CHAPTER_NN1 5_CRD 
The_AT0 smell_NN1 of_PRF cotton_NN1 candy_NN1 and_CJC hot_AJ0 dogs_NN2 and_CJC horseshit_NN1 ;_PUN the_AT0 groan_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 Ferris_NP0 wheel_NN1 ;_PUN the_AT0 squeals_NN2 of_PRF fear_NN1 and_CJC delight_NN1 from_PRP the_AT0 Roto-Rama_NN1 ;_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 cries_NN2 of_PRF a_AT0 dozen_CRD butchers_NN0 and_CJC talkers_NN2 hawking_VVG their_DPS games_NN2 and_CJC gimmicks_NN2 ._SENT 
Home_AV0 sweet_AJ0 home_NN1 ._SENT 
The_AT0 circus_NN1 was_VBD set_VVN up_AVP in_PRP a_AT0 field_NN1 just_AV0 south_NN1 of_PRF town_NN1 ._SENT Maybe_AV0 it_PNP had_VHD once_AV0 held_VVN corn_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC it_PNP looked_VVD like_CJS it_PNP had_VHD n't_XX0 been_VBN seeded_VVN in_PRP years_NN2 ._SENT Instead_AV0 it_PNP had_VHD sprouted_VVN H_NP0 &_NP0 H_NP0 's_POS games_NN2 ,_PUN rides_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC booths_NN2 ,_PUN all_DT0 of_PRF it_PNP centered_VVD around_AVP the_AT0 single-ring_AJ0 big_AJ0 top_NN1 ._SENT An_AT0 eight-foot_AJ0 canvas_NN1 fence_NN1 encircled_VVD the_AT0 entire_AJ0 affair_NN1 ._SENT 
Sam_NP0 Lee_NP0 parked_VVD the_AT0 truck_NN1 right_AV0 outside_PRP the_AT0 front_AJ0 entrance_NN1 ,_PUN where_AVQ people_NN0 were_VBD exchanging_VVG greenbacks_NN2 for_PRP passage_NN1 under_PRP the_AT0 giant_AJ0 archway_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 circus_NN1 's_POS name_NN1 painted_VVD on_PRP it_PNP in_PRP letters_NN2 big_AJ0 enough_AV0 to_TO0 be_VBI seen_VVN from_PRP passing_AJ0 airplanes_NN2 ._SENT 
After_PRP asking_VVG one_CRD of_PRF the_AT0 parking_NN1 attendants_NN2 to_TO0 keep_VVI an_AT0 eye_NN1 on_PRP the_AT0 truck_NN1 and_CJC the_AT0 suitcases_NN2 in_PRP back_NN1 ,_PUN he_PNP led_VVD us_PNP inside_AV0 ,_PUN where_CJS we_PNP were_VBD allowed_VVN to_TO0 bypass_VVI the_AT0 great_AJ0 unwashed_AJ0 and_CJC enter_VVB gratis_AV0 ._SENT 
Not_XX0 that_CJT there_EX0 was_VBD much_DT0 of_PRF a_AT0 line_NN1 worth_PRP cutting_VVG ._SENT It_PNP looked_VVD like_PRP a_AT0 sparse_AJ0 turnout_NN1 ,_PUN even_AV0 for_PRP a_AT0 Thursday_NP0 afternoon_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 should_VM0 be_VBI getting_VVG ready_AJ0 in_PRP his_DPS trailer_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Sam_NP0 Lee_NP0 said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Hopefully_AV0 we_PNP can_VM0 catch_VVI him_PNP before_CJS he_PNP goes_VVZ on_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ 
He_PNP led_VVD us_PNP on_PRP a_AT0 meandering_AJ0 path_NN1 that_CJT took_VVD us_PNP past_PRP Sideshow_NN1 Alley_NN1 ,_PUN where_AVQ a_AT0 sign_NN1 proclaimed_VVD DOORS_NN2 OPEN_AJ0 AT_PRP 1_CRD :_PUN 30._CRD ONLY_AV0 THE_AT0 BOLD_AJ0 MAY_VM0 ENTER_VVI !_SENT 
The_AT0 sideshow_NN1 always_AV0 started_VVD a_AT0 little_AV0 late_AJ0 ,_PUN it_PNP being_VBG a_AT0 tough_AJ0 sell_NN1 for_PRP early_AJ0 crowds_NN2 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD one_CRD thing_NN1 being_VBG confronted_VVN by_PRP the_AT0 Alligator_NN1 Boy_NN1 or_CJC the_AT0 Human_AJ0 Blockhead_NP0 under_PRP the_AT0 strings_NN2 of_PRF electric_AJ0 lights_NN2 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD another_DT0 to_TO0 see_VVI them_PNP under_PRP the_AT0 noonday_NN1 sun_NN1 ,_PUN with_PRP all_DT0 the_AT0 mystery_NN1 burned_VVD away_AV0 ._SENT 
