CHAPTER XVI. MR. BICKFORD AT THE CIRCUS.

 Mr. Bickford's chief object in going to the circus was to regain¹ possession of Kit², his runaway³ apprentice⁴, as he chose to consider him. But, besides this, he really had a curiosity to see the show, and thought this would afford him a good excuse for doing so. The same remark will apply to Mrs. Bickford, whose curiosity had been excited the year previous by seeing a circus procession. The blacksmith and his wife were not prejudiced against amusements, like many others, but were too frugal⁵ to attend them. Now that they could combine business with pleasure, they threw to the winds all hesitation⁶.

 

"Do you think you'll get the boy, father?" asked Mrs. Bickford, as they jolted⁷ over the road to Grafton.

 

"I'll make a try for it, Sarah. He's a good strong boy, and he'll make a capital blacksmith. Did you notice his broad shoulders?"

 

"He looks like he'd have a hearty⁸ appetite," said the careful spouse⁹.

 

"We won't pamper¹⁰ him, Sarah," replied Bickford, smiling grimly. "He won't get no such victuals¹¹ as he did at home. Plain food and plenty of it, that's the way to bring up boys."

 

"Perhaps he won't be at the circus," suggested Mrs. Bickford.[Pg 79]

 

"I'd be surprised if he wasn't. Boys have a natural hankering for the circus. I had when I was a boy."

 

"Did you ever go, Aaron?"

 

"No; I didn't have the money."

 

"Do you know how much they charge?"

 

"Fifty cents, I believe."

 

"It's an awful sight of money to pay for amusement. If it lasts two hours, that makes twenty-five cents an hour."

 

"So it does, Sarah. That's as much as I can earn by hard work in that time."

 

"I don't know as it's right to fling away so much money."

 

"I wouldn't do it if it wasn't for gettin' the boy back. He'll be worth a good deal to me if I do. He's a good deal stronger than Bill Morris."

 

"Of course that makes a difference. I don't care so much for the circus, though I should like to see the man stand up on a horse and jump through hoops¹². I wonder if the horse jumps through too."

 

"I don't know, but we'll soon know all that is to be known. The boy won't expect to see us, I reckon," concluded the blacksmith, with a chuckle¹³.

 

At length they reached the circus grounds. All was bustle¹⁴ and excitement in the neighborhood of the lot.

 

"I declare, Aaron, it looks like Fourth of July," said Mrs. Bickford.

 

"So it does. It beats all—what a crowd there is."

 

They bought tickets and entered the inclosure.

 

In a small tent near the entrance were the curiosities. They were about to walk in when a young man curtly¹⁵ asked for tickets.

 

"We bought tickets at the gate. Here they are."[Pg 80]

 

"All right; but you need separate tickets here."

 

"I declare that's a swindle," said Mrs. Bickford. "I thought we could see the whole show on these."

 

"We only charge ten cents extra for this."

 

"It's a shame. Shall we go in, Aaron?"

 

"I guess we will. I want to see that 'ere fat woman."

 

"I'd like to see the dwarf¹⁶ and the woman with hair five feet long. A circus is dreadful expensive, but bein' as we're here we might as well see the whole thing."

 

Twenty cents was paid at the door, and the economical pair, grown suddenly so extravagant¹⁷, walked in.

 

The first object on which the blacksmith's eyes rested kindled¹⁸ him with indignation, and recalled mortifying¹⁹ memories. It was Achilles Henderson, the giant, who, on his side recognized Aaron Bickford.

 

"Good evening, my friend," he said, with a smile. "I believe we have met before."

 

"Do you know him?" asked Mrs. Bickford, in surprise.

 

Aaron's brow contracted as he answered:

 

"It's the ruffian that threw me over the fence this morning."

 

"I see you remember me," said Achilles, good-naturedly.

 

"I ought to remember you," retorted the blacksmith.

 

"Come, don't bear malice²⁰. It was only a little joke."

 

"I don't like such jokes."

 

"Well, well; I'll give you satisfaction. I'll let you throw me over the fence any time you want to, and I won't make a particle of resistance."[Pg 81]

 

Somehow this proposal did not strike the blacksmith as satisfactory. He asked abruptly²¹: "Where's the boy?"

 

"There were two boys."

 

"I mean the stout²², broad-shouldered boy."

 

"I don't know just where he is at present."

 

"Do you know why I've come here this evening?"

 

"To see the show, I expect."

 

"I've come to get that boy. I've no doubt he's somewhere about here."

 

"Oho!" thought the giant; "I must put my young friend on his guard."

 

"If you'll help me I'll do as much for you some time."

 

"So you are going to carry him back with you?" went on Achilles, desirous of learning the extent of Kit's danger.

 

"Yes, I am."

 

"You say he is your apprentice?"

 

"Of course he is."

 

"And you've got the papers to show for it?"

 

"I don't need no papers. I've got his uncle's consent."

 

"I think, my friend, you're not familiar with the law," thought Achilles. "Kit won't go with you to-night."

