The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-08-12
THE CIRCUS.

do you suppose there is really
such an animal?"
"Just think-there are three rings!"
Its lucky it comes on a Saturday"
Il want to see the clowns most of
ALL"
Il went last year, and
Father says
"And the elephants are all in the
parade"
They were all talking at once. for
it was the noon hour at school, and
the boys had rushed over to the old
barn beside the road, near the school
house, and were gazing with wide
eyes at the immense colored posters
which had been placed upon it's walls
during the forenoon. The big circus
was to be in the city, six miles away,
about two weeks later, and every boy
in the village of Mercer had already
set his heart upon going.
Some of the village boys were so
excited that they forgot to go home
it's warning, those from distance,
who had brought their lunches, gen.
eroussly shared the good things in their
pals. Before the last bell called them
all back to the schoolhouse they were
deep in plans for circus of their own
on the following Saturday 1t was to
be held in the barn at Rich Jordan's
home, and if their plans could be car
ried out, there would be a ring per-
Torrance and a menagerie to be re
membered.
One of the smaller boys, Larry
Brown, had little share in all that was
said. The eyes of no boy were bright
er or bigger than Larry's when he
gazed at the many-colored posters on
the barn, but his heart was heavy
when he realized how unlikely it was
that he would be able to see the won
derful circus. He knew we'll that
there was no money to spare. He
was earning little money himself
by doing chores at morning and night
for neighbor, but that was being
carefully saved for a much-needed
suit of clothes So he held himself
little apart when they talked to-
gether. But the other boys were able
to see and understand more than
Larry thought; and after school was
over Rich Jordan, Billy Hall, Ben
Dexter and some of the older boys
talked long and earnestly as they
walked home together.
"I'll just be game," Larry decided,
and so he made no mention of the
circus to his mother.
On the following Saturday after
noon Larry strolled slowly over to the
Jordans' barn, where great and secret
preparations had been going on all
the week. He had taken little part
in them, for he did not want to think
too much about circuses, and he had
a feeling that the boys were not TAX
ing him into their plans.
"You are late!" cried Rich. 1--WE
want you.''
want me?' repeated Larry.
eyes, we want you to be ticket
taker and general treasurer of our cir
Gus. We are to charge admission this
time, and you just stand here at the
door and take the money"
Proud to be trusted with so impor-
tant duty, Larry gladly did as he
was told. His ragged cap took the
place of ticket-box, and as there
were no tickets, everybody who went
in - manager, performers, animal
trainers, and all-put a few cents or a
nickel into the cap. And everybody
had cheerful word for Larry.
When all were inside he followed,
and keeping close hold on his cap
and it's jingling coins, he climed to a
rafter and watched the performance
the tight-rope walker, the trapeze ar
lists, the wonderful trained dog, the
clowns, and the contortionist, who got
caught in barrel and had to have
help in getting out 1t was all good,
and there was great applause, but
every little while Larry would think
| of the real circus which the others
were to see, and which he was to
miss.
When it was over they gathered in
the ring to count the money which the
| treasurer had.
"A dollar and seventeen cents" an
nounced Rich, after the third count.
Then he cleared his throat and looked
round the little group.
Go ahead said Billy Hall, encour-
agingly.
well, Larry" said Rich, ''it is this
way. We have decided that the pro-
ceeds of this circus belong to the
treasurer. Kind of a salary, you
know. And it is to be used by the
treasurer in going to the big circus
with us next week"
"Oh, mustn't take it," stammered
Larry.
Yes, you will. 1t is all settled, 2
declared Rich. And if there is any
left after buying the tickets for the
big show and the side shows and all,
you can treat the rest of us on pea
nuts