Doctor Dolittle's Circus

O Circo do Doutor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

SAMPLE

Copyright

Fonte original — domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Doctor Dolittle's Circus, de Hugh Lofting, publicado originalmente em 2017.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Hugh Lofting (1886–1947)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 2017.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 2113.

Brasil

Autor: Hugh Lofting (1886–1947)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Hugh Lofting faleceu em 1947.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Hugh Lofting (1886–1947)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Hugh Lofting faleceu em 1947.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Doctor Dolittle's Circus

Autor: Hugh Lofting

Primeira publicação: 2017

Primeiro editor: Frederick A. Stokes

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Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR — Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 — Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 — Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 — Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Assim, você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens e os acontecimentos principais da obra original.

Como usar as notas

No texto de leitura simplificada, cada parágrafo possui um link Pt/En. Esse link abre uma nota com a tradução em português do texto simplificado e o trecho correspondente no texto original em inglês.

No texto original em inglês, o link PT leva diretamente ao parágrafo correspondente na versão em português. Na tradução portuguesa, o link En retorna ao parágrafo correspondente no texto original.

A tradução para o português é feita a partir do texto em inglês simplificado, e não diretamente do texto original. O objetivo é ajudar você a compreender com precisão a frase simplificada que está estudando naquele momento.

O texto original em inglês é apresentado separadamente para a etapa seguinte do aprendizado, quando você já estiver preparado para ler e comparar a obra em sua forma original.

Cada nota contém links que permitem retornar exatamente ao parágrafo que você estava lendo.

Sobre este livro

O Circo do Doutor Dolittle, de Hugh Lofting, segue o amado médico que fala com animais enquanto organiza um circo itinerante para arrecadar fundos para sua próxima viagem. Ambientado no interior da Inglaterra, a história começa com o Doutor John Dolittle, um veterinário que prefere animais a humanos, vivendo na vila fictícia de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Acompanhado por seus amigos animais—Polinésia a papagaia, Gub-Gub o porco, Jip o cão, Dab-Dab a pata, Chee-Chee o macaco, Too-Too a coruja e o pushmi-pullyu de duas cabeças—ele decide criar um circo. O conflito central surge da necessidade de ganhar dinheiro enquanto garante que os animais sejam tratados com bondade e ética. O circo viaja por várias cidades, exibindo os talentos únicos dos animais, como a habilidade do pushmi-pullyu de puxar uma carroça e o ato de equilíbrio da foca. Ao longo do caminho, eles enfrentam desafios, incluindo um dono de circo rival que maltrata animais e um desaparecimento misterioso. O tom é caprichoso e aventureiro, com humor suave e forte ênfase no bem-estar animal. A história progride através das apresentações do circo e das soluções engenhosas do médico para os problemas, construindo em direção a um clímax envolvendo um resgate ousado. A narrativa mantém uma sensação leve e educativa, celebrando a amizade e a compaixão. A sinopse evita revelar o resultado final, focando na configuração e nos eventos principais.

Nota editorial

A tradução para o português e a versão Reading Comprehension B1 foram geradas com apoio de inteligência artificial e submetidas a revisão editorial.

Em caso de dúvida ou observações, fale conosco.

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

Outros livros e materiais

Materiais e outros livros da série ESL Easy Read:

Coleção Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle in the Moon

Doctor Dolittle's Caravan

Doctor Dolittle's Circus

Doctor Dolittle's Garden

Doctor Dolittle's Post Office

Doctor Dolittle's Zoo

The Story of Doctor Dolittle

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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Reading Comprehension B1

1 - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

2 - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND — AND A RELATIVE

3 - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

4 - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

5 - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

6 - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

7 - THE MESSENGER FROM THE NORTH

THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

Pt/En This story is about Doctor Dolittle's adventures when he joined a circus. He did not plan to stay with the circus for a long time. His main goal was to show the pushmi-pullyu to earn enough money. This money was needed to pay back a sailor for a boat that had been borrowed and then wrecked.

Pt/En Too-Too had said something true: it was not difficult for Doctor Dolittle to become rich, as he was not demanding about money. However, it was very hard for him to stay rich. Dab-Dab mentioned that in the years she knew him, he had been wealthy about five or six times. She also noted that the more money he had, the quicker he became poor again.

Pt/En Dab-Dab's idea of a large amount of money was not very big. During his time with the circus, Doctor Dolittle often had enough money to be considered well-off. But, just as reliably as clockwork, by the end of each week or month, he would be penniless again.

Pt/En We begin the story as Doctor Dolittle and his animal companions—Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, Too-Too the owl, Gub-Gub the pig, the pushmi-pullyu, and the white mouse—returned to their home in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after a long journey from Africa. Feeding such a large family was difficult. Doctor Dolittle had no money and was worried about how he would feed them, even for the short time before they planned to join a circus. Fortunately, the thoughtful Dab-Dab had brought supplies from a pirate ship's larder, which she believed would last the household for a day or two if they were careful.

Pt/En When they first got home, the animals were so happy that they forgot all their worries. Only Dab-Dab was thinking ahead. She went straight to the kitchen to start cleaning and cooking. The Doctor and the other animals went into the garden to explore their familiar home. They were still looking around when Dab-Dab called them for lunch using a frying pan beaten with a spoon as a dinner bell. Everyone rushed inside, excited to eat a meal together in their beloved kitchen again, where they had shared many happy times.

Pt/En Jip commented that it would be cold enough for a fire that night. He said the September wind felt chilly and asked the Doctor if he would tell a story after supper, as it had been a long time since they sat together by the fire.

Pt/En Gub-Gub suggested that the Doctor could read from his animal story books instead. He specifically asked for the story about the Fox that attempted to steal the King's goose.

Pt/En The Doctor replied that he might tell a story or read. He tasted the sardines and found them delicious, noting that they were clearly real French sardines from Bordeaux.

