at the door.  Izzy, his assistant, came in, looking worried.

“Something’s wrong with Jumbo,” he announced.

“Oh, no!  What’s up?” asked Eli.

“Come and have a look,” replied Izzy.  “It’ll be quicker than me explaining.”

Eli and Izzy hurried over together to the elephant’s enclosure.  Usually, Jumbo would greet them with a loud, “Harrumph!”  But today, the enormous elephant lay on the ground, looking miserable.  His keeper was stroking his rough skin, trying to soothe him.

“I have no idea what’s wrong,” he informed Eli worriedly.  “He was right as rain this morning, and then he got sick and started making retching noises.”

“We’ll get a vet to look at him,” declared Eli at once.  “I hope it’s nothing serious.”