Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-06-28
JOINING A CIRCUS.
Tho Satisfying Experiences Of
Two Farmer Boys.

We two l'nois farmers boys. had
run away from home and joined a cir
Gus
The circus hOstler showed us a bunk
where VIC could sleep and dream of the
picnics we would have, and how they
would miss us ut home.
1t was not what We had been ac-
customed to. II was pile of moldy
hay within easy reach of mule that
hadn't yet got acquainted with us.
About two O'clock in the morning we
were told to make hasty toilet and
repair to the dining tent. As matter
of course, was not hungry. The sight
of that table made Frank turn pale and
he wanted to back out, but l chided
him for his weakness and we took a
a cup of coffee. 1t wasn't served in
china cups and saucers either. Every
thing about n circus dining tent is
made to prevent breakage, and of the
plainest kind of tinware. The bread
was stale, the meat tough and the but
ter? That was our fare; but for
dinner We had potatoes cooked in full
dress.
After breakfast. when we were ready
to start, we found, to our dismay. that
our wardrobe had disappeared. What
were We to do? Who could have taken
it? | went to the hostler. He told me
10 keep still and he would find it in a
day or two.
The boss told us how and what to do.
and soon we We're ready to start with
the rest; you see We Travelled by land.
and by night and day as well.
My job was to drive the caravan con-
tanning the lion. while Frank had
cage of wax figures. When climbed
up on my vehicle and pulled up the
reins, / thought myself the most i'm
portant parsonage connected with the
whole concern.
More than once l caught myself
building air castles. Il have taken
the right step" said to myself. Ito
become famous as great circus man.
/ have begun at the bottom round of
the ladder, and | am going to work my
way up by degrees that's the way to
attain success. j won't have to drive |
very long. The boss will soon recog-
nize my Importance and promote me |
to better position"
just then heard cry of ''all up |
come down the line. Not knowing its |
meaning paid no attention and kept
on with my castle building. received |
a shock that almost threw me from nv |
seat Awakening from my reverie |
found L had run into the cage in front. |
This made the driver very indignant and |
he shouted back TO me: Here. what's |
the matter? you gawky, son-of-a-gun
with hayseed in your hair. II you run
into me again your pumpkin-faced far
mer girl won't know YOU" l turned |
around and. to my dismay. Frank was
getting a similar lecture | saw them
all climbing down from their perches.
1t was a chilly night and they were
making preparations to warm I'D a
little. They took down a rail by the
roadside and for starter poured a
gallon or two of the oil in lamps, or
torches. on the rails and soon had a
fire. Then each man was expected to
tell some story. L told mine. in nv |
own way. but poor Frank couldn't tell
any thing. so they let him of, provided /
he would pack enough rails to keep a
good fire.
Well. every thing moved along adj
mirably until the next stand or CAMP
ing ground vas reached, and then |
had trouble. L. was not long until
everybody about the whole concernwas
calling rae Jack. John, Bob and every
other name they could think of. This
Is custom in circus politeness. but | /
did not know it and modestly informed
some OF the smaller ones they would |
have to whip me or stop their nick
names. One fellow said he could do
both and he pulled of his coat; but be-