Pt/En At that moment, the Doctor was called to the surgery to treat a weasel with a broken claw. Soon after, a rooster arrived complaining of a sore throat that made his crowing very quiet, so quiet that his farm did not wake up. Then, two pheasants brought a weak chick that had never pecked food properly since it was born.

Pt/En The rooster explained that his sore throat meant he could only crow very softly.

Pt/En Although the people in Puddleby did not yet know the Doctor had arrived, the animals and birds had already heard the news. All afternoon, the Doctor was busy helping many different kinds of animals. A large group of creatures waited patiently outside his surgery door.

Pt/En Dab-Dab commented that it felt like old times, with no peace because patients were constantly asking to see the Doctor.

Pt/En As Jip had predicted, it became very cold that night. The animals found enough wood in the cellar to make a cheerful fire in the large chimney. After eating, the animals gathered around the fire and asked the Doctor to tell them a story or read from one of his books.

Pt/En The Doctor reminded everyone that they needed to think about the circus. He explained they had to earn money to pay back the sailor and that they still had not found a circus to join. He wondered about the best way to start and who he could ask for advice, as circuses travel a lot.

Pt/En Too-Too asked if they had just heard the front door bell ring.

Pt/En The Doctor thought it was strange. He got up from his chair and wondered if visitors had already arrived.

Pt/En As the Doctor walked into the hall, the white mouse suggested it might be the old lady with pain in her joints. The mouse thought she might not have been very happy with her doctor from Oxenthorpe.

Pt/En John Dolittle lit the candles in the hall and opened the front door. Standing on the doorstep was the Cat's-Meat-Man.

Pt/En The Doctor recognized the man as Matthew Mugg and was happy to see him. He invited Matthew inside and asked how he knew he was there.

Pt/En The Doctor said that the visitor was Matthew Mugg.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man arrived at the Doctor's house. He told the Doctor that he had a strong feeling the Doctor had returned. He explained that he had told his wife earlier that day that he believed the Doctor was back and that he intended to visit the Doctor's house that evening to check.

Pt/En John Dolittle said he was pleased to see the Cat's-Meat-Man. He suggested they go to the kitchen because it was warmer there.

Pt/En Although the Cat's-Meat-Man said he only came to see if the Doctor was home, he brought gifts. He had a bone for Jip, cheese for the white mouse, a turnip for Gub-Gub, and flowering plants for the Doctor. After the visitor was comfortable in a chair by the fire, John Dolittle gave him a tobacco jar from the shelf and invited him to fill his pipe.

Pt/En Matthew mentioned he had received the Doctor's letter about the sparrow. He asked if the sparrow had successfully found its way back.

Pt/En The Doctor confirmed that the sparrow had been very helpful. He explained that the sparrow had left the ship when they were near the coast of Devon because it was eager to return to London.

Pt/En Someone asked Doctor Dolittle if he planned to stay home for a long time.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle replied that it was partly yes and partly no. He wanted to spend a few quiet months fixing his very messy garden. However, he first needed to earn some money.

Pt/En Matthew commented that he had tried to make money his whole life but was not very successful. He offered Doctor Dolittle twenty-five shillings that he had saved.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle thanked Matthew for his kind offer. He explained that he needed a large amount of money to pay back debts. He then told Matthew about a strange, two-headed animal called a pushmi-pullyu, which monkeys in Africa had given him after he cured an epidemic. The monkeys suggested he travel with the animal in a circus. Doctor Dolittle asked Matthew if he would like to see it.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man said he would certainly like to see the animal, as it sounded very unusual.

Pt/En The Doctor told Matthew that the person was in the garden. He asked Matthew not to look at him too much, explaining that he was shy and easily embarrassed. The Doctor suggested they take a bucket of water with them, pretending it was a drink.

Pt/En Matthew returned to the kitchen with the Doctor. He was very happy and full of energy.

Pt/En Matthew told John Dolittle that he would become very rich. He said that nobody had ever seen anything like it before. Matthew added that he always thought John Dolittle should work in a circus because he was the only person who understood animal language. He asked when John Dolittle planned to start.

Pt/En John Dolittle explained that this was the main issue. He asked if Matthew could help him. He wanted to be sure that he would join a good circus with people he liked.

Pt/En Matthew Mugg leaned forward and gently tapped the Doctor on the knee with his pipe.

Pt/En He said he knew what they wanted. He told them about a nice little circus in Grimbledon that was part of the Grimbledon Fair. The circus would be there until Saturday, and he and Theodosia had seen it on the first day. He described it as a good, select circus, not a large one. He then asked if he could take them to the circus the next day to speak with the ringmaster.

Pt/En The Doctor agreed that this would be wonderful. However, he asked them not to tell anyone about their plan for the moment. He explained that they needed to keep the pushmi-pullyu a secret until it was ready to be shown to the public.

THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND — AND A RELATIVE

Pt/En Matthew Mugg was an unusual man who liked to try different jobs. This might be why he did not earn much money. Usually, his new work attempts ended with him returning to his old jobs of selling cat's meat and catching rats for farmers and millers near Puddleby.

Pt/En Matthew had previously tried to get a job with the circus at Grimbledon Fair but was unsuccessful. Now, knowing that the Doctor was starting a circus with the unique pushmi-pullyu, his hopes increased. As he went home that night, he imagined himself working with the Doctor and running the largest circus in the world.

Pt/En The next day, Matthew visited the Doctor's house early. After Dab-Dab prepared some sardine sandwiches for their lunch, they set off on their journey.

Pt/En The Doctor and the Cat's-Meat-Man walked a long distance. They heard horses behind them and saw a farmer in a cart approaching. The farmer was going to offer them a ride, but his wife did not like the Cat's-Meat-Man's appearance and told her husband not to stop.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man was upset that the farmer and his wife did not help them. He explained that he knew the farmer, Isidore Stiles, who grew many potatoes, and that he often caught rats for him. He also said the farmer's wife was proud and thought he was not good enough company for her.

