"I saw a fellow do
that in a show once. He would fall on the ground on his back,
then bounce up into the air several feet."
"You've hit it," replied a clown dryly.
"I remember how all the people laughed and shouted. I'll bet I'd
make a hit doing that."
"You would!" shouted the performers in chorus.
The show was playing in Batavia, New York, on a rainy night,
with rather a small house expected, so no better time could have
been chosen for Teddy's first appearance as a clown.
"Had I better speak to Mr. Sparling about it?"
"Well, what do you think, fellows?"
"Oh, no, no! The old man won't care. If you make them laugh,
he'll be tickled half to death."
"What do you say? Is it a go, Tucker?"
"Well, I'll think about it."
Teddy strolled out in the paddock, where he walked up and down a
few times in the rain. But the more he thought about the
proposition, the more enthusiastic he grew. He could see himself
the center of attraction, and he could almost hear the howls of
delight of the multitude.
"They'll be surprised. But I don't believe I had better go on
without first speaking to Mr. Sparling. He might discharge me.
He's had his eye on me ever since the mule tore up the
dressing tent.
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