"The Ringlings?" marveled Phil. "Why, I shouldn't think you would want to leave a big show like that for a little one such as this?"
"It's the price, my dear boy. I get more money here, and I'm a star here. In the big shows one is just a little part of a big organization. There's nothing like the small shows for comfort and good fellowship. Don't you think so?"
"I don't know," admitted Phil. "This is the only show I have ever been with. I 'joined out' last season—"
"Only last season? Well, well! I must say you have made pretty rapid progress for one who has been out less than a year."
"I have made a lot of blunders," laughed Phil. "But I'm
learning.
I wish, though, that I could do a bareback act one quarter as
well
as you do. I should be very proud if I could."
"Have you ever tried it?"
"No."
"Why don't you learn, then? You'd pick it up quickly."
"For the reason that I have never had an opportunity—I've had no one to teach me."
"Then you shall do so now. Your teacher is before you."