Pt/En The Doctor pointed out that the farmer's cart was stopping and turning around.

Pt/En The farmer's horse knew Doctor Dolittle well. When the horse saw the Doctor walking, it was happy to see his friend. The horse turned the cart around by itself, even though the driver was pulling it, to greet the Doctor and ask how he was.

Pt/En As the horse came closer, it asked the Doctor where he was going.

Pt/En The Doctor announced that they were traveling to Grimbledon Fair.

Pt/En The horse replied that they were also going. The horse then suggested that the Doctor sit in the back of the cart next to the old woman.

Pt/En The Doctor explained that he had not been invited. He pointed out that the farmer was trying to make the horse turn back towards Grimbledon and advised the horse not to upset the farmer. He told the horse to go on its way, saying that they would be fine without it.

Pt/En The horse reluctantly followed the driver's instructions and turned the cart around to go back to the fair. However, after only a short distance, the horse thought it was unfair for the important man to walk while others rode. The horse decided it would not leave the Doctor behind.

Pt/En The horse then pretended to be frightened by something on the road. It suddenly turned the cart around again and galloped back very quickly towards the Doctor. The farmer's wife cried out, and her husband pulled hard on the reins. But the horse ignored them. When it reached the Doctor, it began to jump and move wildly, like a young, untamed horse.

Pt/En Someone whispered to the Doctor. He told the Doctor to get into the trap. He warned that he would throw the items into the ditch if the Doctor did not obey.

Pt/En The Doctor was worried that something bad might happen. He held the horse's reins and gently touched its nose. Immediately, the horse became very calm and quiet.

Pt/En The Doctor took hold of the horse's reins.

Pt/En The Doctor told the farmer that his horse seemed a little nervous. He asked if he could drive the horse for a short time because he was a veterinary surgeon.

Pt/En The farmer agreed. He said that he thought he knew a lot about horses, but he could not control this one that morning.

Pt/En After the Doctor got into the cart and took the reins, the Cat's-Meat-Man happily sat down next to Mrs. Stiles.

Pt/En Matthew Mugg greeted Mrs. Stiles and asked her about the rats in her barn.

Pt/En They arrived at Grimbledon in the morning. The town was busy and full of people, with many farm animals and horses being sold in the market.

Pt/En The Doctor and Matthew walked through the busy streets towards the circus. The Doctor was worried about paying the entrance fee because he had no money. At the circus entrance, they saw a small stage with a man who had a large moustache. This man introduced performers, such as clowns and acrobats, to the crowd, saying they were the best in the world. The audience seemed very impressed, and many people paid to enter the circus.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man told the Doctor that it was a good show and pointed out the many people who were going into the circus.

Pt/En The Doctor asked if the large man was the manager.

Pt/En Matthew confirmed that the man was Alexander Blossom, who was the manager they had come to meet.

Pt/En The Doctor moved through the crowd, with Matthew behind him. He reached the front and tried to signal the man on the platform above, wanting to speak to him. However, Mr. Blossom was loudly advertising his show and did not notice the Doctor, who was a small person in a big group.

Pt/En Matthew suggested that the Doctor climb onto the platform and talk to Mr. Blossom.

Pt/En The Doctor climbed onto a part of the stage. He felt very shy because many people were watching him. But he became brave, touched the showman's arm, and began to speak.

Pt/En A person asked to be excused.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom stopped talking loudly about his amazing show. He looked down at the small, round man who had just appeared next to him.

Pt/En The Doctor began to speak but hesitated.

Pt/En There was a quiet moment. Then, the audience started to giggle.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom was very good at talking and often made jokes about other people. While John Dolittle was still thinking about what to say, the manager turned to the crowd again. He waved his arm towards the Doctor and shouted.

Pt/En The speaker announced that this was the original Humpty-Dumpty, explaining that it had caused a lot of trouble for the king's soldiers. He invited the audience to pay money to enter and watch Humpty-Dumpty fall from the wall.

Pt/En The crowd laughed loudly, and the Doctor felt even more embarrassed than before.

Pt/En A man from the crowd called out to the Doctor, telling him to talk to Humpty-Dumpty.

Pt/En After the laughter stopped, the Doctor tried to speak again. However, just as he started, a loud, sharp cry came from the crowd, shouting "John!"

Pt/En The Doctor looked over the heads of the people to see who was calling him. At the edge of the crowd, he saw a woman waving energetically with a green umbrella.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man asked who was there.

Pt/En The Doctor got down from the stage, feeling embarrassed. He asked Matthew what they should do, and told him that Sarah had arrived.

BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

Pt/En When John Dolittle finally reached Sarah, he greeted her warmly. He commented that she looked very healthy and well-fed.

Pt/En Sarah told John he was not looking plump. She asked him why he was behaving like a clown on the stage. She reminded him that he had already given up his good job in the West Country for animals like mice and frogs, and asked if he had no pride and what he was doing up there.

Pt/En The Doctor explained that he was considering starting a circus.

Pt/En Sarah gasped and felt like she was going to faint. A tall, thin man wearing clothes for a priest came and took her arm.

Pt/En The man asked Sarah what was the matter.

Pt/En Sarah told the Reverend Launcelot Dingle that John Dolittle was her brother and that the Reverend was her husband. She asked John if he was serious about starting a circus business, saying it was disgraceful and that he must be joking. She also asked who another person was as Matthew Mugg joined them.

Pt/En John Dolittle introduced Matthew Mugg and asked Sarah if she remembered him.

Pt/En Sarah recognized Matthew Mugg as the rat-catcher and closed her eyes in horror.

