The Young Acrobat of the Great North American CircusAlger, Horatio, Jr.
General
The Young Acrobat of the Great North American Circus
Alger, Horatio, Jr.
Circus -- Fiction; Conduct of life -- Fiction; Inheritance and succession -- Fiction
"Yes, sir."
"I wouldn't have dreamed it. You look like a young gentleman."
"I hope I am, sir."
"Pardon me, I meant no offense, but you don't at all answer my idea of a
circus performer."
"I have only been two days with the circus," said Kit; "and that may
account for my not having a circus look."
"It is time to take our seats. I will speak with you afterwards. First,
however, let me introduce my daughter, Evelyn Grant."
"I am glad to make your acquaintance, Miss Evelyn," said Kit, removing
his hat. "My name is Christopher Watson."
Evelyn offered her hand with a smile.
"I had no idea circus young men were so polite," she said.
There was no chance for any further conversation, as they had entered
the church. Mr. Grant's pew was in a prominent position. He drew back to
let the two young people enter. They seated themselves at the lower end
of the pew and Mr. Grant took his seat at the head. Kit noticed that
several persons in neighboring pews regarded him with apparent
curiosity.
Kit enjoyed the services, which were of an interesting character. He had
expected to feel like a stranger, but thanks to the kindness of Mr.
Grant, he felt quite as much at home as when he sat in his uncle's pew
at Smyrna.
When the services were over, they filed slowly out of church. A new
surprise was in store for Kit.
"If you have no engagement we shall be glad to have you dine with us,
Master Watson," said Mr. Grant.
"You will come, won't you?" said Evelyn, with a smile.
"You are very kind," said Kit, in grateful surprise. "Nothing could be
more agreeable to me."
Just then a gentleman approached Mr. Grant, and said: "I am glad to see
you looking so well, Mr. Mayor."
"Is your father the mayor of the city?" asked Kit.
"Yes; he was elected last December."
"I am very fortunate to be invited to dinner by the mayor."
"And by the mayor's daughter. Don't forget that."
"You may be sure I appreciate that, too."
"How funny it seems to me to be walking with a circus performer! What do
you do? You don't stand upon a horse's back, and jump through hoops, do
you?"
"No, I can't do that."
"But what do you do?"
"I am an acrobat."
Kit explained to her what he did.
"It must be very hard."
"Oh, no! I learned to do it in a gymnasium, before I ever dreamed of
being connected with a circus."
"Where was the gymnasium?"
"Attached to Dr. Codman's academy."
"Why, I had a cousin who attended there," said Evelyn, in surprise.
"What was his name?"
"Edward Moore."
"I know him very well. He is a nice fellow."
At this moment Kit, in looking around, was surprised to see the familiar
face and figure of Mr. Barlow, the circus proprietor, who had evidently,
like himself, been attending the service. Recognition was mutual.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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