Ralph Helfer by Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived Read Free Book Online Page B

let anybody know. I was truly lucky, though. A paraplegic saw me and ran his wheelchair into an attendant to get her attention.” Marigold continued, “I guess I felt very sorry for myself until Moonspirit came along. She and I are the same intellectually, and our friendship and trust has grown.” She paused thoughtfully.
    “You’re probably wondering why I’m getting married. Well,” she said, without waiting for an answer, “nobody has ever needed me. I’ve always needed help, but when I met Karl at Baselfeld, he was so sad and lonely, it brought back memories of my past. We used to talk for hours. We have the same interests, the same philosophy about life. We get along well, and are good companions for each other. We’d never find normal people wanting us, and besides, we understand each other’s needs.”
    “What about Moonspirit?” Bram asked.
    “She’ll stay with us. The three of us will get along just fine.” At this, Little Marigold smiled a mischievous smile. Bram sensedsomething in her voice that was a bit odd, something beyond the understanding of his age. He let it go. Wishing Little Marigold well, Bram headed for the barn, proud that she had chosen him to confide in.
    The wedding was a simple affair. It was held in the sideshow tent. Everyone from the circus attended, plus a few friends from town. Flowers were arranged on either side of the main stage. The calliope man played the wedding march from clear across the circus grounds (old man Gobel wouldn’t let them move it). Little Marigold looked beautiful in her wedding gown, with its lace-covered bodice and yards of white satin that draped from her “waist” to the floor. A tiara of red roses crowned her golden hair that swept down the full length of the dress.
    Josef and Katrina were there to share in the joy of the wedding, each knowing how happy wedded life could be.
    Appelle, dressed in his clown outfit (that’s the way they wanted it) was the best man. String and Himmel the bear trainer were ushers. Lilith, the Fat Lady, was the maid of honor.
    As unusual as it may have seemed, when Moonspirit carried little Marigold down the sawdust aisle, on a gold and satin pillow, with Karl walking beside them, love and caring were on every face. Tears flowed and sobbing was heard when Mesmera, the Snake Lady, fastened a gold chain around each of their necks, from which hung their gold wedding rings. They said their “I do’s” and Karl kissed Little Marigold. Everyone applauded as they came down the aisle and got into a waiting car to begin their weekend honeymoon.
    “Well, Curpo,” said Bram, “that was some wedding. I’m really happy for them.”
    Bram and Curpo got into the back of the truck, Josef and Katrina into the front, and headed back to the farm.
     
    The years fell like dominoes, each no different from the last. Modoc grew at an astonishing rate, her heart keeping pace with her body. She had an enormous capacity for loving all things—and they in turn loved her. Birds landed on her back, picking and scratching,cats rubbed against her legs without fear of being stepped on. The mice in the hay ran only if they were in the hay on the way to her mouth.
    Fall came quickly that year, and Christmas was just around the corner. Big butane heaters were wheeled into the barn to keep Mo and the livestock warm, for the cold months now descended upon them.
    The circus closed its doors for the season. Many employees went their own way, waiting for spring so they could rejoin one another again. The equipment was battened down. The canvas tents, except the menagerie, were folded and stored. Strong, hardy animals like the camels, llamas, and goats stayed to last out the winter. A few dedicated keepers remained to feed, water, and care for the livestock.
    Bitter German blizzards descended, one after the other, and the sun was not to shine for months to come. The countryside was blanketed by a deep, snowy white. The skeletal trees stood starkly