Pt/En The Doctor explained that Mr. Mugg was a meat merchant and his most important patient. He then introduced his friend, Mr. Mugg, whose full name was the Reverend Launcelot Dingle, as if he were a very important person.

Pt/En Sarah asked John to use a different name if he started his new, unusual work. She was concerned about their social standing if people discovered that the Rector's brother-in-law was a common showman.

Pt/En The Doctor paused for a moment and then smiled.

Pt/En The Doctor agreed to Sarah's request to use another name. However, he questioned if he could prevent people from recognizing him.

Pt/En After saying goodbye to Sarah, the Doctor and Matthew went to find the manager again. They found him counting money at the gate, and this time they could speak with him without feeling rushed.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle told Alexander Blossom about a special animal he owned. He wanted to join the circus with this animal. Blossom wanted to see the animal and asked the Doctor to bring it to him. However, Doctor Dolittle suggested it would be easier if Blossom visited Puddleby to see the animal there.

Pt/En They agreed to the plan. After explaining how to find the small house on Oxenthorpe Road, they went home. They were happy with how things had gone so far.

Pt/En As they walked and ate sandwiches, Matthew asked Doctor Dolittle if he could go with him to Blossom's Circus. Matthew explained he could be very useful by looking after the caravan, feeding it, and keeping it clean.

Pt/En The Doctor told Matthew he was welcome to come. But he asked Matthew about his own job.

Pt/En Matthew replied that his current job did not earn money. He also felt it was too boring and lacked excitement, like giving small pieces of meat to rich dogs. He believed he was naturally adventurous and that the circus would be a true adventure and a man's work.

Pt/En He lifted his sandwich up towards the sky.

Pt/En The Doctor asked about the man's wife.

Pt/En The man explained that his wife, Theodosia, was adventurous and would also come. She could help by repairing clothes and doing other jobs. He asked the Doctor for his opinion.

Pt/En The Doctor asked what he was thinking. While walking and looking at the road, the Doctor said he had been thinking about Sarah.

Pt/En Matthew commented that Sarah's husband, the Reverend Dangle, was a strange person.

Pt/En The Doctor corrected the name, saying it was Dingle. He mentioned that Dingle was also adventurous. He then thought about Sarah and Dingle, remarking on how strange the world was.

Pt/En Late that night, after the Grimbledon Fair had finished, the ringmaster, Mr. Blossom, visited the Doctor's home in Puddleby.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom was shown the pushmi-pullyu grazing on the lawn by the light of a lantern. Afterwards, he returned to the library with the Doctor.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom asked the Doctor how much he wanted for the animal.

Pt/En The Doctor replied that the animal was not for sale.

Pt/En The manager told the Doctor that he was not a real showman and did not want the animal. He offered twenty pounds for it.

Pt/En The Doctor refused.

Pt/En Blossom offered thirty pounds.

Pt/En The Doctor continued to refuse.

Pt/En The manager then offered forty pounds, and then fifty pounds. He kept increasing his offer, which surprised a man who was listening.

Pt/En The Doctor finally said it was impossible. He told the showman that he had to bring him and the animal to the circus. If not, the animal would have to stay where it was. The Doctor had promised to make sure the animal was looked after properly.

Pt/En The showman asked the Doctor what he meant. He questioned if the animal belonged to the Doctor and who the Doctor had made his promise to.

Pt/En The Doctor explained that the animal was its own owner. He said the animal had come to help him, and it was to the pushmi-pullyu itself that he had given his promise.

Pt/En The showman asked the Doctor if he was crazy.

Pt/En Matthew Mugg was going to tell Blossom that the Doctor could understand animals. However, John Dolittle signalled to Matthew to keep quiet.

Pt/En The man explained that they had to choose between taking him and the animal, or taking neither of them.

Pt/En Blossom refused to agree to the plan. Matthew was very upset and sad. He took his hat and left the place.

Pt/En Matthew had hoped the Doctor would change his mind. He returned after only ten minutes and rang the doorbell, saying he wanted to discuss the matter again.

Pt/En In the end, the showman agreed to everything the Doctor requested. The pushmi-pullyu and its companions would receive their own new wagon. Although they would travel with the circus, they would be completely free. The money earned would be shared equally between the Doctor and the manager. The pushmi-pullyu would be allowed days off whenever it wanted, and Blossom would provide any food it asked for.

Pt/En After they had finalized all the arrangements, the man said he would send the caravan the following day and then prepared to depart.

Pt/En As the man was leaving through the front door, he asked the Doctor what his name was.

Pt/En The Doctor was going to tell him his name, but then he remembered that Sarah had asked him not to.

Pt/En So, the Doctor decided to use a different name and told the man that he was called John Smith.

Pt/En The showman accepted this and told Mr. Smith to have his party ready by eleven o'clock the next morning, and then wished him good night.

Pt/En The Doctor replied, wishing the showman good night as well.

Pt/En When the door closed, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too, and the white mouse came out from where they were hiding and listening. They all went into the hall and began talking very loudly.

Pt/En Gub-Gub grunted happily and said that he was very pleased about the circus.

Pt/En Someone else also expressed happiness for the circus.

Pt/En Matthew told the Doctor that he was a good businessman. He explained that the Doctor had made Blossom agree to everything. Matthew noticed that Blossom returned quickly when he thought the deal was cancelled, and he believed Blossom expected to earn a lot of money from them.

Pt/En Dab-Dab sighed sadly while cleaning the hat-rack. He said it was a shame to leave their home again so soon.

Pt/En Gub-Gub was very excited about the circus. He shouted with joy and tried to stand on his back legs while balancing the Doctor's hat on his nose. He was looking forward to the next day.

THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

Pt/En Very early the next morning, Dab-Dab made sure everyone was busy preparing. She instructed them to eat breakfast and clear the table before seven o'clock. This was necessary so that everything would be ready for their departure by eleven.

