The Circus Boys on the Mississippi; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River

any trouble wi

o's

Spanish

O

r's face gr

bout hi

angry words or anything of the sort with him?" persisted Phil For

ed the Circus Boy, wi

e you thi

u were standing in the paddock this af

did he l

ion in his eyes that said more plainly than words, 'I'll

l!" breat

do you

digging his heel into the soft turf of the circus lot. "Can

l make me forget the question I asked you just now. You

his eyes a

o go into th

busi

's minds, at so

nk y

mine, and find out what he's got up his slee

f what else yo

nk I don't know what

am I thin

o to Diaz what he hopes to do to you some of these days

ese fine spring mornings, that's what I'll d

cker, lis

liste

o nothing o

won

N

t wait a

t on our fourth seas

is spring, you ha

know it must have p

it, but don't spoil

oil

his season than ever before, and you must not expect Mr. Spa

raid of Bos

ty and attend to business. We owe him a heavy debt of

guess

ble between you a

turning to his o

d Teddy, "you

es

the arena and catching the hats on thei

nkeys ever did th

don't. The trained

nod

ut after my clown act. I had picked up the ringmaster's whip, and as

a shot

it were. Don't you understand?" de

hook h

ip and I hit the mark the first shot. Down

hat did

d, then kicked it out of

poiled their act

uess I

lemanly thing to do

hat Mr. Sparling did

ould have happened

ve fined me,

uld have had you sent back home by the first

a job with the Yankee Rob

tfit for bad conduct. I don't wonder Diaz is a

y no

did he

of it was in Spanish, but what I did

langua

t the boss canvas

rised, Ted

wa

do such a thing. I don't blame Diaz for being angry, and I warn you that you h

t tell the boss

or you if he had. Diaz is awaiting his opportunity to ge

tter look

to the clown and apologize. Tell him it was a thoughtl

won

but that is wh

would d

tainly

m give you

doing what is right, and that would be satisfactio

lected fo

dea. And if he won't accept my apol

will have done the best

rcus Boy. "I'll shed a tear or two to show

f one of your associates so early in the season. Think how uncomfortable it would be for you all through the summer. He has not been with us long enough to become used to yo

front of which the lads had been standing just outside the ten

LYING RINGS," had made their humble start in the circus world. During that first season both lads had distinguished themselves-Phil for his bravery and cool headedness, Teddy for getting himself in

the former ran down and captured a bad man who had been a thorn in the side of the circus itself for many weeks through his efforts to a

show, held prisoner on the owner's private car, and later was obliged to become a performer in the ring of the rival show. His escape, his long tra

l at Edmeston, where they made their home, working hard after school hour

iplomas in their pockets, set out one bright May morning to join the sho

ere looking forward with keen anticipation to their summ

ong with his apology," decided Phil, turning and entering

Diaz, who sat on his trunk making

ved him. The clown glanced up, glowered, and slowly placed the mirror on the trunk

To Phil Forrest's listening ears it was the

de a monkey of

rly explode

rcus Boy in a slightly louder tone. "Maybe I wouldn

e?" questioned Diaz, tapping

s making an apology-to the hyena

ah

made a fool of

-fo

bout right. You certain

n the painted face before him. Before the lad could raise his hands to protect himself Diaz h

His face was flushed and

him again. Teddy squared off, prepared for fight. At that moment, however, there cam

ly stepped between

do?" demanded the Circu

D

es

the monk

howled Teddy,

t his comp

" cautioned Phil, turning to the clown again,

very diplomatic, but he means well. He apolo

rowled t

ot call it

iaz, making a leap for Teddy, who h

t," answered Phil Forrest firml

n instant he glared into Phil's steady gray eyes, the

e mark. Phil dodged and ste

ght for his head. This blow the Circus Boy sk

z!" warned Phil. "

thing you will be s

!" snarled

you, sir, but you m

ows upon him, though with no great exhibition of boxing skill. Phil could h

ul fist of Diaz reached him, Phil exhibiting the wonderful self-control that was characteristic of h

ust in his trousers pockets, shoulde

this now," breathe

away!

d shoulders. Quick as he was he found himself unable to turn over

hough athletic figure of the Circus Boy

body belonged to Tucker. Teddy landed with great force on the head and shoulders of the enraged clo