>From
it a rope led up over a pulley, the other end of the rope being
securely held by someone.
When all was ready the pupil would take a running start, jump
into the air and try to turn. At the same time, the man holding
the free end of the rope would give it a hard pull, thus jerking
the boy free of the ground and preventing his falling on his
head.
After a few days of this, both boys had progressed so far that
they were able to work on a mat, made up of several layers of
thick carpet, without the aid of the "mechanic." Of course their
act lacked finish. Their movements were more or less clumsy, but
they had mastered the principle of the somersault in remarkably
quick time.
Mr. Miaco said that in two more weeks they ought to be able to
join the performers in their general tumbling act, which was one
of the features of the show.
There was not an hour of the day that found the two boys idle,
now, and all this activity was viewed by Mr. Sparling with an
approving eye.
But one day there came an interruption that turned the thoughts
of the big show family in another direction.
An accident had happened at the morning parade that promised
trouble for the show.
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