The cumulative effect was enormous, and could have but one possible result.  The normal boy is always at least one half Barnum.

“Let’s get up a show!”

Penrod and Sam both claimed to have said it first, a question left unsettled in the ecstasies of hurried preparation.  The bundle under Sam’s arm, brought with no definite purpose, proved to have been an inspiration.  It consisted of broad sheets of light yellow wrapping-paper, discarded by Sam’s mother in her spring house-cleaning.  There were half-filled cans and buckets of paint in the storeroom adjoining the carriage-house, and presently the side wall of the stable flamed information upon the passer-by from a great and spreading poster.

“Publicity,” primal requisite of all theatrical and amphitheatrical enterprise thus provided, subsequent arrangements proceeded with a fury of energy which transformed the empty hayloft.  True, it is impossible to say just what the hay-loft was transformed into, but history warrantably clings to the statement that it was transformed.  Duke and Sherman were secured to the rear wall at a considerable distance from each other, after an exhibition of reluctance on the part of Duke, during which he displayed a nervous energy and agility almost miraculous in so small and middle-aged a dog.  Benches were improvised for spectators; the rats were brought up; finally the rafters, corn-crib, and hay-chute were ornamented with flags and strips of bunting from Sam Williams’ attic, Sam returning from the excursion wearing an old silk hat, and accompanied (on account of a rope) by a fine dachshund encountered on the highway.  In the matter of personal decoration paint was generously used:  an interpretation of the spiral, inclining to whites and greens, becoming brilliantly effective upon the dark facial backgrounds of Herman and Verman; while the countenances of Sam and Penrod were each supplied with the black moustache and imperial, lacking which, no professional showman can be esteemed conscientious.

It was regretfully decided, in council, that no attempt be made to add Queenie to the list of exhibits, her brothers warmly declining to act as ambassadors in that cause.  They were certain Queenie would not like the idea, they said, and Herman picturesquely described her activity on occasions when she had been annoyed by too much attention to her appearance.  However, Penrod’s disappointment was alleviated by an inspiration which came to him in a moment of pondering upon the dachshund, and the entire party went forth to add an enriching line to the poster.

They found a group of seven, including two adults, already gathered in the street to read and admire this work.

     SCHoFiELD & WiLLiAMS
     BiG show
     ADMiSSioN 1 cent oR 20 PiNS
     MUSUEM oF CURioSiTES
     Now GoiNG oN
     Sherman Herman & Verman
     THiER fathers iN