The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-08-14
LARRY AND
THE CIRCUS

"we'n all 60 together-start early
and walk"
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 schoolhouse
and were gazing with wide eyes at the
immense colored posters which had
been placed upon its 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 ex.
cited that they forgot to 60 home to
dinner. but when the first bell rang
its warning those from distance who
had brought their lunches generously
shared the good things in their pals
Before the last bell called them all
back to the schoolhouse they were
deep in plans for a circus Of their own
on the following Saturday. 1t was to
be held in the barn at Rich. Jordan's
home. and IL 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 well that there
was no money to spare. He was earn
ing little money himself by doing
chores at morning and night for q
saved for a much needed suit Of
clothes. So he held himself a little
apart when they talked together. But
the other boys were able to see and
understand more than Larry thought,
and after school was over Rich Jor-
dan. Billy Hail, Ben Dexter and some
of the older boys talked long and ear
nestly as they walked home together.
"I'll just be game" Larry decided.
and 80 he made no mention Of the cir
Gus to his mother.
On the following Saturday afternoon
Larry strolled slowly over to the Jor-
dams 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
feeling that the boys were not TAX
ing him into their plans.
You are late!" cried Rich. I'VE
want you"
want me? repeated Larry.
yes, We want you to b ticket tax
er and general treasurer Of our circus.
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 az he
was told. His ragged cap took the
place Of ticket box, and a. there
were no tickets every boy who went
in-manager. performers, animal train
ers and all-put few cents or a nickel
into tho cap. And everybody had a
cheerful word for Larry.
When all were inside he followed
and keeping a close hold on his cap
and its jingling coins. he climbed to q
rafter and watched the performance
the tight rope walker. the trapeze art
lists. the wonderful trained dog. the
clowns and the contortionist. who got
caught in a 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 1t ives over they gathered in