His plan was, after going through some funny stunts, to pretend to pump up the bag with air. Then he would carry the “flying machine” to the top of a small, light platform, which had been made for the purpose. After some further odd mannerisms he would jump to the ground, a distance of about thirty feet. The big umbrella he calculated would allow him to land without injury, and as he descended he would work the paper wings with his feet, giving a fairly good imitation of a person flying. “What do you think of it?” asked Mr. Delafield. “Of course, it will be all painted up in bright colors before you use it.” “It’s fine!” exclaimed Jack enthusiastically. “I wish it was ready now.” “There’s quite a lot of work on it yet,” said the property man. “But I’ll have it for you the first of the week. I hope you make a hit with it.” “I will if I don’t come down too heavy.” “Oh, that umbrella will hold you all right. You’ll come down as easy as a piece of paper. I’ll make it good and strong.” “Hello! hello! hello! What’s this? What terror-inspiring bird of prey from the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains is about to perform before an awe-struck multitude for the first time in the history of the world?” asked another voice, and Jack and Mr. Delafield looked up to see the fat, jolly countenance of Nolan Waddleton, the “adjective man.” “Oh, this is a new machine for a flying clown,” explained the property man. “Jack is going to spring something different.” “Ah, I must have that for my posters,” said Mr. Waddleton. “That will be quite a drawing card. I need something fresh and new. Let’s see. Nerve-thrilling trip through the terrestrial----No, that won’t do. You’re going to keep off the earth. Through the towering--no, I’ve used that before. Oh, can’t you give me a couple of adjectives, some of you?” and he looked appealingly at Sam and Jack. “How would ‘Startling sensation of a Simple Simon sailing serenely, supereminently and satisfactorily over the heads of a startled, strabismus-struck, sensation-satiated assemblage in an admirably adapted aeroplane’ strike you?” asked Mr. Delafield. “Excellent! superb! lovely! marvelous! That’ll do first-rate!” exclaimed the “adjective man” enthusiastically. “I must write that down. We’ll have you on the bills soon,” he added, turning to Jack. CHAPTER XVII JACK MAKES A HIT That afternoon’s performance was well attended. Jack did the same thing he had done on the previous day and was moderately well applauded. As usual, however, Sam Kyle created the most laughter, for he had an act that was mirth-provoking, and he took advantage of various happenings in the ring to turn a joke or do some odd stunt that was sure to bring forth clapping. Ted Chester, with his miniature automobile, made a hit also. The people seemed to like him, and this delighted Ted. He strutted about as “proud as a turkey just before Thanksgiving,” as one of the other clowns put it.