Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/90

 It seemed to Freckles at this point in the show that he could scarcely breathe. There was something about the little horse that made him want to cry. Not that he felt bad, he could not have just told how he felt, but the Shetland stirred him all up inside, as he told his chums.

When the afternoon show was over, the three went to the horse tent, at Freckles's suggestion, to see if they could get a closer view of Dapples. Here they found Tony, the driver, and one of the ringmasters in a lively wrangle. The man had the greatest boy equestrian by the collar and was pointing out to him three cruel-looking whip marks on Dapples's sleek side.

The boys drew closer to hear what it was all about.

"How did he get those whip marks? Tell me the truth if you know what the truth is," growled the ringmaster.

"Well, if you must know, I give 'em to him. He wouldn't mind," returned the boy sullenly.