The Circus Boys Across the Continent

From the book:"You never can guess it - you never can guess the news, Teddy," cried Phil Forrest, rushing into the gymnasium, his face flushed with excitement. Teddy Tucker, clad in a pair of linen working trunks and a ragged, sleeveless shirt, both garments much the worse for their winter's wear, was lazily swinging a pair of Indian clubs. "What is it, some kind of riddle, Phil?" he questioned, bringing the clubs down to his sides. "Do be serious for a minute, won't you?" "Me, serious? Why, I never cracked a smile. Isn't anything to smile at. Besides, do you know, since I've been in the circus business, every time I want to laugh I check myself so suddenly that it hurts?"