But now Dimples removed the hat, sending it spinning to the ringmaster, who, in turn, tossed it to an attendant.The real work of the act was about to start.Phil never having seen the young woman ride, did not know what her particular specialty was.Just now he was keenly observing, that he might learn her methods.
Dimples' next act was to jump through a series of paper hoops.This finished, she leaped to the ring, and, taking a running start, vaulted to the back of her horse.
"Bravo!" cried Phil, which brought another brilliant smile from the rider.She knew that it was not herself, but her work, that had brought this expression of approval from the Circus Boy, whom she already knew of by hearing some of the other performers tell of his achievements since he joined the circus less than a year ago.
"The ring is rough.I should have thought they would have leveled it down better," Phil grumbled, noting the uneven surface of the sawdust circle with critical eyes."I'll bet Mr.Sparling hasn't seen that, or he would have raised a row.But still Dimples seems very sure on her feet.I wonder if she does any brilliant stunts?"As if in answer to the lad's question, the "tweetle" of the ringmaster's whistle brought everything to a standstill under the big top.Even the band suddenly ceased playing.Then Phil knew that something worthwhile was coming.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" announced the ringmaster, holding up his right hand to attract the eyes of the spectators to him, "Little Miss Dimples, The Queen of the Sawdust Arena, will now perform her thrilling, death- defying, unexcelled, unequaled feat of turning a somersault on the back of a running horse.I might add in this connection that Little Miss Dimples is the only woman who ever succeeded in going through this feat without finishing up by breaking her neck.The band will cease playing while this perilous performance is on, as the least distraction on the part of the rider might result fatally for her.Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Little Miss Dimples," concluded the ringmaster, with a comprehensive wave of the hand toward the young woman and her gray ring horse.