“That’s a hot act you have,” went on Ted. “I wonder the old man lets you get away with it. What in the world people can find in that to laugh at I can’t see. It’s on the blink, I think.”
Jack did not consider that any good would come of answering the mean clown, and he passed into the dressing-tent, as his turn was over for the afternoon. He encountered his friend Sam, who was washing up after the performance.
“I saw Ted talking to you,” began the veteran clown. “Is he bothering you?”
“No—not much,” replied Jack, determined to fight his own battles as far as he could.
“If he does, let me know, and I’ll speak to the old man about him.”
“Oh, I guess I can get along.”
“All right, only you know I’ll stand by you. Say, I’ve got a suggestion for you.”
“What is it?”
“Why don’t you make the paper-covered hoops you now use more in the shape of wings? You can easily do it, for the wood frame is light and not hard to bend.”
“That’s a good idea. I guess I will, until my regular machine is ready. I’ll have that Monday or Tuesday, Mr. Delafield said.”