“Then, you’d better begin by taking some bends,” suggested Mr. Miaco, who, approaching, had overheard Phil’s remark.
“Bends?” questioned Teddy
“What are they?” wondered Phil. “Oh, I know. I read about them in the papers. It’s an attack that fellows working in a tunnel get when they’re digging under a river. I don’t want anything like that.”
“No, no, no,” replied Mr. Miaco in a tone of disgust. “It’s no disease at all.”
“No?”
“What I mean by bends is exercises. You have seen the performers do it—bend forward until their hands touch the ground, legs stiff, then tipping as far backwards as possible. Those are bending exercises, and the best things to do. The performers limber up for their act that way. If you practice it slowly several times a day you will be surprised to see what it will do for you. I’d begin today were I in your place, Phil. You’ll find yourself a little stiff when you go on in your elephant act tonight—”
“I’m not going on tonight—not until tomorrow. Mr. Sparling doesn’t wish me to.”
“All right. All the better. Exercise! I wouldn’t begin on the rings today either. Just take your bends, get steady on your feet and start in in a regular, systematic way tomorrow,” advised the head clown.
“Thank you, Mr. Miaco; I shall do so. I am much obliged to you. You are very kind to us.”
“Because I like you, and because you boys don’t pretend to know more about the circus business than men who have spent their lives in it.”