They found Walter Raymond very kind. He treated them to a liberal dinner, and aided them to get their stage things into proper shape.
“It’s lucky we got our stuff from the theater,” said Leo. “We may pick up quite a little money by giving private performances throughout this district.”
“That twelve dollars will help us to get our baggage from Mrs. Gerston,” said Carl.
The Raymond homestead was surrounded by beautifully laid out grounds, and directly after the noonday hour the guests began to arrive, to the number of a dozen or more. Carl and Leo had been given a dressing-room in the mansion, and here they prepared for their acts.
Leo was the first to perform, and at the conclusion of his initial act he was loudly applauded.
Then Carl appeared, followed by one of the house servants, who brought his paraphernalia.
“Isn’t he handsome!” whispered several of the girls.
Carl began to juggle with several balls and a hoop. He threw the balls through the hoop and around it. Then he brought forth several daggers and juggled them in one hand, while he kept the balls going with the other. The hoop he balanced on a stick set on the end of his nose, and placed a ball on top of all.
This was a remarkable feat, requiring great delicacy of touch and a keen eye. The boys and girls watched him breathlessly, and then began to clap their hands.
“Wonderful! wonderful!”