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 Billy , fired with emulation . `` Where 'll you get your elephants ? '' asked Sam , scornfully , for gymnastics were not in his line . `` You 'll do for one , '' retorted Ben , and Billy and Bab joined in his laugh so heartily that a rough-looking , man who sat behind them , hearing all they said , pronounced them a `` jolly set , '' and kept his eye on Sancho , who now showed signs of insubordination . `` Hullo , that was n't on the bill ! '' cried Ben , as a parti-colored clown came in , followed by half a dozen dogs . `` I 'm so glad ; now Sancho will like it . There 's a poodle that might be his ownty donty brother -- the one with the blue ribbon , '' said Bab . beaming with delight as the dogs took their seats in the chairs arranged for them . Sancho did like it only too well , for be scrambled out from under the seat in a great hurry to go and greet his friends ; and , being sharply checked , sat up and begged so piteously that Ben found it very hard to refuse and order him down .
He subsided for a moment , but when the black spaniel , who acted the canine clown , did something funny and was applauded , Sancho made a dart as if bent on leaping into the ring to outdo his rival , and XXXXX was forced to box his ears and put his feet on the poor beast , fearing he would be ordered out if he made any disturbance .
Bab Ben Billy George Hullo India-rubber Sam Sancho bareback play-bill