CHAPTER XIX -The circus boys on the flying Rings

In Chapter XIX of “The Circus Boys on the Flying Rings,” titled “Teddy Distinguishes Himself,” the circus atmosphere is tense with James Sparling, the circus owner, infuriated over Phil Forrest’s recent accident. Unbeknownst to the higher-ups, the chapter unfolds with a humorous focus on Teddy, Phil’s chum, who becomes the unintended star of the circus. Teddy, already a natural clown, forges an amusing partnership with Jumbo, a trick mule known for its unpredictable behavior.

One day, as performers limber up, Teddy mounts Jumbo, sparking laughter among the circus folks. The mule, equipped merely with a cinch girth and bridle reins, is set to perform alone in the ring. However, a fun-loving clown provokes Jumbo with a pin just as the mule is about to enter the arena. This prompts Jumbo to burst through the entry curtains with Teddy precariously clinging onto him, much to the ringmaster’s and the audience’s astonishment.

Jumbo embarks on a wild performance, bucking and kicking with Teddy struggling to stay on. This unexpected act turns chaotic, with Teddy’s various misadventures on Jumbo’s back causing a tempest of laughter and amazement from the crowd. Mr. Sparling, witnessing the scene, initially reacts with anger but soon finds himself swept up in the hilarity of the situation. Despite efforts to halt the performance gone awry, Jumbo’s antics only escalate, drawing the entire audience into a frenzy of excitement. Teddy’s inadvertent clowning, including crashing through paper hoops and losing his hat to a kick from Jumbo, further adds to the spectacle.

The climax of Teddy’s accidental performance comes when Jumbo, aiming to retreat, propels Teddy into the air with a series of kicks. Teddy lands amid the band, capping off his unexpected display of acrobatics with a dramatic flourish. This chapter encapsulates the essence of circus life—unexpected twists, the camaraderie among performers, and the joy derived from unintended comedy. Teddy’s day as an accidental star showcases his resilience and the inherent unpredictability of performing animals, leaving the circus audience and his fellow performers in throes of delight over the spectacle.