Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-01-23
LARRY And
the CIRCUS.

"WeIi all go together-start early
and walk"
They were all talking at once. for 1t
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 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 bis
heart upon going.
Some Of the village boys were 80 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 circus of their own
on the following Saturday. II was to
be held In the barn at Rich Jordan's
home. and II their plans could be car.
ried out there would be a ring per-
Torrance and menagerie to be re-
membereds
One Of the smaller boys. Larry
Brown, had little share In oil 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 1t 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 q little money himself by doing
chores at morning and night for a
neighbor. but that was being carefully
saved for 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 Hall. Ben Dexter and some
of the older boys talked long and ear
nestly as they walked home together.
"In 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
a feeling that the boys were not tax
ing him into their plans.
you are later cried Rich. I'VE
want you"
want me?" repeated Larry.
"Yes. we want you to be 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 q duty. Larry gladly did as he
was told. His ragged cap took the
place Of ticket box. and as there
were no tickets every boy who went
in-manager. performers. animal train
ers and all-put few cents or nickel
into the cap And everybody had n
cheerful word for Larry.
When all were inside he followed
and. keeping a close hold on bis 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 coHtortionist. who got
caught In a barrel and had to have
help in getting out It was all good.
and there was great applause. but
every little while Larry would think
of the real circus which the others
we're to see and which he was to miss
When 1t 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. ut is this
way. We have decided that the pro.
ceeds of this circus belong to the
treasurer. Kind Of salary. you know
And It is to be used by the treasurer
in going to the big circus with US next
week"
"oh. I mustn't take it." stammered
Larry.
Eyes. you will. It Is all settled" de.
clared Rich. "And II there Is any left
after buying the tickets for the big
show and the sideshows and all you
can treat the rest Of US to peanuts"
Then they gave three cheers for the
treasurer. who was so happy he hard
ly knew whether to cry or laugh. But
when he hurried home to tell the great
news to his mother he stopped for q
moment to study with u new interest
the many colored posters on the old