In Search of Goliathus Hercules by Jennifer Angus Page A

annoyance that comes with the job. I gotta go now. I’m on again in five minutes. See you, Henri.”
    “OK. Bye.” And as an afterthought he said, “Break a leg!”
    Robin turned and smiled. “Thanks,” she said and hurried off. Henri had learned in his first week that you never wish a performer good luck because if you do, they believe quite the opposite will happen. So you wish something bad on them—like breaking a leg—instead.
    Returning Sophia and Maria to his hair, Henri smiled. Three good things had happened. First, the fleas were now convinced that they could jump through the rings of fire. Second, he had met Robin, who didn’t seem to look down on him, and in terms of the circus hierarchy, she was far superior since she was a performer in the big top. And finally, he knew where to get fleas! Billy! But he would have to figure out a way of getting them without making Billy feel bad.

    The following day, Maestro Antonio announced, “And now ladies and gentlemen, a world premiere! Let me introduce a pair of brave daredevils…Pedro and Pablo! These two will launch themselves through not one, not two, not three, no, not four, not even five, but six, yes, six rings of blazing fire. Enrico, prepare the rings!”
    Henri was a little concerned. Despite his suggestion yesterday that the two fleas rehearse, both had decided that it was so easy it wasn’t necessary. Henri leaned over to set the rings ablaze. As he did so, he whispered to Pedro and Pablo, “Break a leg!” Pedro looked startled but braced himself and launched his body into the air. Through the hoops he flew, but Henri could see his jump was off-center. He landed at the other end and collapsed! Pablo was up next, but it was clear he was frozen with fear. Luckily, out of nowhere, Maria jumped through the hoops and landed beyond Pedro with a flourish. The audience roared with delight. Of course, they had no idea which flea was which, so it was all the same to them. Two fleas had made it through the rings of fire.
    When the show was over, Henri quickly turned his attention to Pedro. “What happened?” asked Henri.
    “You told me to break a leg! I didn’t break a leg. I burned one off! This is all your fault!” he howled.
    “Oh, quiet!” said Sophia. “It’s nobody’s fault but your own, you idiot. You should have practiced the way Henri wanted you to.”
    “What am I going to do now?” Pedro wailed. “I’ll never work again.”
    “The only reason you won’t work is because you’re so lazy!” Maria retorted.
    “OK, OK, everyone. Calm down. Pedro, I am very sorry you were hurt,” said Henri. “Maybe I could make you some crutches? Or an artificial leg? That’s what they do for soldiers who have lost their legs in battle.”
    “Now, that I would be interested in,” said Pedro.
    “Henri, don’t be ridiculous,” said Sophia. “Pedro, you still have five good legs. You are exaggerating! Look at you, you’ve been moving around almost normally.”
    It was true. In his anger, Pedro had bounded about the circus stage just as he always did. “But the pain!” he howled. “I’ll be in agony for the rest of my life.”
    “Tsk, tsk,” said Maria. “I’ve seen better acting by the clowns in the big top show! Sophia is right. You’re exaggerating!”
    It was impossible for Henri to know if Pedro was really in pain or faking it, and so he said, “Pedro and Pablo, I am going to make arrangements for both of you to be shipped home tomorrow.” And with that announcement, Henri realized that more than ever he must hold auditions.

Facts of Life and Death
    “P edro, Pablo? Where’s home for you?” asked Henri.
    “Here,” they replied in unison. “Not that it’s a great place,” said Pedro dejectedly.
    “I mean, before coming to the circus, where was home?”
    “Oh, now that was a nice place,” said Pablo. “Wasn’t it, Pedro?”
    “Sure was. I remember it well. Nice juicy flesh. Blood had an outdoorsy type of taste…like a