“Is Ted going to do an auto stunt?” asked the head clown. “That’s pretty stale now.”
“Well, Ted thinks he can freshen it up. It’s none of my affair. I’m here to obey orders.”
“That’s so, but I don’t believe Ted will make a hit with an auto. He had one last season, and the people are sort of getting tired of them.”
“That’s what I say, but you can’t convince Ted.”
“No, I suppose not. Well, Jack, come on over to my tent, and I’ll give you a few pointers about to-night. I want to see you make good,” and the kind old clown led our hero over to the rehearsing tent, a part of which was screened off for his own use.
CHAPTER XIV
HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE
Jack was more nervous than he had thought he would be when he got ready for his first performance that evening. Under Mr. Kyle’s direction he painted his face, and then he donned a suit belonging to a clown who had left the circus because of ill health.
“Well, you look, as good as the average clown,” said Jack’s friend when the boy was fully attired. “Now, it’s what you do that will count to-night, and until you get your new act. Then you may find it easier to make a hit. Don’t be nervous. You may think all in the tent are looking at you, but they’re not. Go ahead just as if you were doing it for Mr. Paine. He’s the one that counts, for if he doesn’t like your act he’ll discharge you.”
“I hope I can do as well as I did this afternoon,” said Jack.
“Oh, you will, I’m sure. Just remember what I told you. When you speak, speak slowly and distinctly. A falsetto voice carries a good distance. I used to be able to manage one, but I can’t any more. I’m too old. But you can.”