We_PNP bypassed_VVD the_AT0 midway_NN1 and_CJC its_DPS alley_NN1 of_PRF games_NN2 and_CJC slipped_VVD around_AVP the_AT0 much_AV0 smaller_AJC side_NN1 tent_NN1 that_CJT hosted_VVD the_AT0 acts_NN2 that_CJT worked_VVD best_AV0 in_PRP close-up_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP caught_VVD a_AT0 strain_NN1 of_PRF Mysterio_NP0 warming_VVG up_AVP the_AT0 crowd¡ª_NN1 "_PUQ Nothing_PNI up_PRP my_DPS sleeves_NN2 ._SENT Oh_ITJ ,_PUN what_DTQ 's_VBZ this_DT0 !_SENT "_PUQ ¡ªfollowed_NN0 by_PRP a_AT0 lazy_AJ0 smattering_NN1 of_PRF applause_NN1 ._SENT 
On_PRP the_AT0 southwestern_AJ0 edge_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 grounds_NN2 we_PNP found_VVD the_AT0 crew_NN1 trailers_NN2 ._SENT Sam_NP0 Lee_NP0 walked_VVD up_AVP to_PRP the_AT0 smallest_AJS of_PRF the_AT0 bunch_NN1 and_CJC knocked_VVD on_PRP the_AT0 door_NN1 ._SENT 
A_AT0 familiar_AJ0 voice_NN1 called_VVN from_PRP inside_AV0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Come_VVB in_AVP !_SENT "_PUQ 
Sam_NP0 Lee_NP0 held_VVD the_AT0 door_NN1 for_PRP us_PNP as_CJS we_PNP stepped_VVD up_AVP and_CJC in_AVP ._SENT As_CJS I_PNP passed_VVD ,_PUN he_PNP handed_VVD me_PNP the_AT0 keys_NN2 to_PRP the_AT0 truck_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 said_VVD the_AT0 jalopy_NN1 's_VBZ yours_PNP to_TO0 use_VVI as_CJS long_AV0 as_CJS you_PNP 're_VBB here_AV0 ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP told_VVD me_PNP ._SENT 
"_PUQ Thanks_NN2 ._SENT I_PNP 'll_VM0 try_VVI not_XX0 to_TO0 scratch_VVI the_AT0 rust_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ It_PNP was_VBD real_AJ0 good_AJ0 meeting_NN1 you_PNP both_AV0 ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ If_CJS you_PNP need_VVB me_PNP for_PRP anything_PNI ,_PUN you_PNP just_AV0 yell_VVB my_DPS name_NN1 and_CJC either_AV0 I_PNP 'll_VM0 hear_VVI it_PNP or_CJC someone_PNI will_VM0 come_VVI find_VVI me_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
Then_AV0 he_PNP ran_VVD off_AVP to_TO0 attend_VVI to_PRP whatever_DTQ duties_NN2 the_AT0 bottom_AJ0 man_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 circus_NN1 dog_NN1 pile_NN1 got_VVD stuck_AJ0 with_PRP ._SENT 
The_AT0 trailer_NN1 had_VHD about_PRP half_DT0 the_AT0 square_AJ0 footage_NN1 of_PRF my_DPS tiny_AJ0 bedroom_NN1 back_AVP in_PRP Brooklyn_NP0 ._SENT Despite_PRP that_DT0 ,_PUN Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 had_VHD managed_VVN to_TO0 squeeze_VVI in_PRP a_AT0 sawed-off_AJ0 bed_NN1 ,_PUN dresser_NN1 ,_PUN desk_NN1 with_PRP typewriter_NN1 ,_PUN filing_NN1 cabinet_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC a_AT0 full-length_AJ0 mirror_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 walls_NN2 were_VBD papered_VVN with_PRP old_AJ0 show_NN1 posters_NN2 and_CJC handbills_NN2 :_PUN two_CRD decades_NN2 '_POS worth_NN1 of_PRF diving_AJ0 acrobats_NN2 and_CJC prancing_AJ0 clowns_NN2 ,_PUN roaring_VVG tigers_NN2 and_CJC smiling_AJ0 showgirls_NN2 ._SENT 
