Part 23 (1/2)
”On us?” cried Carl in wonder.
”Yes. You see I am from Raymondsville, the next town. My name is Walter Raymond, and my father owns about half the place. My brothers and sisters are going to give a lawn party this afternoon, and I promised to see if I couldn't get some of the members of your company over to liven things up.”
”I would like to appear for you, first rate,” said Carl quickly, thinking he saw a chance to make a few dollars.
”So will I appear,” added Leo.
”How much will you charge for an entertainment lasting say an hour?”
Carl looked at Leo. They did not wish to ask too much, and at the same time wanted to make all they could.
”Two city performers generally get twenty dollars,” said Leo; ”but we might go a bit cheaper.”
”I wouldn't mind giving twelve dollars,” replied Walter Raymond. ”If you can come for that, I'll drive you over as soon as you can get ready.”
A bargain was struck, and then the two performers returned to the vicinity of the theater. Nothing could be learned of Nathan Wampole, and an hour later they left for Raymondsville.
They found Walter Raymond very kind. He treated them to a liberal dinner, and aided them to get their stage things into proper shape.
”It's lucky we got our stuff from the theater,” said Leo. ”We may pick up quite a little money by giving private performances throughout this district.”
”That twelve dollars will help us to get our baggage from Mrs. Gerston,”
said Carl.
The Raymond homestead was surrounded by beautifully laid out grounds, and directly after the noonday hour the guests began to arrive, to the number of a dozen or more. Carl and Leo had been given a dressing-room in the mansion, and here they prepared for their acts.
Leo was the first to perform, and at the conclusion of his initial act he was loudly applauded.
Then Carl appeared, followed by one of the house servants, who brought his paraphernalia.
”Isn't he handsome!” whispered several of the girls.
Carl began to juggle with several b.a.l.l.s and a hoop. He threw the b.a.l.l.s through the hoop and around it. Then he brought forth several daggers and juggled them in one hand, while he kept the b.a.l.l.s going with the other. The hoop he balanced on a stick set on the end of his nose, and placed a ball on top of all.
This was a remarkable feat, requiring great delicacy of touch and a keen eye. The boys and girls watched him breathlessly, and then began to clap their hands.
”Wonderful! wonderful!”
”I never saw anything to equal that!”
”It's as good as a performance in a circus or a theater!”
The juggling continued, Carl getting down on one knee and also on his back, without making a miss of anything that was in motion.
At the very height of the act came a loud cry from the house.
”Help! help!”