`` I know , old boy , I know ; but it ca n't be done . We 've quit the business and must just look on . No larks for us this time , Sanch , so keep quiet and behave , ' whispered Ben , tucking the dog away under the seat with a sympathetic cuddle of the curly head that peeped out from between his feet . `` He wants to go and cut up , do n't he ? '' said Billy , `` and so do you , I guess . Wish you were going to . Would n't it be fun to see Ben showing off in there ? '' `` I 'd be afraid to have him go up on a pile of elephants and jump through hoops like these folks , '' answered Bab , poring over her pictured play-bill with unabated relish . `` Done it a hundred times , and I 'd just like to show you what I can do . They do n't seem to have any boys in this lot ; should n't wonder if they 'd take me if I asked 'em , '' said Ben , moving uneasily on his seat and casting wistful glances toward the inner tent where he knew he would feel more at home than in his present place . `` 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 XXXXX , 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 .
Bab Ben Billy Sam Sanch cuddle left play-bill riders seat