Their_DPS paper_NN1 eyes_NN2 stared_VVD out_AVP at_PRP me_PNP and_CJC made_VVD the_AT0 trailer_NN1 feel_VVB even_AV0 smaller_AJC ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD n't_XX0 a_AT0 pleasant_AJ0 feeling_NN1 ._SENT 
However_AV0 ,_PUN it_PNP was_VBD just_AV0 the_AT0 right_AJ0 size_NN1 for_PRP Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 Halloway_NP0 ._SENT Topping_VVG out_AVP at_PRP about_AV0 four_CRD and_CJC a_AT0 half_DT0 feet_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 owner_NN1 ,_PUN operator_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC ringmaster_NN1 of_PRF H_ZZ0 &_NN1 H_ZZ0 was_VBD at_PRP that_DT0 moment_NN1 standing_VVG in_PRP front_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 mirror_NN1 and_CJC putting_VVG the_AT0 final_AJ0 touches_NN2 on_PRP his_DPS ensemble_NN1 ._SENT 
He_PNP liked_VVD to_TO0 say_VVI that_CJT ,_PUN as_CJS he_PNP was_VBD the_AT0 lone_AJ0 dwarf_NN1 still_AV0 employed_VVN at_PRP the_AT0 circus_NN1 ,_PUN it_PNP was_VBD only_AV0 right_AV0 he_PNP take_VVB the_AT0 smallest_AJS trailer_NN1 ._SENT That_DT0 made_VVD it_PNP a_AT0 lot_NN1 harder_AV0 for_PRP anyone_PNI else_AV0 to_TO0 complain_VVI about_PRP their_DPS own_DT0 digs_NN2 ._SENT 
Bob_NP0 was_VBD decked_VVN out_AVP in_PRP his_DPS usual_AJ0 costume_NN1 :_PUN a_AT0 bright_AJ0 red_AJ0 tux_NN1 and_CJC tails_NN2 over_PRP a_AT0 black_AJ0 shirt_NN1 and_CJC pants_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC a_AT0 bright_AJ0 red_AJ0 bow_NN1 tie_NN1 ._SENT His_DPS shoulder-length_AJ0 hair_NN1 was_VBD dyed_VVN the_AT0 same_DT0 color_NN1 as_PRP his_DPS patent-leather_AJ0 shoes_NN2 and_CJC was_VBD pulled_VVN back_AVP at_PRP the_AT0 nape_NN1 of_PRF his_DPS neck_NN1 with_PRP a_AT0 silver_NN1 clasp_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP noticed_VVD that_CJT he_PNP 'd_VM0 let_VVI the_AT0 gray_AJ0 start_NN1 showing_VVG in_PRP his_DPS Vandyke_NN1 ._SENT 
He_PNP was_VBD applying_VVG black_AJ0 makeup_NN1 underneath_PRP his_DPS eyes¡ªan_AJ0 old_AJ0 showman_NN1 's_POS trick_NN1 so_CJS his_DPS face_NN1 did_VDD n't_XX0 get_VVI washed_VVN out_AVP by_PRP the_AT0 spotlight_NN1 ._SENT Also_AV0 ,_PUN he_PNP thought_VVD it_PNP combined_VVD with_PRP his_DPS beard_NN1 to_TO0 give_VVI him_PNP a_AT0 Machiavellian_NP0 air_NN1 ._SENT 
He_PNP was_VBD n't_XX0 wrong_AJ0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Sorry_AJ0 ,_PUN ladies_NN2 ._SENT If_CJS I_PNP fumble_VVB this_DT0 ,_PUN it_PNP gets_VVZ in_PRP my_DPS eyes_NN2 and_CJC I_PNP 'll_VM0 be_VBI blinking_VVG tears_NN2 by_PRP the_AT0 second_ORD clown_NN1 break_NN1 ._SENT If_CJS you_PNP can_VM0 find_VVI a_AT0 clear_AJ0 spot_NN1 on_PRP the_AT0 bed_NN1 ,_PUN feel_VVB free_AJ0 to_TO0 take_VVI a_AT0 load_NN1 off_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ 
My_DPS boss_NN1 pushed_VVD a_AT0 pile_NN1 of_PRF clothes_NN2 aside_AV0 and_CJC took_VVD a_AT0 seat_NN1 ,_PUN while_CJS I_PNP stayed_VVD standing_VVG ._SENT Scraping_VVG off_AVP an_AT0 errant_AJ0 bit_NN1 of_PRF makeup_NN1 with_PRP his_DPS fingernail_NN1 ,_PUN Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 took_VVD a_AT0 last_ORD look_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 mirror_NN1 ._SENT Satisfied_AJ0 with_PRP what_DTQ he_PNP saw_VVD ,_PUN he_PNP turned_VVD and_CJC took_VVD in_PRP his_DPS guests_NN2 ._SENT 
