In Chapter VIII of “The Circus Boys In Dixie Land,” Zoraya, a fellow performer, is left behind due to a severe injury, marking the end of her performing days. Meanwhile, the Great Sparling Combined Shows, with which the Circus Boys are touring, moves on, now captivating audiences across Canada. Amidst new routines and successes, a significant challenge arises when Phil discovers that a rival circus, the Sully Hippodrome Circus, is scheduled to perform in Corinto just a day before their own show. Concerned about the potential impact on their business, Phil reports this to Mr. Sparling, the show owner.

Mr. Sparling reveals his history with the rival circus’s owner, Sully, who was once a partner in Sparling’s show but was ousted due to dishonest behavior. Sully’s current venture is described as a “graft show,” involving unethical practices to swindle money from spectators. Alarmed by the threat Sully poses, Sparling devises a strategy to compete directly by adjusting their schedule to play in Corinto on the same day as Sully’s show.

To better understand and counter Sully’s tactics, Sparling sends Phil on a covert mission to observe the rival circus. Phil, tasked with gathering evidence and keeping a low profile, is to shadow the Sully Hippodrome Circus, starting from St. Catharines. Given the seriousness of this mission, Phil prepares to depart, understanding the risks involved, especially given Sully’s known ruthlessness. The chapter closes as Phil readies himself for this undercover task, setting the stage for a direct confrontation between the two circuses. This narrative introduces themes of rivalry, espionage, and the importance of ethics in competition, emphasizing the lengths to which the characters are willing to go to protect their livelihoods and the fair play in their industry.