The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1916-08-23

Water soaked and crumpled though
it was, Flip eagerly, grasped the letter
and slowed it away in his pocket.
The prying eyes of Chockro, peering
eagerly through the entrance to the
dressing tent saw the letter pass into
the hands of it's rightful owner. The
Hindu chuckled to himself, in the
thought that he would have something
Of value to report to Mrs. Lund, his
''boss."
When the other clowns had dressed
for the performance, the pain in
Flips sprained ankle was so severe
that he decided for once to miss a
show. His companions derived con-
siderable sport from the old, mans
misfortune, but Flip took their rail-
1ery in good part. ~ ~ -.
And just ut that moment the man.
ager of the show entered the dressing
tent. He was plainly out of Sorts and
addressing himself angrily to Flip fair
ly shouted:
"Say, old man, If you think you own
this show because you've travelled with
1t for years, you're mistaken. What's
the matter with you? Why did you
miss the show tonight?" Flip met the
lowering glance of the manager with
steady gaze and responded:
"My ankle is sprained, and can
hardly hobble. It's a funny thing if
1 can't miss a show after all these
years without you hollering." The
other clowns listened in amazement,
as Flip thus CURLY answered the man
ager.
"Well, old man, you'll never miss an
other show while you are with this
trick. The next time I'll throw you
and your trunk off the train"
Flip was downcast when Peg came
to help him down to the sleeper few
moments later. The girl presumed
that the pain In his ankle was the
cause Of the old clowns unusual mood.
But when he told her about the decree
Of the manager, she tried to cheer him
up. Suddenly she turned and said:
3"l'll do your act. Then he can't fire
you. If your foot is not well tomorrow
afternoon, II make up like you and
wear your togs," said the girl.
ss ~
When the Hindu reported to Mrs.
Lund, at her hotel that evening, the
woman was Immensely pleased with
the information that the letter was in
Flip's possession. And to secure the
important document, Mrs. Lund and
the Hindu perfected bold plan. Civ
ing Chockro the necessary instruc-
lions, Mrs. Lund directed him to work
out the preliminary details before
show-time the next afternoon.
Chockro and one of his men, accord
ingly, drove to the circus grounds the
next day in q rented automobile. The
driver had been bribed and instructed,
and leaving the machine in a some
what secluded spot near the tents,
!Chockro and his men proceeded to put
the woman's plan into execution. H..
Mrs. Lund was on hand to give her
hirelings final instructions. Sneaking
up to the entrance of tile dressing tent,
Mrs. Lund and Chockro saw Flip sit
ting on his trunk, evidently waiting to
begin preparations for the afternoon
show.
a&s . - -
Flip was in despair when Peg en-
tered his dressing room.
II guess wen be forced to try your
scheme," said Flip, in response to the
girls inquiries. MY foot is still in
such bud shape that I can't stand
on it, and I've had to send one Of the
boys downtown to buy me crutch."
"Well, I've seen your act SO many
times, daddy, DEAR" said Peg, shat I
know every trick, and If you'll show
me how to make up my face, I'll 60 on
in your place, and I'll bet the manager
won't know the difference" 1.|.- %"
The girl went through with every
trick Flip was accustomed to do and
to every outward appearance it was
the old clown himself who was con-
vulsing the audience with laughter by