Tom Cardiff at the Circus

The Horn and West circus returns from its tour of the southern and western states. By the end of autumn, the last performances are due to take place, and then the cages with tigers, lions, and leopards will be sent to their winter quarters, while the circus staff will be laid off and part ways with the circus tent until next summer. Tom Cardiff, a teenager who performs in the circus under the name “Brown Bear,” dreams of inventing a new act and performing it in the “Big Top.” But, as often happens, chance interferes— and everything goes topsy-turvy.