After supper Phil took the boy aside and delivered
Mr. Sparling's message. Teddy looked properly serious,
but it is doubtful if the warning sank very deep into his mind,
for the next minute he was turning handsprings on the lot.
"Know what I'm going to do, Phil?" he glowed.
"There's no telling what you will do, from one minute to the
next, Teddy," replied Phil.
"Going to practice up and see if I can't get in the leaping act."
"That's a good idea. When do you begin taking lessons?"
"Taking 'em now."
"From Mr. Miaco?"
"Yes. I did a turn off the springboard this afternoon with the
'mechanic on,' " meaning the harness used to instruct beginners
in the art of tumbling.
"How did you make out?"
"Fine! I'd have broken my neck if it hadn't been for
the harness."
Phil laughed heartily.
"I should say you did do finely. But you don't expect to be able
to jump over ten elephants and horses the way the others do?"
"They don't all do it. Some of 'em leap until they get half a
dozen elephants in line, then they stand off and watch the real
artists finish the act. I can do that part of it now. But I
tell you I'm going to be a leaper, Phil."
"Good for you! That's the way to talk.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113