There was a delay in opening the ring performance and for a very good
reason. In the dressing tent Giles Frozzler was having great difficulty
in persuading his leading lady rider and his clown to go on. Both
wanted their pay for the past two weeks.
"I shall not ride a step until I am paid," said the equestrienne, with
a determined toss of her head.
"And I don't do another flip-flap," put in the clown.
"Oh, come, don't talk like that," argued Giles Frozzler. "I'll pay you
to-morrow, sure."
"No."
"I'll pay you to-night--just as soon as the performance is over. Just
see what a crowd we have--the money is pouring in."
At this the lady bareback rider hesitated, and finally said she would
go on. But the clown would not budge.
"I may be a clown in the ring, but not in the dressing room," said he,
tartly. "I want my pay, or I don't go on."
"All right then, you can consider yourself discharged," cried Giles
Frozzler.
He had started in the circus business as a clown and thought he could
very well fill his employee's place for a day or two.
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