Part 40 (1/2)
”What I mean by bends is exercises You have seen the perforround, 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' doesn't wish ht 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 aed 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”
”I hope I shall never be like that,” laughed Phil ”I know I shall always be willing to learn”
”And there always is so to learn in the circus life None of us knows it all There are new things co up every day,”
added the clown
Phil left the dressing tent to go around to the erie tent for a talk with Mr Kennedy and Enal, whereat Ereeted his young friend with every evidence of joy and excite of peanuts as well as several luot away fro his chat with Mr Kennedy
Phil wasa round of calls that afternoon, so he decided that he would next visit Mr Sparling, having seen him only a moment, and that while others were around
”May I come in?” he asked
”Yes; what do you want?”
”To thank you for your kindness”
”Didn't I tell you never to thankyour pardon, sir; I'll take it all back,” twinkled Phil
”Oh, you will, will you, young scapegrace? What did you come here for anyway? Not to palaver about how thankful you are that you got knocked out, stayed a week in bed and had your salary paid all the time I'll bet you didn't come for that Want a raise of salary already?”
”Hardly If you'll give ”
”Go on Say it quick”
”I have been thinking about the fall I got, since I've been laid up”
”Nothing else to think about, eh?”
”And the more I think about it, the , busying himself with his papers
”Yes, sir I don't suppose it would be possible for et the broken wire noould it? No doubt it was throay”
The showman peered up at the boy suspiciously
”What do you want of it?”