CHAPTER X -The Circus Boys Across the Continent

In Chapter X of “The Circus Boys Across The Continent,” the performers are initially upset with the boy, Teddy, for causing a ruckus in their dressing tent due to his antics with a mule. Despite the chaos, Phil, another young boy associated with the circus, keeps the mood light, revealing that Teddy narrowly escaped a reprimand by hiding in a trunk. Sent to meet a lady referred to as Mrs. Robinson, Phil is surprised to learn she is actually “Little Dimples,” a valued performer he had recently saved during a performance.

Dimples and Phil share a warm conversation, during which she expresses her appreciation for the circus’s camaraderie and opportunities despite the smaller scale compared to larger shows like “The Ringlings.” She offers to teach Phil the art of bareback riding, acknowledging his potential for greatness in the circus world. Phil, in turn, aspires not just to improve his performance skills but also aims to own a circus one day. Learning that Dimpiles is a mother and wife, with her family performing abroad, Phil feels a kinship, given his own mother’s passing.

The chapter illuminates Phil’s eagerness to learn and Dimples’s willingness to mentor, depicting their practice session. Despite initial struggles, Phil shows promise under Dimples’s guidance. Their training demonstrates the close, supportive relationships formed within the circus community, highlighting themes of growth, ambition, and the nurturing of talent. The lesson also underscores the importance of perseverance and the value of direct, hands-on experience over reliance on aids or shortcuts. This chapter not only advances Phil’s personal development but also enriches the narrative with insights into circus life and the bonds that strengthen its unique society.