Pt/En In fact, the careful housekeeper had the house prepared and everyone waiting outside on the steps long before the wagon arrived. However, the Doctor was still occupied. Right up until the last moment, sick animals were still arriving from all over the country to be treated.

Pt/En Finally, Jip, who had been out exploring, ran back to the group that had gathered in the garden.

Pt/En Jip reported that the wagon was coming. He explained that it was red and yellow and was just around the corner.

Pt/En Everyone became excited and started to gather their belongings. Gub-Gub's luggage was a bundle of turnips. As he was hurrying down the steps to the road, the string broke, and the turnips rolled everywhere.

Pt/En The wagon that arrived was very beautiful. It looked like a gypsy caravan, with windows, a door, and a chimney. It was painted in bright colours and was brand new.

Pt/En They were waiting on the front steps.

Pt/En The horse was very old and tired. The Doctor learned that the horse, named Beppo, had worked in the circus for thirty-five years and was sick of it. The Doctor decided to tell Blossom that Beppo should be allowed to retire and live peacefully.

Pt/En Dab-Dab cleaned the new van before putting the packages inside. She carefully placed the Doctor's bedding, which was tied in a sheet like laundry, into the van, making sure it did not get dirty.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle was worried the old horse was too tired to pull the wagon with all the animals and their things. He wanted to help push the wagon. But Beppo told him it was okay and he could pull it. Doctor Dolittle decided not to get in the wagon himself because he did not want to make it heavier. They started their journey to Grimbledon. The wagon's door and curtains were closed so that nobody could see the pushmi-pullyu inside. The man who brought the wagon drove it, and Doctor Dolittle and the Cat's-Meat-Man walked behind.

Pt/En While they were travelling through Puddleby Market-place, the driver stopped at a shop. A group of people gathered around the wagon while it waited. They were curious and wanted to know where the wagon was going and what was inside. Matthew Mugg felt very proud and wanted to tell them, but Doctor Dolittle did not allow him to make any speeches.

Pt/En They arrived at the Grimbledon Fair-grounds in the afternoon, around two o'clock. They entered the circus area through a back gate. Inside, they met Mr. Blossom, who was waiting to greet them.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom seemed surprised when the wagon was opened and he saw the unusual animals Doctor Dolittle had brought. He was especially surprised by the pig. However, he was very happy to have the pushmi-pullyu and did not mind the other animals.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom immediately showed them their performance area, which he said he had built for them that morning. Doctor Dolittle saw that it was similar to a place he had seen before. It was a platform raised three feet off the ground, with a room on top that could be seen from a distance. There were steps to get up to the platform. Curtains covered the entrance to the room, so people had to pay to go inside and see.

Pt/En A sign was placed on the front.

Pt/En The sign stated that the animal was called The Pushmi-Pullyu.

Pt/En People were invited to see something wonderful.

Pt/En It was an animal with two heads.

Pt/En This unusual animal came from the jungles of Africa.

Pt/En The cost to enter was sixpence.

Pt/En The red and yellow wagon was parked behind the "stand". The Doctor's group would live inside it, except for the pushmi-pullyu. Dab-Dab started to make the beds and arrange the inside to make it feel like home.

Pt/En Blossom wanted to show the pushmi-pullyu immediately. However, the Doctor disagreed. He explained that any wild animal needed time to rest after a journey. He also wanted the shy animal to become used to the busy circus environment before people looked at it.

Pt/En Blossom was unhappy but accepted the Doctor's decision. He then offered to show the Doctor around the circus and introduce him to the performers, which pleased the animals. After the pushmi-pullyu was moved to its new home and given food, water, and bedding, the Doctor's group began a tour of the circus with the ringmaster, Alexander Blossom.

Pt/En The main circus show happened only two times each day, in a large tent. Around this tent were smaller tents and stands, many of which required an extra payment. These places offered various attractions like games, shows, and a collection of animals. The Doctor's wagon was now going to be one of these attractions.

Pt/En Blossom first took the Doctor and his friends to see the animals. The place was not very good, and most of the animals looked dirty and sad. The Doctor was very unhappy and wanted to argue with Blossom. But the Cat's-Meat-Man spoke to him quietly.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man advised the Doctor not to start a problem immediately. He suggested waiting, explaining that if the boss saw how useful the Doctor was with performing animals, he could do what he wanted later. He warned that causing trouble now might lead to them losing their jobs, which would prevent the Doctor from doing anything.

Pt/En John Dolittle thought this was good advice. For the moment, he spoke quietly to the animals through the bars of their cages, telling them he hoped to help them later.

Pt/En Just as they arrived, a man who looked dirty was showing a group of visitors the animals. He stopped in front of a cage where a small, furry animal was kept.

Pt/En The man told the visitors that the animal was the famous Hurri-Gurri from Patagonia. He explained that it hung from trees by its tail and then told them to move on to the next cage.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle, with Gub-Gub following him, went to look at the animal called the Hurri-Gurri. They peered inside its enclosure.

Pt/En The Doctor explained that it was a common opossum from America and that it belonged to a group of animals called marsupials.

Pt/En He repeated that the animal was a marsupial.

Pt/En Gub-Gub asked the Doctor how he knew it was a marsupial. Gub-Gub wondered if it might be a "Pa Soupial" because it did not have any babies with it.

Pt/En A man stood by the next cage and announced loudly that it contained the largest elephant ever kept in captivity.

Pt/En The Doctor quietly said that it was one of the smallest animals he had ever seen.

Pt/En Mr. Blossom suggested they move to the next performance, which was Princess Fatima, the snake charmer. He led them out of the crowded, bad-smelling animal area into the fresh air. As the Doctor walked past the cages, he looked down sadly. The animals recognized him and were trying to get him to stop and speak with them.