He_PNP held_VVD out_AVP a_AT0 hand_NN1 to_PRP Ms._NP0 Pentecost_NP0 ._SENT This_DT0 time_NN1 it_PNP was_VBD her_DPS fingers_NN2 that_CJT did_VDD the_AT0 swallowing_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ A_AT0 pleasure_NN1 to_TO0 see_VVI you_PNP again_AV0 ,_PUN ma'am_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP said_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ The_AT0 pleasure_NN1 is_VBZ mine_PNP ,_PUN Mr._NP0 Halloway_NP0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ What_DTQ did_VDD I_PNP say_VVI last_ORD time_NN1 ?_SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ Bob_NP0 ._SENT Or_CJC Robert_NP0 ,_PUN if_CJS you_PNP absolutely_AV0 must_VM0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
The_AT0 two_CRD had_VHD met_VVN back_AVP when_CJS Ms._NP0 ?_SENT P_NP0 had_VHD plucked_VVN me_PNP for_PRP the_AT0 gig_NN1 as_PRP her_DPS assistant_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP had_VHD n't_XX0 been_VBN around_AVP for_PRP the_AT0 meeting_NN1 ,_PUN having_VHG been_VBN in_PRP jail_NN1 at_PRP the_AT0 time_NN1 ._SENT So_AV0 I_PNP watched_VVD this_DT0 exchange_NN1 with_PRP a_AT0 certain_AJ0 amount_NN1 of_PRF fascination_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP 'm_VBB sorry_AJ0 for_PRP your_DPS loss_NN1 ,_PUN Robert_NP0 ._SENT I_PNP hope_VVB we_PNP can_VM0 be_VBI of_PRF assistance_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ I_PNP hope_VVB so_AV0 ,_PUN too_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 turned_VVD to_PRP me_PNP ._SENT 
"_PUQ Parker_NP0 ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN making_VVG a_AT0 show_NN1 of_PRF looking_VVG me_PNP up_AVP and_CJC down_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ You_PNP look_VVB good_AJ0 ._SENT Showering_VVG regular_AJ0 these_DT0 days_NN2 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Alternate_AJ0 Wednesdays_NN2 ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP replied_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Still_AV0 buying_VVG your_DPS briefs_NN2 in_PRP the_AT0 toddler_NN1 department_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Nope_ITJ ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Stopped_VVD wearing_VVG '_PUQ em_PNP entirely_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
We_PNP burst_VVD into_PRP simultaneous_AJ0 grins_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC he_PNP stepped_VVD forward_AV0 and_CJC hugged_VVD me_PNP ,_PUN squeezing_VVG and_CJC bending_VVG backward_AV0 to_TO0 lift_VVI me_PNP a_AT0 good_AJ0 two_CRD inches_NN2 off_PRP the_AT0 floor_NN1 ._SENT Bob_NP0 might_VM0 have_VHI been_VBN small_AJ0 ,_PUN but_CJC he_PNP had_VHD been_VBN a_AT0 roustabout_NN1 long_AV0 before_CJS he_PNP was_VBD a_AT0 ringmaster_NN1 and_CJC could_VM0 still_AV0 sling_VVI a_AT0 sledgehammer_NN1 with_PRP the_AT0 best_AJS of_PRF them_PNP ._SENT 
