Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/133

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day's business. But no two towns were alike. Some were clean and some were dirty. In some places the people were pleasant, and in others, disagreeable. Some towns did all they could to help the circus people, while others tried to hinder them. There was also a great difference in the crowds that came twice each day tc the big top to see the show. Some were easy to please and others hard. Some criticised, while others applauded each act regardless of whether it was good or bad.

But all this made very little difference with the performers. They went right on with their work, whether it rained or shone, whether the people applauded or hissed. Of course they were glad when they gave satisfaction, but all towns were alike to them, that is, they took no personal interest in any place; they could not, living in railway cars and white canvas tents.

Among themselves, however, they were like one great family. They always stood