"
"I will, thank you."
The boys began their work after putting on their working clothes,
consisting of old silk undershirts and linen trunks. This left
them free for the full play of their muscles, which, by this
time, were of exceptionally fine quality. Not big and bunchy,
but like thin bands of pliable steel. Both Phil and Teddy
appeared to have grown half a head taller since they joined out
with the circus.
"Put a little more finish in that cutoff movement," directed
their instructor. "The way you do it, Teddy, you remind me of a
man trying to kick out a window. There, that's better."
And so it went on. Days came and went and the steady practice of
the two circus boys continued, but if Mr. Sparling knew what they
were doing he made no reference to it. He probably did know, for
little went on in the Sparling Combined Shows that he was not
aware of.
Nothing out of the routine occurred, until, late in the season,
they pitched their tents in Canton, Ohio, when something happened
that brought to a climax the certainty of the careers of the
circus boys.
All day long the clouds had been threatening. But, though keen
eyes were watching the scudding clouds, no apprehension was felt,
as it was believed to be but a passing thunderstorm that was
coming up.
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