He_PNP set_VVD me_PNP back_AVP down_AVP and_CJC retrieved_VVD his_DPS bright-red_AJ0 top_AJ0 hat_NN1 from_PRP its_DPS perch_NN0 on_PRP the_AT0 bed_NN1 frame_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP got_VVD a_AT0 show_NN1 to_TO0 do_VDI ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ We_PNP can_VM0 have_VHI a_AT0 sit-down_NN1 later_AV0 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP can_VM0 give_VVI you_PNP the_AT0 skinny_AJ0 now_AV0 if_CJS you_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 mind_VVI walking_VVG and_CJC listening_VVG at_PRP the_AT0 same_DT0 time_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ I_PNP think_VVB we_PNP can_VM0 manage_VVI ,_PUN "_PUQ my_DPS boss_NN1 said_VVD ._SENT 
We_PNP hopped_VVD down_AVP out_AVP of_PRF his_DPS trailer_NN1 and_CJC headed_VVD in_PRP the_AT0 general_AJ0 direction_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 big_AJ0 top_NN1 ,_PUN weaving_VVG through_PRP the_AT0 hawkers_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 scurrying_AJ0 performers_NN2 still_AV0 adjusting_VVG bits_NN2 of_PRF costume_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 afternoon_NN1 crowd_NN1 ,_PUN who_PNQ gawked_VVD at_PRP everything_PNI in_PRP sight_NN1 ._SENT That_DT0 included_VVD the_AT0 dwarf_NN1 in_PRP top_NN1 and_CJC tails_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 woman_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 bespoke_NN1 suit_NN1 with_PRP the_AT0 cane_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC what_DTQ they_PNP probably_AV0 thought_VVD was_VBD somebody_PNI 's_POS secretary_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS third-best_AJS slacks_NN2 ,_PUN hurrying_VVG to_TO0 keep_VVI up_AVP ._SENT 
"_PUQ Here_AV0 's_VBZ the_AT0 deal_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 was_VBD saying_VVG ._SENT "_PUQ We_PNP were_VBD in_PRP Pittsburgh_NP0 through_PRP Saturday_NP0 night_NN1 ,_PUN made_VVD the_AT0 jump_NN1 to_PRP Stoppard_NP0 on_PRP Sunday_NP0 ,_PUN got_VVN in_PRP too_AV0 late_AJ0 to_TO0 do_VDI much_DT0 ,_PUN set_VVB up_AVP Monday_NP0 ,_PUN opened_VVD Tuesday_NP0 ._SENT Opening_NN1 day_NN1 goes_VVZ off_AVP without_PRP a_AT0 hitch_NN1 ._SENT Around_PRP eleven_CRD that_DT0 night_NN1 ,_PUN last_ORD call_NN1 sounds_NN2 and_CJC the_AT0 girls_NN2 go_VVB to_TO0 get_VVI Ruby_NP0 from_PRP her_DPS booth_NN1 so_CJS they_PNP can_VM0 all_AV0 go_VVI back_AVP to_PRP their_DPS trailers_NN2 and_CJC get_VVB prepped_VVN for_PRP the_AT0 late_AJ0 show_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 side_NN1 tent_NN1 ._SENT Ruby_NP0 ai_NN0 n't_XX0 got_VVN a_AT0 lot_NN1 of_PRF costuming_NN1 for_PRP that_DT0 show_NN1 ,_PUN so_CJS she_PNP usually_AV0 lends_VVZ a_AT0 hand_NN1 with_PRP everyone_PNI else_AV0 ._SENT She_PNP tells_VVZ the_AT0 girls_NN2 to_TO0 count_VVI her_PNP out_AVP of_PRF the_AT0 show_NN1 that_DT0 night_NN1 ._SENT Said_VVD she¡ª_NP0 "_PUQ 
