Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/145

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

to climb into a bed that stayed still while he slept.

Mr. Williams was anxious to have the boy attempt to learn bareback riding, but he did not seem to care for it. After a few futile attempts it was decided that he had better stick to the exhibition driving and the trick-pony stunts. But he did teach Sir Wilton several new tricks.

At the manager's suggestion some fine photos of Freckles and Dapples were taken, and after each performance the boy would ride about on the small horse, selling these pictures. In this way they made many friends for the circus. They even had invitations to dine out, but the management always preferred that they should eat at home. Performing was not a succession of frolics, and all had to stick closely to the work in hand.

Among the athletes who interested Freckles was a young man called on the circus posters "Flying Fred." He was a spring-board jumper and somersault man.