In the next tent was housed Madam Simla, the snake charmer. She was a tall, thin woman with long black braids which hung down over her bright scarlet robe.
“Only ten cents to see the little lady make the python purr,” called the barker. “Walk right in folks. The show begins in five minutes.”
Miss Gordon did not take the Brownies into Madam Simla’s tent. She considered snakes rather unpleasant for the girls to see. Instead, they walked on to the tent of the thin man and the fat lady. The queer pair were seated on a platform out in front.
“My, isn’t she large!” exclaimed Veve when she saw the fat woman. “Does she eat too much?”
“I think not,” smiled Miss Gordon. “Probably her glands fail to function properly.”
“And see the thin man!” squealed Eileen, her gaze upon the walking skeleton. “He looks starved!”
“Maybe he worries too much,” giggled Belinda.
Miss Gordon and the Brownies moved closer to hear the fat lady make a little speech.
Other people pressed in about them from all sides. One man shoved against Miss Gordon, who had to move away.
“Sorry,” the man muttered, slipping off into the crowd.