A_AT0 girl_NN1 of_PRF seven_CRD or_CJC so_AV0 wandered_VVD into_PRP his_DPS path_NN1 ,_PUN her_DPS view_NN1 impeded_VVN by_PRP a_AT0 cone_NN1 of_PRF cotton_NN1 candy_NN1 as_CJS big_AJ0 as_CJS her_DPS head_NN1 ._SENT Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 pirouetted_VVD around_PRP her_PNP ,_PUN doffed_VVD his_DPS hat_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC executed_VVD a_AT0 simultaneous_AJ0 bow_NN1 that_CJT sent_VVD the_AT0 girl_NN1 into_PRP a_AT0 fit_NN1 of_PRF giggles_NN2 ,_PUN then_AV0 kept_VVD moving_VVG without_PRP dropping_VVG a_AT0 syllable_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ ¡ªhad_NN0 to_TO0 see_VVI me_PNP about_PRP something_PNI ._SENT She_PNP heads_VVZ out_AVP of_PRF Sideshow_NN1 Alley_NN1 and_CJC that_DT0 's_VBZ the_AT0 last_ORD anyone_PNI saw_VVD of_PRF her_PNP until_CJS she_PNP turned_VVD up_AVP dead_AV0 ._SENT Hang_VVB on_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ 
We_PNP made_VVD a_AT0 quick_AJ0 zig_NN1 and_CJC zag_NN1 and_CJC slipped_VVD around_AVP the_AT0 back_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 side_NN1 tent_NN1 where_CJS we_PNP 'd_VHD heard_VVN Mysterio_NP0 performing_VVG on_PRP the_AT0 way_NN1 in_AVP ._SENT Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 stopped_VVD at_PRP a_AT0 rear_AJ0 entrance_NN1 ,_PUN its_DPS flap_NN1 tied_VVD loosely_AV0 back_AVP ._SENT Inside_PRP the_AT0 tent_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 crowd_NN1 was_VBD filing_VVG out_AVP the_AT0 other_AJ0 side_NN1 and_CJC Mysterio_NP0 and_CJC his_DPS assistant_NN1 were_VBD clearing_VVG up_AVP stage_NN1 props_NN2 ._SENT 
The_AT0 last_ORD few_DT0 years_NN2 had_VHD n't_XX0 been_VBN kind_AJ0 to_PRP the_AT0 magician_NN1 ._SENT His_DPS face¡ªonce_NN1 all_DT0 hard_AJ0 planes_NN2 and_CJC dramatic_AJ0 shadows¡ªhad_NN1 started_VVD to_TO0 swell_VVI and_CJC sag_VVI ._SENT His_DPS tuxedo_NN1 looked_VVD threadbare_AJ0 and_CJC it_PNP was_VBD straining_VVG a_AT0 little_AJ0 around_PRP his_DPS midsection_NN1 ._SENT 
He_PNP glanced_VVD up_AVP and_CJC we_PNP locked_VVD eyes_NN2 ._SENT I_PNP tossed_VVD him_PNP a_AT0 smile_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC he_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 return_VVI it_PNP ._SENT No_AT0 smile_NN1 ,_PUN no_AT0 surprise_NN1 ,_PUN not_XX0 even_AV0 a_AT0 nod_NN1 ._SENT Just_AV0 a_AT0 half-second_ORD pause_NN1 and_CJC he_PNP went_VVD back_AVP to_PRP picking_VVG up_AVP paper_NN1 flowers_NN2 ._SENT 
I_PNP decided_VVD not_XX0 to_TO0 take_VVI it_PNP personally_AV0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ This_DT0 is_VBZ where_AVQ they_PNP found_VVD her_PNP ,_PUN "_PUQ Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 said_VVD ,_PUN gesturing_VVG at_PRP a_AT0 bare_AJ0 patch_NN1 of_PRF sawdust_NN1 and_CJC dirt_NN1 just_AV0 to_PRP the_AT0 side_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 flap_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Who_PNQ found_VVD her_PNP ?