Pt/En Inside the snake charmer's tent, they were the only visitors at that moment. On a small stage, they saw Princess Fatima putting powder on her nose and speaking unhappily to herself. Next to her chair was a wide, shallow box filled with snakes. Matthew Mugg looked into the box, felt shocked, and quickly tried to leave the tent.

Pt/En The Doctor called out to Matthew, telling him not to worry and that the snakes were not dangerous.

Pt/En Princess Fatima angrily asked the Doctor what he meant. She explained that the snakes were king cobras from India and were the most deadly snakes alive.

Pt/En The Doctor said that they were not like that at all.

Pt/En He explained that they were American blacksnakes and not poisonous. Then he gently touched one under its chin.

Pt/En The Fatima shouted at the Doctor to leave the snakes alone. She threatened to hit him if he did not stop.

Pt/En She repeated her warning for him to leave the snakes alone.

Pt/En At that moment, Blossom intervened. She introduced the slightly upset Princess to Mr. Smith.

Pt/En The discussion continued, but Fatima was still too angry to say much. Suddenly, people arrived who wanted to watch the snake charmer. Blossom took Doctor Dolittle and his friends to a quiet corner and spoke to them in a low voice.

Pt/En Blossom told Smith that the snake charmer was excellent and one of her best acts. She suggested he watch her perform.

Pt/En Behind the curtains, music started with a drum and a pipe. Then Fatima appeared. She took two snakes from a box and wrapped them around her neck and arms.

Pt/En Fatima softly asked the audience to move closer so they could see her better.

Pt/En Gub-Gub quietly asked Doctor Dolittle why Fatima was speaking in that particular way.

Pt/En John Dolittle whispered for quiet. He thought the woman was speaking with an Oriental accent.

Pt/En Gub-Gub muttered that it sounded like a "hot-potato accent". He also commented that the woman looked fat and wobbly.

Pt/En The circus master noticed that Doctor Dolittle did not seem pleased. Because of this, he led them away to see the other shows.

Pt/En Near the strong man's booth, Gub-Gub saw the Punch and Judy show. During the play, a dog bit Mr. Punch. Gub-Gub was very interested and watched it many times. Even though he knew the play by heart, he never got bored.

Pt/En At the next booth, a strong man was lifting very heavy weights, which amazed the audience. John Dolittle was very interested and joined the people clapping and gasping.

Pt/En The strong man was a good-looking person with very big muscles. Doctor Dolittle liked him immediately. His special trick was to lie on his back on the stage and lift a huge weight with his feet, so his legs pointed straight up. This trick needed both strength and good balance, because if the weight fell the wrong way, the man could be seriously hurt. Today, as he finished the trick and the audience watched with admiration, a loud crack was heard. A part of the stage broke, and the big weight fell directly onto the man's chest.

Pt/En The crowd shouted in alarm. Blossom quickly went onto the stage. It took two men to lift the heavy weight off the strong man's body. However, he did not get up. He lay completely still, with his eyes closed and his face very pale.

Pt/En Blossom shouted to the Cat's-Meat-Man, telling him to get a doctor very fast. She explained that the strong man was hurt and unconscious, and she needed a doctor immediately.

Pt/En However, John Dolittle was already on the stage. He was standing near the ringmaster, who was kneeling beside the injured strong man.

Pt/En John Dolittle quietly asked everyone to move aside so he could examine the injured man.

Pt/En People saw that the man was badly injured and his breathing was strange. They said it was important to get a doctor.

Pt/En John Dolittle stated that he was a doctor. He then instructed Matthew to go to the van and retrieve his black bag.

Pt/En Blossom expressed surprise, as he had thought John Dolittle used the name Mr. Smith.

Pt/En Someone from the crowd confirmed that John Dolittle was indeed a doctor. They mentioned he was once a very famous doctor in the West Country and that his name was John Dolittle from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.

THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

Pt/En The doctor discovered that the strong man had broken two ribs. He believed the man's strong health meant he would recover quickly. The injured man was taken to his caravan to rest. The doctor visited him four times each day, and Matthew stayed in the wagon to care for him until he was well.

Pt/En The strong man, whose stage name was Hercules, was very grateful to Doctor John Dolittle. He became very fond of the Doctor and would be helpful at times in the future.

Pt/En On his first night working in the circus, the Doctor thought that although he had made an enemy in Fatima, the snake charmer, he had also made a friend in Hercules, the strong man.

Pt/En Since people knew he was the unusual doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, he could no longer hide his identity. Soon, the circus people knew him simply as "the Doctor" or "the Doc." Because Hercules recommended him highly, many people, from the bearded lady to the clown, often asked the Doctor to help them with minor health problems.

Pt/En The next day, the pushmi-pullyu was shown to the public for the first time and became very popular. A two-headed animal was a new sight in a circus, and crowds paid to see it. At first, the pushmi-pullyu felt very shy and embarrassed. It tried to hide one of its heads under the straw to avoid the many staring eyes. Then, people did not believe it had two heads. So, the Doctor asked it to please keep both heads visible.

Pt/En The Doctor told the pushmi-pullyu that it did not need to look at the people. He explained that it should just let them see that it really had two heads. He suggested that it could turn its back to the audience with both ends.

Pt/En Some people did not believe the animal with two heads was real. They thought one head was fake and poked it with sticks. The animal became angry and bit two people with both heads. This showed everyone that the animal was alive and real.

Pt/En A man was hired to protect the animal from visitors. The animal had a difficult time at first. However, it learned how much money was being earned and decided to continue for Doctor Dolittle. After some time, the animal got used to the audiences. It looked back at them bravely, feeling they deserved its scorn.

Pt/En During the shows, Doctor Dolittle sat at the entrance and took money from visitors. He smiled at them like they were old friends. He met many people he knew from the past, including an old lady with rheumatism and neighbors from Puddleby.

