There is a terrible
fascination about the ring, and it's getting a stronger hold of
me every day I am out."
"Yes; I understand that. It's so with all of them. I was that
way myself at first."
"Were you ever in the ring?"
"I clowned it. But I wasn't much of a performer. Just did a few
simple clown stunts and made faces at the audience. Then I got
some money ahead and started out for myself. If I'd had you then
I would have had a railroad show long before this season," smiled
the showman.
"On the other hand," continued Phil, "I am anxious to learn the
front of the house as well as the ring. I think, maybe, that I
could spend part of my time in the office, if that is where you
wish me. If you can spare me from the parade, I might put in
that time to decided advantage doing things on the lot for you,"
mused Phil.
"Spare you from the parade? Well, I should say so. You are
relieved from that already. Of course, any time you wish to go
out, you have the privilege of doing so. Sometimes it is a
change, providing one is not obliged to go," smiled the showman.
"Most of the performers would be glad if they did not
have to, though."
"No doubt of it. But let's see; you have how many acts now?
There's the flying rings, the elephant act and now comes the
bareback act--"
"Yes; three," nodded Phil.
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