Chapters 23-25 Summary

Uncle Al disappears in the aftermath of the stampede, later to be found dead from strangulation, leaving the show to the mercy of the local city officials. Over the next couple days, different circus's come to pick over the animals, performers, and tents. Jacob is concerned about his ability to financially care for Marlena and their baby, so he goes into town and calls the dean of students at Cornell to find out if he can sit his exams. The dean welcomes him back. Jacob rushes back to the circus to tell Marlena. When he arrives, Jacob sees the local sheriff showing Rosie to a potential buyer. Jacob runs over and insists that Rosie is not for sale. Jacob claims that Rosie is his elephant, and he was only allowing the show to use her. The Polish workman backs up Jacob's...