“Will you do your somersault tonight?” Veve asked her as the time approached for the evening performance to start.
“Of course,” replied Eva. “Who’s afraid? Not I. I’ll do that turn in the air without thinking twice. Just don’t forget to blow the whistle for my act.”
“We won’t forget,” promised Connie.
Just before the circus started, she and Veve were taken into one of the dressing tents to be fixed up for their “special” number.
One of the clowns who was an expert at make-up, coated the children’s faces with a cold-cream-like covering of zinc oxide and olive oil. This was not very pleasant.
Then their faces were heavily dusted with white powder. Next the clown painted on heavy red lines and lips with a stick of grease paint. Connie sat very still while the job was being done, but Veve kept twisting and wiggling.
“It tickles,” she complained.
Veve and Connie were dressed in clown suits and then they were ready for their act. The starter of the circus told them where they were to stand. They were instructed to remain out of view near the band players until time for them to blow the silver whistle.
“I’ll let Connie start Eva’s riding act,” the man said. “And Veve may end it.”
The music soon struck up, filling the big tent which by this time was crowded with spectators.