Jack was proud and happy. Of course he had higher ambitions than being a circus clown, but while he was in that rôle he was going to do his best. Besides, he wanted to earn all the money he could, so that he might go and search for his father and mother, and he hoped that if he did well his salary might be increased.
“Do the same thing over here,” said Mr. Paine. “Make it as funny as you can. It’s a hit, all right. Ha! Hum! It’s not so bad! It’s not so bad!” which was praise indeed from Mr. Paine.
Jack repeated his act, and was applauded louder than ever. Then he had to go to the far end of the tent, where the ordinary seats were. There he was well received, the final collapse of the aeroplane apparently affording the best amusement of all.
“Down at the other end now,” ordered the manager, who seemed to be keeping an eye on Jack. Though the boy did not know it, managers of shows, whether they be circuses or theatrical performances, are always on the lookout for novelties, and they are only too willing to advance young players who show that they can stand out above the average, and gain the plaudits of the crowd, which is all, save the ticket receipts, that a manager usually cares about.
Just as Jack was getting up on his platform for his last airship performance, Ted Chester, who was creating some amusement by his antics with the miniature automobile, came along.
“You’re not going to do your act here!” he exclaimed to Jack.
“Yes, I am,” replied our hero boldly.
“I say you’re not! I’m going to show here, and I’m not going to have you butting in. Clear out of here!”
“Mr. Paine sent me here.”
“I don’t care whether he did or not. I say I’m going to do my turn here, and you can’t. You’re always around bothering me, and I won’t stand for it!”