 

But it was nearly time for the performance. Mr. and Mrs. Bickford left the smaller tent, and entering the big one took their seats. They watched the performance with great wonder and enjoyment²³ till the entrance of Kit and the Vincenti brothers. They did not immediately discover him, but when he stood on the shoulders of Alonzo Vincenti, who, in turn, stood on the shoulders of Antonio, and the three-storied acrobat²⁴ walked round the ring, Mrs. Bickford recognized[Pg 82] Kit, and, pointing with her parasol to the young acrobat, as she half raised herself from her seat, she exclaimed in a shrill²⁵ voice: "Look, Aaron, there's your boy, all rigged out in circus clothes!"

 

"Well, that beats all!" ejaculated the blacksmith, gazing with wide open mouth at Kit.

 

Just then, Kit, reversing his attitude, raised his feet in the air and was borne round the ring, amid the plaudits of the spectators.

 

"How do you think he does it?" asked Mrs. Bickford in astonishment²⁶.

 

"I give it up," said the blacksmith.

 

"He's a smart critter. Do you think they pay him?"

 

"I reckon he gets two or three dollars a week, but he hain't no business to hire out to the circus folks. He's going back with us to-night, and I'll turn him out a blacksmith in two years."

 

When Kit had finished his act, he went to the dressing²⁷ room and changed his clothes.

 

"I wonder whether the old fellow is after me!" he thought. "What could have put it into his head that I was here?"

 

As he emerged from the dressing room he met Mr. Barlow, the proprietor²⁸ of the circus, who advanced towards him, and shook his hand cordially.

 

"Bravo, my young friend!" he said. "You did yourself great credit. Are you sure you have never performed in a circus before?"

 

"Quite sure, sir."

 

"You went through your act like an old professional. You did as well as either of the other two."

 

"Thank you, sir. I am glad you are satisfied."

 

"I ought to be. I regard you as a decided²⁹ acquisition to my show. Keep on doing your best, and I[Pg 83] can assure you that your efforts will be appreciated. How much did I agree to pay you?"

 

"Ten dollars a week, sir."

 

"That isn't enough. I raise your salary at once to twenty-five."

 

Kit was dazzled by his good fortune. What! Twenty-five dollars a week and traveling expenses for a boy of sixteen! It seemed marvelous.

 

"I am afraid I am dreaming, Mr. Barlow," he said. "I can't believe that I am really to receive so handsome a salary."

 

"You will realize it to-night when you collect your first week's pay."

 

"But this won't be a full week, sir."

 

"Never mind! You shall receive full pay. Do you think I forget your heroic act at Smyrna?"

 

"Thank you, sir. I hope nothing will prevent my continuing in your employ."

 

"What should prevent?" asked Mr. Barlow, quickly. "Have you had an offer from another show?"

 

"No, sir; I am not well known enough for that; but I saw a man in the audience who would probably like to get me away."

 

"Who is it?"

 

"A blacksmith from Oakford."

 

"I don't understand. What have you to do with a blacksmith?"

 

Kit explained briefly³⁰.

 

"When do you think he will try to recover possession of you?" asked the circus proprietor.

 

"Just after the show is over."

 

"Has he any papers?"

 

"Not one."[Pg 84]

 

"Then he has no claim on you. If he makes any trouble let me know."

 

"I will, Mr. Barlow."

1 regain   

vt.重新获得，收复，恢复

参考例句：

• He is making a bid to regain his World No.1 ranking.他正为重登世界排名第一位而努力。
• The government is desperate to regain credibility with the public.政府急于重新获取公众的信任。

2 kit   

n.用具包，成套工具；随身携带物

参考例句：

• The kit consisted of about twenty cosmetic items.整套工具包括大约20种化妆用品。
• The captain wants to inspect your kit.船长想检查你的行装。

3 runaway   

n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的

参考例句：

• The police have not found the runaway to date.警察迄今没抓到逃犯。
• He was praised for bringing up the runaway horse.他勒住了脱缰之马受到了表扬。

4 apprentice   

n.学徒，徒弟

参考例句：

• My son is an apprentice in a furniture maker's workshop.我的儿子在一家家具厂做学徒。
• The apprentice is not yet out of his time.这徒工还没有出徒。

5 frugal   

adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的

参考例句：

• He was a VIP,but he had a frugal life.他是位要人，但生活俭朴。
• The old woman is frugal to the extreme.那老妇人节约到了极点。

6 hesitation   

n.犹豫，踌躇

参考例句：

• After a long hesitation, he told the truth at last.踌躇了半天，他终于直说了。
• There was a certain hesitation in her manner.她的态度有些犹豫不决。

7 jolted   

（使）摇动， （使）震惊( jolt的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The truck jolted and rattled over the rough ground. 卡车嘎吱嘎吱地在凹凸不平的地面上颠簸而行。
• She was jolted out of her reverie as the door opened. 门一开就把她从幻想中惊醒。

8 hearty   

adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的

参考例句：

• After work they made a hearty meal in the worker's canteen.工作完了，他们在工人食堂饱餐了一顿。
• We accorded him a hearty welcome.我们给他热忱的欢迎。

9 spouse   

n.配偶(指夫或妻)

