THE CIRCUS MAKES A CALL
While the band played, the clown wagon came to a halt and the whole body of funny men sang a song in front of Mrs.Cahill's house, while the widow and her two young guests applauded enthusiastically.
As the clown's wagon drew on, a horse ridden by a young woman was seen dashing straight at the dooryard fence, which it took in a graceful leap, causing the Widow Cahill to gasp her amazement.The rider was none other than Little Dimples, the star bareback rider of the Sparling Shows, who had chosen this way to pay homage to her young associates and to Mrs.Cahill as well.
It was an unusual procedure in a circus parade, but though it had been arranged by Mr.Sparling out of the kindness of his heart, he shrewdly reasoned that it would make good business for the show as well.That the people lined up along the street agreed with his reasoning was evidenced by their shouts of applause.
"Mrs.Cahill, this is our very good friend, Mrs.Robinson, otherwise known as Little Dimples," announced Phil proudly.
Mrs.Cahill bowed and smiled, not the least bit embarrassed.
"You haven't introduced my pony, Phil.The pony is part of little me, you know.""I beg pardon, Mrs.Cahill; let me introduce to you Mrs.Robinson's pony, Cinders, who, though he cannot talk, comes pretty close to it," said Phil, with great dignity.Cinders bowed and bowed, the bits rattling against his teeth until it sounded to the little gathering as if he were trying to chatter his pleasure at the introduction.
"Now, shake hands with Mrs.Cahill, Cinders," directed Little Dimples.
Cinders extended a hoof, which Mrs.Cahill touched gingerly.She was not used to shaking hands with horses.Teddy and Phil, however, each grasped the pony's extended foot, giving it a good shake, after which Phil thrust a lump of sugar into the waiting lips of Cinders.
"Naughty boy!" chided Little Dimples, tapping the neck of her mountwith the little riding crop she carried."You would spoil him in no time.I must be going, now.I hope we shall see you at the show this afternoon, Mrs.Cahill," smiled Dimples, her face breaking out into dimples and smiles.
The widow nodded.
"This afternoon and tonight.She is going to dine with us under the cook tent this afternoon," Phil informed the rider.
"That will be fine."
Dimples nodded, tossed her whip in the air and clucking to Cinders, went bounding over the fence.A moment more and she had taken her place in the line and was moving along with the procession, bowing and smiling.
"That's what I call right fine," glowed Mrs.Cahill."Did you say that little thing was Mrs.Robinson?""Yes."
"Why, she looks like a young girl."
"That's what I thought when I first saw her.But she has a son as old as I am.""Land sakes!" wondered Mrs.Cahill."You never can tell about these circus folks, anyhow."Phil laughed heartily, but Teddy was too much interested in what was going on outside the fence to indulge in laughter.The band was still playing as if its very existence depended upon keeping up the noise, while the white horses attached to the band wagon were frantically seeking to get their heads down for a nibble of the fresh green grass at the side of the road.
