`` I heard some men say that it 's against the law to have small boys now ; it 's so dangerous and not good for them , this kind of thing . If that 's so , you 're done for , Ben , '' observed Sam , with his most grown-up air , remembering Ben 's remarks on `` fat boys . '' `` Do n't believe a word of it , and Sanch and I could go this minute and get taken on , I 'll bet . We are a valuable couple , and I could prove it if I chose to , '' began Ben , getting excited and boastful . `` Oh , see , they 're coming ! -- gold carriages and lovely horses , and flags and elephants , and every thing , '' cried Bab , giving a clutch at Ben 's arm as the opening procession appeared headed by the band , tooting and banging till their faces were as red as their uniforms . Round and round they went till every one had seen their fill , then the riders alone were left caracoling about the ring with feathers flying , horses prancing , and performers looking as tired and indifferent as if they would all like to go to sleep then and there . `` How splendid ! '' sighed Bab , as they went dashing out , to tumble off almost before the horses stopped . `` That 's nothing ! You wait till you see the bareback riding and the ` acrobatic exercises , ' '' said Ben , quoting from the play-bill , with the air of one who knew all about the feats to come , and could never be surprised any more . `` What are ` crowbackic exercises ' ? '' asked Billy , thirsting for information . `` Leaping and climbing and tumbling ; you 'll see George ! what a stunning horse ! '' and Ben forgot every thing else to feast his eyes on the handsome creature who now came pacing in to dance , upset and replace chairs , kneel , bow , and perform many wonderful or graceful feats , ending with a swift gallop while the rider sat in a chair on its back fanning himself , with his legs crossed , as comfortably as you please . `` That , now , is something like , '' and Ben 's eyes shone with admiration and envy as the pair vanished , and the pink and silver acrobats came leaping into the ring . The boys were especially interested in this part , and well they might be ; for strength and agility are manly attributes which lads appreciate , and these lively fellows flew about like India-rubber balls , each trying to outdo the other , till the leader of the acrobats capped the climax by turning a double somersault over five elephants standing side by side . `` There , Sir , how 's that for a jump ? '' asked Ben , rubbing his hands with satisfaction as his friends clapped till their palms tingled .
`` We 'll rig up a spring-board and try it , '' said XXXXX , fired with emulation .
Bab Ben Billy George India-rubber Sam Sanch bareback left play-bill