CLOWN'S VOICE. Billy Miller's big show and monster circus is in town this afternoon! Don't forget the date! Only one ring—no confusion. Circus day comes but once a year, little sir. Come early and see the wild animals and hear the lion roar-r-r! Mind, I shall expect you! Wonderful troupe of trained mice in the side-show.
During the above, the deeper voice of a "HAWKER"—muffled and far off— cries:
HAWKER'S VOICE. Peanuts, pop-corn, lemonade—ice cold lemo—lemo— lemonade! Circus day comes but once a year.
Breaking in through the music, and the voices of the CLOWN and HAWKER, the gruff voice of a "BARKER" is heard calling.
BARKER'S VOICE. Walk in and see the midgets and the giant! Only ten cents—one dime!
As these voices die away, the CLOWN, whose voice indicates that he is now perched on the head of the couch, sings:
CLOWN'S VOICE.
"Uncle Rat has gone to town,
Ha! H'm!
Uncle Rat has gone to town
To buy his niece"—
His voice ends abruptly—the music stops. Everything is over. There is silence. Then three clear knocks sound on the door.
PETER. Come in…. [The door opens. No one is there—but a faint path of phosphorous light is seen.] Oh, friends! Troops of you! [As though he recognizes the unseen guests.] I've been gone so long that you came for me, eh? I'm quite ready to go back. I'm just waiting for a happy little fellow who's going back with us…. We'll follow. Do you all go ahead— lead the way. [He looks at WILLIAM, holds out his arms, and WILLIAM jumps up and runs into them.] Well, William! You know better now. Come! [Picking up WILLIAM.] Happy, eh? [WILLIAM nods, his face beaming.
WILLIAM. Oh, yes!