_SENT "_PUQ my_DPS boss_NN1 asked_VVD ,_PUN a_AT0 little_AV0 out_AVP of_PRF breath_NN1 from_PRP the_AT0 double-time_AJ0 walk_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Mysterio_NP0 's_POS assistant_NN1 ._SENT Annabelle_NP0 ._SENT "_PUQ He_PNP nodded_VVD at_PRP the_AT0 tall_AJ0 brunette_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 glorified_AJ0 swimsuit_NN1 picking_VVG up_AVP playing_VVG cards_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP was_VBD on_PRP her_DPS way_NN1 to_PRP her_DPS trailer_NN1 to_TO0 get_VVI changed_VVN for_PRP the_AT0 late_AJ0 show_NN1 ._SENT Nearly_AV0 tripped_VVN over_PRP the_AT0 body_NN1 on_PRP her_DPS way_NN1 out_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ This_DT0 does_VDZ n't_XX0 seem_VVI to_TO0 be_VBI a_AT0 public_AJ0 path_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Ms._NP0 Pentecost_NP0 observed_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ No._NN1 This_DT0 is_VBZ what_DTQ we_PNP call_VVB the_AT0 Loop_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ basically_AV0 an_AT0 alley_NN1 that_CJT circles_VVZ most_DT0 of_PRF the_AT0 lot_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP runs_VVZ between_PRP the_AT0 outside_AJ0 fence_NN1 and_CJC the_AT0 tent_NN1 and_CJC booths_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC lets_VVZ employees_NN2 move_VVI around_AVP without_PRP having_VHG to_TO0 jostle_VVI elbows_NN2 with_PRP the_AT0 public_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ So_AV0 it_PNP 's_VBZ not_XX0 strange_AJ0 that_CJT Ruby_NP0 came_VVD this_DT0 way_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 cocked_VVD his_DPS head_NN1 side_NN1 to_PRP side_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Sorta_NN1 yes_ITJ ,_PUN sorta_NN1 no._NN1 It_PNP 's_VBZ a_AT0 straight_AJ0 shot_NN1 from_PRP the_AT0 front_AJ0 entrance_NN1 of_PRF Sideshow_NN1 Alley_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 trailers_NN2 ._SENT Even_AV0 with_PRP the_AT0 crowd_NN1 filing_VVG out_AVP ,_PUN she_PNP could_VM0 have_VHI gotten_VVN to_PRP me_PNP a_AT0 lot_NN1 quicker_AV0 going_VVG that_DT0 way_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
My_DPS boss_NN1 tossed_VVD me_PNP a_AT0 glance_NN1 and_CJC I_PNP returned_VVD it_PNP ._SENT We_PNP were_VBD both_AV0 thinking_VVG the_AT0 same_DT0 thing_NN1 ._SENT Maybe_AV0 she_PNP was_VBD n't_XX0 avoiding_VVG the_AT0 crowd_NN1 in_PRP general_AJ0 ,_PUN but_CJC one_CRD ticket_NN1 buyer_NN1 in_PRP particular_AJ0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Do_VDB you_PNP know_VVI why_AVQ she_PNP wanted_VVD to_TO0 see_VVI you_PNP ?_SENT "_PUQ Ms._NP0 ?_SENT P_NP0 asked_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ No_AT0 idea_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Bob_NP0 said_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ Had_VHD there_EX0 been_VBN any_DT0 change_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS behavior_NN1 prior_AJ0 to_PRP her_DPS death_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Well_AV0 ..._PUN she_PNP 'd_VHD been_VBN pretty_AV0 low_AJ0 since_CJS Bertha_NP0 died_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Bertha_NP0 ?