Harper's Young People, March 15, 1881 / An Illustrated Weekly

THE FIRST LESSON.
When Toby got within sight of the ring, he was astonished at what he saw. A horse with a broad wooden saddle was being led slowly around the ring; Mr. Castle was standing on one side, with a long whip in his hand, and on the tent pole, which stood in the centre of the ring, was a long arm, from which dangled a leathern belt on a long rope that was carried through the end of the arm, and run down to the base of the pole.
Toby knew well enough why the horse, the whip, and the man were there, but this wooden projection from the tent pole, which looked so much like a gallows, he could not understand at all.
Come, now, said Mr. Castle, cracking his whip ominously as Toby came in sight, why weren't you here before?
Mr. Lord just sent me in, said Toby, not expecting that his excuse would be received, for they never had been since he had arrived at the height of his ambition by joining the circus.
Then I'll make Mr. Job understand that I am to have my full hour of your time, and if I don't get it, there'll be trouble between us.
It would have pleased Toby very well to have had Mr. Castle go out with his long whip just then and make trouble for Mr. Lord; but Mr. Castle had not the time to spare, because of the trouble which he was about to make for Toby, and that he commenced on at once.
Well, get in here, and don't waste any more time, he said, sharply.
Toby looked around curiously for a moment, and not understanding exactly what he was expected to get in and do, asked, What shall I do?
Pull off your boots, coat, and vest.