The Circus Boys On The Mississippi | Page 5

"That would make no difference to me. I should be doing what is right,
and that would be satisfaction enough, no matter what he said or did
after that."
Teddy reflected for a moment.
"Well, maybe that would be a good idea. And if he won't accept my
apology, what then--shall I hand him a--"
"Smile and leave him. You will have done the best you could to make
amends."
"All right, I'll apologize," nodded the Circus Boy. "I'll shed a tear or
two to show him how sorry I am. Want to see me do it?"
"I should say not. You will do it better provided I am not looking on,
but for goodness' sake don't make a mess of the whole business. It
would be too bad to make an enemy of 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
your practical jokes. Perhaps after he gets better acquainted with you,
he may not mind your peculiar ways so much," added Phil, with a short
laugh. "Now run along and be good."
Teddy turned away and slipped through the paddock opening, in front
of which the lads had been standing just outside the tent, leaving Phil
looking after him with a half smile on his face.
The Circus Boys were again on the road with the Great Sparling
Combined Shows. This was their fourth season out, and the readers will
remember them as the same lads who in "THE CIRCUS BOYS ON
THE FLYING 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 into trouble under all circumstances and conditions.
They had quickly risen, however, to the grade of real circus performers,

the owner of the show recognizing in each, the making of a fine
performer.
In "THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT," it will be
recalled how Phil and his companion won new laurels in the sawdust
arena, and how 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 avenge a fancied wrong. By this time the boys had become
full-fledged circus performers, each playing an important part in the
performance.
It will be recalled, too, how Phil and Teddy in "THE CIRCUS BOYS
IN DIXIE LAND," advanced rapidly in their calling; how Phil was
captured by a rival 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 tramp to rejoin his own show, followed by the
battle of the elephants--will be well remembered by all the readers of
the previous volumes in this series.
During the winter just passed, the lads had been attending the high
school at Edmeston, where they made their home, working hard after
school hours to keep themselves in good physical condition for the next
season's work.
Spring came. The lads passed their final examinations, and, with their
diplomas in their pockets, set out one bright May morning to join the
show which, by this time, had come to be looked upon by them as a
real home.
They had been on the road less than two weeks now, and were looking
forward with keen anticipation to their summer under the billowing
canvas of the Great Sparling Shows.
"I think I will take a peep to see how Teddy is getting along with his
apology," decided Phil, turning and entering the paddock. Then he
stepped quietly into the dressing tent.
He saw Teddy approach the clown, Diaz, who sat on his trunk making

up his face before a hand mirror.
Teddy halted a few feet from the clown, waiting until the latter should
have observed him. The clown glanced up, glowered, and slowly
placed the mirror on the trunk beside him. He seemed astonished that
the boy should have the courage to face him.
Then Teddy, solemn-faced, made his apology. To Phil Forrest's
listening ears it was the most amazing apology he ever had listened to.
"I'm sorry I made a monkey of you," said Teddy.
"What!" fairly exploded the clown.
"I'm sorry I made a monkey of you," repeated the Circus Boy in a
slightly louder tone. "Maybe I wouldn't have done so if I had had time
to think about it."
"You make apology to me--to me?" questioned Diaz, tapping his own
chest significantly.
"Yes; to whom did you think I was making an apology--to the hyena
out under the menagerie top, eh?"
"Bah!"
"I am sorry I made a