_SENT A_AT0 friend_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP chimed_VVD in_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ Her_DPS boa_NN1 constrictor_NN1 ._SENT Well_AV0 ,_PUN not_XX0 hers_PNP ._SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ really_AV0 Ray_NP0 's_POS ._SENT He_PNP 's_VBZ the_AT0 creepy-crawlies_NN2 guy_NN1 ._SENT But_CJC Ruby_NP0 used_VVD Bertha_NP0 for_PRP her_DPS act_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP thought_VVD back_AVP to_PRP the_AT0 first_ORD time_NN1 I_PNP 'd_VHD seen_VVN Ruby_NP0 pick_VVI the_AT0 snake_NN1 up_AVP and_CJC drape_VVB it_PNP over_PRP her_DPS shoulders_NN2 ,_PUN giggling_VVG when_CJS it_PNP tickled_VVD her_DPS ear_NN1 with_PRP a_AT0 flicking_NN1 tongue_NN1 ._SENT Ruby_NP0 was_VBD something_PNI to_TO0 see_VVI ._SENT But_CJC Ruby_NP0 with_PRP a_AT0 six-foot_AJ0 boa_NN1 wrapped_VVD around_AVP her_PNP could_VM0 stop_VVI your_DPS heart_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Ruby_NP0 found_VVD Bertha_NP0 dead_AV0 in_PRP her_DPS cage_NN1 Saturday_NP0 morning_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD all_DT0 kinds_NN2 of_PRF upset_AJ0 ,_PUN "_PUQ Bob_NP0 said_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ How_AVQ did_VDD the_AT0 snake_NN1 die_VVI ?_SENT "_PUQ my_DPS boss_NN1 asked_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ Natural_AJ0 causes_NN2 ,_PUN as_CJS far_AV0 as_CJS I_PNP know_VVB ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD getting_VVG up_AVP in_PRP years_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ If_CJS Ruby_NP0 was_VBD upset_AJ0 ,_PUN I_PNP bet_VVB Ray_NP0 's_VBZ a_AT0 mess_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Assuming_VVG he_PNP 's_VBZ still_AV0 on_PRP the_AT0 payroll_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Oh_ITJ ,_PUN yeah_ITJ ,_PUN "_PUQ Bob_NP0 said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Ray_NP0 's_VBZ not_XX0 going_VVG anywhere_AV0 ._SENT This_DT0 place_NN1 ever_AV0 folds_VVZ ,_PUN they_PNP 'll_VM0 have_VHI to_TO0 roll_VVI the_AT0 two_CRD of_PRF us_PNP up_AVP with_PRP the_AT0 tents_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ My_DPS boss_NN1 pulled_VVD us_PNP out_AVP of_PRF the_AT0 conversational_AJ0 cul-de-sac_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ How_AVQ many_DT0 visitors_NN2 did_VDD you_PNP have_VHI Tuesday_NP0 evening_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
Bob_NP0 shook_VVD his_DPS head_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Ca_VM0 n't_XX0 say_VVI exactly_AV0 ._SENT I_PNP can_VM0 check_VVI the_AT0 books_NN2 tonight_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ We_PNP can_VM0 ask_VVI Dee_NP0 ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Does_VDZ she_PNP still_AV0 keep_VVB a_AT0 table_NN1 set_VVD up_AVP at_PRP the_AT0 chow_NN1 tent_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ Dee_NP0 was_VBD the_AT0 retired_AJ0 showgirl_NN1 who_PNQ did_VDD the_AT0 circus_NN1 's_POS books_NN2 and_CJC injected_VVD a_AT0 regular_AJ0 dose_NN1 of_PRF common_AJ0 sense_NN1 into_PRP Big_AJ0 Bob_NP0 ._SENT 
Another_DT0 headshake_NN1 ,_PUN sadder_AJC this_DT0 time_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Sorry_AJ0 ,_PUN kiddo_NN1 ._SENT Dee_NP0 jumped_VVD ship_NN1 not_XX0 long_AV0 after_CJS you_PNP left_VVD ._SENT Lives_NN2 in_PRP Florida_NP0 now_AV0 ._SENT Setting_VVG up_AVP some_DT0 kind_NN1 of_PRF sideshow_NN1 museum_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 Keys_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ 
