"I guess I am. I'd make a hit as the Fattest Boy on Earth in
this rig, wouldn't I? I'll bet the Living Skeleton will be
jealous when he sees me."
"There, I guess he's pumped up," announced the operator of the
bicycle pump.
"Try it and see," suggested a voice.
"All right."
Teddy got a resounding blow that flattened him on the ground.
But before he could raise his voice in protest he had bounded to
his feet, and someone caught him, preventing his going right on
over the other way.
The performers howled with delight.
"He'll do. He'll do," they shouted.
"Don't you do that again," warned the boy, a little dazed.
The time was at hand for the clowns to make their own
grand entry.
"Come on, that's our cue!" shouted one, as the band struck up a
new tune.
"I--I can't run. I'm too fat."
"We'll help you."
And they did. With a clown on either side of him, Teddy was
rushed through the silk curtains and out past the bandstand, his
feet scarcely touching the ground. Part of the time the clowns
were half dragging him, and at other times carrying him.
At first the audience did not catch the significance of it.
Straight for ring No. 1 Tucker's associates rushed him.
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