Even above the vigorous strains of music, Dave could hear a curious murmur run through the crowd as he stepped upon the stand. In an instant every eye was apparently focused upon him. He found it rather difficult to face unconcernedly that battery of looks expressive of curiosity, anticipation, or, perhaps, dreadful to think of, derision.
Almost mechanically the new barker observed the shifting currents of humanity, one moment massed together, and the next flowing over the lot to form in scattered groups before various points of interest. It was very picturesque and interesting. Many girls, in their bright-colored dresses, added a touch of color to the scene.
Dave became so absorbed in contemplating the kaleidoscopic effects that he almost forgot to feel embarrassed. But a shrill screech coming from a youthful throat just below brought him abruptly back to the prominence of his position.
“Say somethin’ or git the hook!”
And just then Mr. Ollie Spudger, by a wave of his big right hand, signaled to the fiddling leader of the “Ten Thousand Dollar” band.
With another terrifying crash and bang, the playing suddenly stopped. A stillness, appalling by contrast, immediately seemed to hover over the surroundings. Dave, momentarily off his guard, found his wits acting in a way that wits sometimes do when called upon to perform their duties under extraordinary conditions. Words which just a few seconds before were clearly imprinted on his mental vision had completely vanished, and he stood gazing awkwardly into the faces of a staring, noisy mob.
Below and at his back, he was conscious of the presence of Mr. Spudger and his manager, realizing, too, that the eyes of each were fastened upon him with eager intensity.
That instant of silence was unendurable. But a noise producer was at hand. A large disc of metal hung between two supports on his right, while a wooden mallet lay on a shelf close by.
Dave got into action.
Bang, bang! A series of deafening crashes, rivaling in volume those produced by the brass in the “Ten Thousand,” immediately swung off into space. Again and again the clanging notes swelled into a din of uproarious proportions.