参考例句：

• Her spouse will come to see her on Sunday.她的丈夫星期天要来看她。
• What is the best way to keep your spouse happy in the marriage?在婚姻中保持配偶幸福的最好方法是什么？

10 pamper   

v.纵容，过分关怀

参考例句：

• Don't pamper your little daughter.别把你的小女儿娇坏了！
• You need to pamper yourself and let your charm come through.你需要对自己放纵一些来表现你的魅力。

11 victuals   

n.食物；食品

参考例句：

• A plateful of coarse broken victuals was set before him.一盘粗劣的剩余饭食放到了他的面前。
• There are no more victuals for the pig.猪没有吃的啦。

12 hoops   

n.箍( hoop的名词复数 )；（篮球）篮圈；（旧时儿童玩的）大环子；（两端埋在地里的）小铁弓

参考例句：

• a barrel bound with iron hoops 用铁箍箍紧的桶
• Hoops in Paris were wider this season and skirts were shorter. 在巴黎，这个季节的裙圈比较宽大，裙裾却短一些。 来自飘（部分）

13 chuckle   

vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑

参考例句：

• He shook his head with a soft chuckle.他轻轻地笑着摇了摇头。
• I couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at the thought of it.想到这个，我忍不住轻轻地笑起来。

14 bustle   

v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹

参考例句：

• The bustle and din gradually faded to silence as night advanced.随着夜越来越深，喧闹声逐渐沉寂。
• There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the railway station.火车站里非常拥挤。

15 curtly   

adv.简短地

参考例句：

• He nodded curtly and walked away. 他匆忙点了一下头就走了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The request was curtly refused. 这个请求被毫不客气地拒绝了。 来自《简明英汉词典》

16 dwarf   

n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小

参考例句：

• The dwarf's long arms were not proportional to his height.那侏儒的长臂与他的身高不成比例。
• The dwarf shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. 矮子耸耸肩膀，摇摇头。

17 extravagant   

adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的

参考例句：

• They tried to please him with fulsome compliments and extravagant gifts.他们想用溢美之词和奢华的礼品来取悦他。
• He is extravagant in behaviour.他行为放肆。

18 kindled   

（使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光

参考例句：

• We watched as the fire slowly kindled. 我们看着火慢慢地燃烧起来。
• The teacher's praise kindled a spark of hope inside her. 老师的赞扬激起了她内心的希望。

19 mortifying   

adj.抑制的，苦修的v.使受辱( mortify的现在分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等）

参考例句：

• I've said I did not love her, and rather relished mortifying her vanity now and then. 我已经说过我不爱她，而且时时以伤害她的虚荣心为乐。 来自辞典例句
• It was mortifying to know he had heard every word. 知道他听到了每一句话后真是尴尬。 来自互联网

20 malice   

n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋

参考例句：

• I detected a suggestion of malice in his remarks.我觉察出他说的话略带恶意。
• There was a strong current of malice in many of his portraits.他的许多肖像画中都透着一股强烈的怨恨。

21 abruptly   

adv.突然地，出其不意地

参考例句：

• He gestured abruptly for Virginia to get in the car.他粗鲁地示意弗吉尼亚上车。
• I was abruptly notified that a half-hour speech was expected of me.我突然被通知要讲半个小时的话。

23 enjoyment   

n.乐趣；享有；享用

参考例句：

• Your company adds to the enjoyment of our visit. 有您的陪同，我们这次访问更加愉快了。
• After each joke the old man cackled his enjoyment.每逢讲完一个笑话，这老人就呵呵笑着表示他的高兴。

24 acrobat   

n.特技演员，杂技演员

参考例句：

• The acrobat balanced a long pole on his left shoulder.杂技演员让一根长杆在他的左肩上保持平衡。
• The acrobat could bend himself into a hoop.这个杂技演员可以把身体蜷曲成圆形。

25 shrill   

adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫

参考例句：

• Whistles began to shrill outside the barn.哨声开始在谷仓外面尖叫。
• The shrill ringing of a bell broke up the card game on the cutter.刺耳的铃声打散了小汽艇的牌局。

26 astonishment   

n.惊奇，惊异

参考例句：

• They heard him give a loud shout of astonishment.他们听见他惊奇地大叫一声。
• I was filled with astonishment at her strange action.我对她的奇怪举动不胜惊异。

27 dressing   

n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料

参考例句：

• Don't spend such a lot of time in dressing yourself.别花那么多时间来打扮自己。
• The children enjoy dressing up in mother's old clothes.孩子们喜欢穿上妈妈旧时的衣服玩。

28 proprietor   

n.所有人；业主；经营者

参考例句：

• The proprietor was an old acquaintance of his.业主是他的一位旧相识。
• The proprietor of the corner grocery was a strange thing in my life.拐角杂货店店主是我生活中的一个怪物。

29 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

30 briefly   

adv.简单地，简短地

参考例句：

• I want to touch briefly on another aspect of the problem.我想简单地谈一下这个问题的另一方面。
• He was kidnapped and briefly detained by a terrorist group.他被一个恐怖组织绑架并短暂拘禁。