Pt/En Dab-Dab was very busy. Besides her usual housework, she had to watch Doctor Dolittle. She often told him off because he sometimes let children enter for free when she was not watching.

Pt/En At the end of each day, Blossom, the manager, divided the money. Too-Too, who was good at math, always checked the total. He made sure Doctor Dolittle received his correct share of the earnings.

Pt/En The pushmi-pullyu was very popular, but Doctor Dolittle knew he needed a lot of money. He had to pay the sailor back for the boat. He also needed money to support himself and his family. This would take a long time.

Pt/En Too-Too was always present.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle did not like working in the circus and wanted to leave. While his own show was honest, many other parts of the circus were not. He felt uncomfortable because he believed the circus was dishonest. Many games were set up so that people would lose their money.

Pt/En The Doctor was most worried about the animals. He felt they were not happy. After his first day, he spoke with the animals in their enclosure. They complained that their cages were not clean, they did not have enough space or exercise, and some did not like their food.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle heard all the animals' complaints. He was very angry and immediately went to the ringmaster's caravan. He told the ringmaster clearly about all the things he thought needed to change.

Pt/En Blossom listened carefully while the other person spoke. After they finished, Blossom laughed.

Pt/En Blossom told the Doctor that he could not do everything the Doctor wanted because it would ruin the circus. He explained that he would not change how he managed the circus. Blossom said the Doctor could manage his own part, but Blossom would manage the rest. He did not want any interference and would not spend money on the Doctor's ideas.

Pt/En The Doctor was sad and left the manager's office to go to his caravan. On the steps, he saw Matthew smoking his pipe. Nearby, the old horse Beppo was eating grass in the moonlight.

Pt/En Matthew commented that it was a nice night. He noticed the Doctor looked worried and asked if something was wrong.

Pt/En The Doctor sat down sadly next to Matthew. He explained that everything was wrong because Blossom refused to make any improvements he suggested for the animals. The Doctor felt he might have to leave the circus.

Pt/En Matthew encouraged Doctor Dolittle not to quit. He said the Doctor had not started yet and that Blossom did not know he could talk to animals. Matthew explained that circuses could be good and suggested Doctor Dolittle could create a new, clean, and special circus that many people would want to see. He also mentioned that the Doctor needed money before starting.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle told Matthew that he felt he was not helping anyone. He said he could not stay because the animals were unhappy. He thought he should not have started working in the circus.

Pt/En At that moment, the old horse Beppo heard his friend's voice. He came closer and gently pushed his nose into the Doctor's ear.

Pt/En John Dolittle greeted Beppo. He told the horse that he was sorry but could not help him. He explained that he was going to leave the circus.

Pt/En The old horse told the Doctor that he was their only hope. He mentioned that the elephant and the Talking Horse were happy the Doctor had arrived. Beppo asked the Doctor to be patient, explaining that changes take time. He said that if the Doctor left, they would not get what they wanted. However, if he stayed, he would eventually run the circus correctly. The animals felt safe with the Doctor and believed that one day, 'The Dolittle Circus' would become the greatest on earth.

Pt/En The Doctor was silent for a short time. Matthew did not understand what the Doctor and the horse had talked about. He was waiting for the Doctor to say something.

Pt/En Finally, the Doctor stood up and went towards the caravan.

Pt/En The Cat's-Meat-Man asked the Doctor, with worry, if he was going to stay.

Pt/En The Doctor told Matthew that he had to stay there. He then said good night.

Pt/En After the fair finished, the circus needed to move to a new town. Packing up the large show for a long trip was a big job. On Sunday, many men were busy taking down the tents and packing the stands onto wagons. The area quickly became messy. The Doctor's pets found this new experience exciting. While Dab-Dab helped with the packing, the other animals enjoyed the activity and the new sights.

Pt/En The circus performers looked very different when they took off their costumes to travel. Gub-Gub found it hard to recognize them. The clown washed his face paint off. Princess Fatima changed her fancy clothes for simple ones, looking like a normal woman. The Wild Man of Borneo wore normal clothes like a collar and tie and spoke normally. The Bearded Lady removed her beard and put it away in a box.

Pt/En The circus began its journey in many caravans. The next town was fifty miles away, so the trip took more than one day. They planned to camp by the road at night. The animals enjoyed seeing the countryside from their homes on wheels and sleeping outside like gypsies. Jip had fun chasing rats and foxes. The slow pace of the circus allowed him many small adventures. Gub-Gub’s favorite part was guessing where they would stop for the night.

Pt/En Jip enjoyed following the scent of a fox.

Pt/En Everyone seemed to enjoy the part of the journey where they stopped to sleep. When a fire was made for cooking, people became happier and talked more. Jip's friends, the clown's dog and Toby, always joined Doctor Dolittle's group when they stopped for the night. They agreed that Doctor Dolittle running his own circus would be a perfect idea. They often told him that a "Dolittle Circus" would be a wonderful thing.

Pt/En Doctor John Dolittle believed that dogs had as many different personalities as people, perhaps even more. He wrote a book about this called "Dog Psychology." Some experts dismissed his book, saying it was about a foolish topic. However, the author suggests they did this to hide the fact that they did not understand his ideas.

Pt/En Swizzle, the clown's dog, was a common-looking dog but had a great sense of humor. He always made jokes and believed that nothing in life should be taken too seriously. He was a good artist and could understand even jokes made about himself.

Pt/En Because of Swizzle's humor, Doctor Dolittle got an idea. Later, he started the Rat-and-Mouse Club and created comic magazines for animals. These magazines, called "Cellar Life" and "Basement Humor," were meant to entertain animals living in dark places.

