Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/176

 in fact, is the circus owner's winter bugbear.

Mr. P. T. Barnum lost nearly his entire circus through a big fire at Bridgeport, Connecticut, one winter, and he was burned out in New York City the same year.

The California fire started in the snake house. These reptiles are very sluggish in winter, and it is well not to let them get too thoroughly chilled. The bird house is also artificially heated, and the monkeys, which are tropical animals, have to be kept warm.

No one knew how the fire started. Perhaps it was set. The managers had discharged a couple of workmen the day before. The circus buildings were several blocks away from the main part of the town, so that the fire had gained considerable headway before it was discovered or word could be sent to the fire department.

When Mr. Williams and Freckles ar-