I want to go out now and see your young
friend make an exhibition of himself."
"Teddy?"
"Yes. He's going on the leaping act for the first time,
you know."
"That's so. I had forgotten all about it. I want to see that,
too.
I'll hurry and dress."
"And, Phil," said the showman in a more kindly voice, even,
than he had used before.
"Yes, sir," answered the lad, glancing up quickly.
"You are going to be a great showman some of these days, both in
the ring and out of it. Remember what I tell you."
"Thank you; I hope so. I am going to try to be at least a
good one."
"You're that already. You've done a lot for the Sparling
Combined as it is and I don't want you to think I do not
appreciate it. Shake hands!"
Man and boy grasped each other's hand in a grip that meant more
than words. Then Mr. Sparling turned abruptly and hurried out
into the big top where the leaping act was in full cry.
Painted clowns were keeping the audience in a roar by their
funny leaps from the springboard to the mat, while the supple
acrobats were doing doubles and singles through the air,
landing gracefully on the mat as a round off.
The showman's first inquiring look was in search of Teddy Tucker.
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