Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/223

 "Fine!" returned Freckles.

"And the little horse?"

"He is fine also, but he is still in the sling. Sometimes I am afraid his leg will never mend."

"Oh, yes, it will," returned the circus owner confidently; "but I am afraid myself it will take some time. That was why I sent for you."

Here Freckles's heart began to pound so vigorously that he was afraid Mr. Bingham would hear it. Mr. Bingham's next words confirmed his worst fears, and actually made him turn pale and his hands tremble.

"I have been thinking," said Mr. Bingham reflectively, "that perhaps you ought to retire from the circus. You seem to be rather unlucky."

It was just as he had imagined. Mr. Bingham thought him a hoodoo. He was going to fire him and give his job of driving Sir Wilton to a luckier boy. The thing that he loved the most of anything