"Handsome is as handsome does!" retorted a clown in a loud voice,
and the people cheered.

After this the parade went on without further incident, though
there could be no doubt that the exciting dash and rescue by one
of their own boys had aroused the town to a high pitch of
excitement. And the showmen smiled, for they knew what that
meant.

"Bet we'll have a turn-away this afternoon," announced a clown.

"Looks that way," agreed another, "and all on account of the
kid."

"What's a turn-away?" asked Phil.

"That's when there are more people want to get in than the tent
will hold. And it means, too, that the boss will be good natured
till it rains again, and the wagons get stuck in the mud so that
we'll make the next town behind time. At such times he can make
more noise than the steam calliope."

"He seems to me to be a pretty fine sort of a man, even if he is
gruff," suggested Phil.

"The best ever," agreed several clowns. "You'll look a long way
before you'll find a better showman, or a better man to his help,
than Jim Sparling. Ever been in the show business, kid?"

Phil shook his head.