I don't want anything
like that."
"No, no, no," replied Mr. Miaco in a tone of disgust. "It's no
disease at all."
"No?"
"What I mean by bends is exercises. You have seen the performers
do it--bend forward until their hands touch the ground, legs
stiff, then tipping as far backwards as possible. Those are
bending exercises, and the best things to do. The performers
limber up for their act that way. If you practice it slowly
several times a day you will be surprised to see what it will do
for you. I'd begin today were I in your place, Phil. You'll
find yourself a little stiff when you go on in your elephant act
tonight--"
"I'm not going on tonight--not until tomorrow. Mr. Sparling
doesn't wish me to."
"All right. All the better. Exercise! I wouldn't begin on the
rings today either. Just take your bends, get steady on your
feet and start in in a regular, systematic way tomorrow," advised
the head clown.
"Thank you, Mr. Miaco; I shall do so. I am much obliged to you.
You are very kind to us."
"Because I like you, and because you boys don't pretend to know
more about the circus business than men who have spent their
lives in it.
Pages:
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206