Circus Jack - Chapter 6. The Delivery

Cautiously emerging from his hiding spot, Peppy surveyed his surroundings. The forest was rich in fiddlehead ferns and tall trees that made room for the sun to illuminate the forest floor. With a newfound resolve, he set off on one of these paths deeper into the woods, where new sounds and dangers awaited.

Peppy found a momentary respite in a sunlit clearing but soon realized he was surrounded by a group of people who could exploit him. As he tried to back away, he was captured and found himself back in a chicken crate, restrained and vulnerable. His captors, Frank and Harry, took him to the L.V. Spectavelli Circus and Hippodrome in Baltimore, where a woman named Sweetie offered them half the payment for Peppy, citing his poor condition.

Despite their protests, the men left with half the agreed amount, while Sweetie promised Peppy a good home. She introduced herself warmly, marking the end of Peppy's harrowing journey and the beginning of a new chapter.

Thanks for listening to Circus Jack. We look forward to seeing you in the next episode. And remember that whether it's a cloudy day or a sunny day, it's always a good day. Make it yours. See you soon.

Episode Transcript

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Music.

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Chapter 6 The Delivery Cautiously emerging from his hiding spot,
Peppy surveyed his surroundings.
The forest was rich in fiddlehead ferns and tall trees that made room for the
sun to illuminate the forest floor.
A strong scent of long-needle pine and earthy moss filled his nostrils.

(00:30):
He could see twisting paths beaten down by animals and humans leading him to where he did not know.
With a newfound resolve, he set off on one of these paths deeper into the woods
that brought new sounds to him.
The falling of limbs, rustle of leaves, and chattering animals served as a reminder
that danger lay either ahead, behind, or both.

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He moved with caution, his senses heightened in this game of survival.
As he ventured further, he came to a clearing bathed in dappled sunlight.
Sunlight a sanctuary amidst chaos offering
a momentary respite from the unrelenting chase and
stands of trees seizing the opportunity peppy
sank to the ground his body weary but his determination unwavering he knew he

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couldn't stay for long the thieves would surely retrace their steps and discover
him once more but for now he would gather his strength and devise a plan that
would put an end to this relentless pursuit.
Then he heard voices of men and women, not far from this spot of rest.
He crept closer to observe a group of people sitting around a low campfire that

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produced more smoke than flame, their faces etched with hardship and weariness,
as they spoke in hushed tones in conversation.
And when the man asked me if I had fur down below,
a woman's voice uttered i said to him well
no i don't have fur below mister hearing this
the group chuckled with surprise what did

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he say to that one of the men asked well the
man then said i'm not surprised you don't find grass growing along a well-worn
path the group's laughter echoed through the woods ricocheting off the trees
and stone and fading in time i hear there's another shipment heading toward
the Carolinas, one of the group said.

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More of them fancy New York breeds. I reckon another chimed in.
Peppy realized the danger here. He was surrounded by those who would exploit him for their own gain.
Quietly, he began to back away from the group, when two hands firmly clutched
his belly with a familiar voice saying, Gotcha.
Soon after, Peppy found himself back in a newly repaired chicken crate,

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restrained with a rope that cut into his skin.
His freedom now seemed further away than ever as the journey continued.
That dog is smarter than you, Frank said, blowing out smoke and poking Harry
in the chest with his corncob pipe.
Maybe he is Harry said with a dull expression on his face. But that's not saying much.

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The postal road connecting Boston to the east coast towns of the mid-Atlantic
was used for delivering mail and commerce by wagon.
It ended in the bustling city of Baltimore, their destination.
The Dodd-Knappers' long journey came to an end as they parked the wagon at the
gate of L.V. Spectavelli Circus and Hippodrome.

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They stared at the massive round tent before them inside the gates,
where a man came out and asked them what business they had with L.V. Spectavelli.
After a few words, the man fetched a woman with long, flowing red hair and bright
green eyes that sparkled in the sunlight.
A welcome sight for these two parched and dusty travelers.

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Gentlemen, your journey has ended, the woman said. I have payment for your cargo,
but I want to make sure he's in good shape before handing you the agreed cash,
sure thing, Ma'am Frank said, dismounting and uncovering the chicken crate where
Pepe remained in his restraints.
The woman's eyes went wide and an angry frown came over her face.

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This dog has not been taken care of properly she
said calling over one of the security guards at the
gate he's in poor shape and looks abused the men gave each other a puzzled look
as proper dog hygiene was not a concept they considered i'm giving you half
the amount for delivering half the dog she continued well ma'am frank began

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to protest we delivered the dog as asked all of him,
I see half a dog here if you have
a problem with my offer she replied with her arms folded I
can pay full your amount but my security will have to make sure you leave some
of your teeth behind now what do you say the men drove their wagon back down

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the road grumbling about the dog the lady with red hair and half the pay promised
but they kept their teeth the woman with a kind high voice and sweetness,
turned to Peppy and said, your trip is over now. You have a good home here.
My name is Sweetie, and I'm going to take good care of you.
Thanks for listening to Circus Jack. We look forward to seeing you in the next episode.

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And remember that whether it's a cloudy day or a sunny day, it's always a good
day. Make it yours. See you soon.