“Yes. He gets up all the big words to describe the special acts and attractions. Maybe he’ll be putting yours in big type on the posters some day.” “Not much hope of that.” “You never can tell, my boy. You may make a big hit. I hope you do. But come on, now, we’ll go see the property man.” Jack was introduced to Mr. Delafield, who agreed to make Jack as good an imitation of a small airship as possible, provided the boy would describe what he wanted. “I’ll have it for you the middle of next week,” he said. “I’ve got to make a fake automobile for Ted Chester,” he added to Mr. Kyle. “Is Ted going to do an auto stunt?” asked the head clown. “That’s pretty stale now.” “Well, Ted thinks he can freshen it up. It’s none of my affair. I’m here to obey orders.” “That’s so, but I don’t believe Ted will make a hit with an auto. He had one last season, and the people are sort of getting tired of them.” “That’s what I say, but you can’t convince Ted.” “No, I suppose not. Well, Jack, come on over to my tent, and I’ll give you a few pointers about to-night. I want to see you make good,” and the kind old clown led our hero over to the rehearsing tent, a part of which was screened off for his own use. CHAPTER XIV HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE Jack was more nervous than he had thought he would be when he got ready for his first performance that evening. Under Mr. Kyle’s direction he painted his face, and then he donned a suit belonging to a clown who had left the circus because of ill health. “Well, you look, as good as the average clown,” said Jack’s friend when the boy was fully attired. “Now, it’s what you do that will count to-night, and until you get your new act. Then you may find it easier to make a hit. Don’t be nervous. You may think all in the tent are looking at you, but they’re not. Go ahead just as if you were doing it for Mr. Paine. He’s the one that counts, for if he doesn’t like your act he’ll discharge you.” “I hope I can do as well as I did this afternoon,” said Jack. “Oh, you will, I’m sure. Just remember what I told you. When you speak, speak slowly and distinctly. A falsetto voice carries a good distance. I used to be able to manage one, but I can’t any more. I’m too old. But you can.” There was a glamour about the circus at night that was absent in the daytime. Under the flickering gasolene torches the dingiest suit looked fine, and the spangles sparkled as they never would in the sun. The band struck up a lively air. Once more the procession of performers and animals paraded around the big tent. Jack felt his heart beating loudly. So far he only saw the bright side of the circus life. It was all gaiety and excitement to him now. But he was soon to know the other and darker side. “We’ll go on in a minute, now,” said Sam Kyle to Jack. “You certainly know how to make up well. Lots of clowns take a year to learn that.”