Pt/En Toby, a small white poodle, was very different from Swizzle. He was serious about himself and life. Toby always tried to get what he thought he deserved, but he was not selfish. The Doctor believed that small dogs often needed to be clever and bold. When Toby first visited, he made himself comfortable on the Doctor's bed. Even though another dog tried to move him, Toby stayed, saying the Doctor did not mind. He always took his favorite spot in the caravan when he visited, having earned it by being confident and asking for what he wanted.

Pt/En Despite their differences, Toby and Swizzle shared one thing: they were both very proud of their friendship with Doctor Dolittle. They believed he was the most important man in the world.

Pt/En This chapter is about the dogs Toby and Swizzle.

Pt/En One night, during their first trip between towns, the circus stopped by the road. Gub-Gub went to a nearby farm to look for pigs. The rest of the Doctor's group was there. Toby and Swizzle arrived soon after. Because the night was cool, Dab-Dab used the stove inside the caravan, and everyone sat around it talking.

Pt/En Toby asked Doctor Dolittle if he had heard the news.

Pt/En The Doctor replied that he had not heard any news and asked what it was.

Pt/En Toby explained that they were going to pick up someone named Sophie in the next town, which was a large place called Ashby.

Pt/En The Doctor asked who Sophie was while he was getting his slippers.

Pt/En Swizzle explained that Sophie, the performing seal, was not with them. Sophie does tricks like balancing balls and swimming. She became sick about a month ago, so Blossom had to leave her behind. Sophie is healthy again now. Her keeper would meet them in Ashby so she could join the circus again. Swizzle mentioned that Sophie was a bit sensitive but a good-natured seal that people would like.

Pt/En John Dolittle got out of bed slowly. He was tired because he had not slept well.

Pt/En The circus arrived in Ashby on Wednesday evening. The next morning, the circus was planned to open. All through the night, workers were busy setting up tents and booths. They worked until dawn. The ground shook from hammers, and there were many shouts. By morning, a large city made of tents had been built.

Pt/En John Dolittle felt that circus life was difficult to get used to. He got out of bed, feeling tired from not sleeping. After breakfast, he left Matthew in charge of their stand and went to meet the performing seal.

SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

Pt/En Sophie's keeper had prepared his part of the circus for the public. The seal usually performed twice a day in the main tent, after acrobats and a talking horse. At other times, she was a side attraction. In a special tank, she would dive for fish, and people paid a small amount to watch her.

Pt/En It was early morning and Sophie's keeper was eating breakfast outside. Doctor Dolittle arrived and went inside. There was a large tank in the ground, with a platform around it for visitors to watch. Sophie, a five-foot Alaskan seal with smooth skin and intelligent eyes, was sadly in the water. When the Doctor spoke to her in her own language, she understood who he was and began to cry a lot.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle asked Sophie what was wrong.

Pt/En The seal was still crying and did not reply.

Pt/En The Doctor told her to calm down and not be upset. He asked if she was still sick, as he had heard she had recovered.

Pt/En Through her tears, Sophie said she was better and that her stomach had just been upset. She mentioned that they were being fed old, stale fish.

Pt/En The Doctor asked what was wrong and why she was crying.

Pt/En Sophie explained that she was crying tears of happiness. She had been thinking that John Dolittle was the only person who could help her. She knew about him because she had heard about him and read his magazine, the Arctic Monthly. She had even written to him and contributed articles about swimming, like "The Alaskan Wiggle." She was sad when he stopped publishing the magazine because it was very popular with seals.

Pt/En The Doctor asked Sophie to explain the trouble she had mentioned.

Pt/En Sophie said she was so happy that she had forgotten her problem for a moment. She explained that when the Doctor first arrived, she thought he was just a normal visitor. But when he spoke in seal language, she immediately knew he was John Dolittle, the person she most wanted to see.

Pt/En The Doctor told Sophie to calm down and asked her to tell him what her problem was.

Pt/En Sophie started to explain that she wanted to talk about something that happened while she was doing something.

Pt/En Just then, they heard a noise outside, which sounded like a bucket rattling.

Pt/En The Doctor quickly told Sophie to be quiet because the keeper was coming. He asked her to continue with her tricks and to make sure the keeper did not know he could talk to animals.

Pt/En When the keeper came in to clean the floor, Sophie was performing tricks for a man. This man had a battered hat on his head. The keeper looked at the man and thought he was just an ordinary person.

Pt/En As soon as the man finished cleaning and left, Sophie continued her explanation.

Pt/En Sophie the seal explained that when she became sick, the circus was performing at Hatley-on-Sea. She and her keeper, Higgins, stayed there. A small zoo in Hatley had seals, and Higgins talked to the zoo keeper. They put Sophie in the zoo's pond with other seals to help her get better. An older seal, who came from the same place as Sophie, gave her some bad news about her husband. He had been unhappy and had not eaten since she was captured. He used to be the leader of their group, but after she left, he became thin and worried, and another seal took his place. He was not expected to live. Sophie cried and said that her husband was strong, but he was lost and like a baby without her. She felt terrible because he relied on her for everything.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle told Sophie not to cry. He asked her what she thought should be done.

Pt/En Sophie said she needed to go to her husband. She explained that he was the real leader of their group and needed her by his side. She mentioned that she had hoped to escape at Hatley but did not get the chance.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle thought that the Behring Straits were very far away. He asked Sophie how she would travel there.

Pt/En Sophie told the Doctor that she wanted to talk to him about her travel plans. She said she moved very slowly on land. She added that if she could have escaped at Hatley, she would have been fine because once she reached the sea, she could travel to Alaska very quickly.

Pt/En The Doctor felt that he should go to the person.

Pt/En The Doctor agreed. He shook water out of his boots and asked how far away the coast was.

Pt/En Sophie replied that they were about one hundred miles from the coast. She was very worried about Slushy.

Pt/En The Doctor asked who Sophie was worried about.

Pt/En The seal explained that Slushy was her husband. She said he was a simple person who depended on her and asked what she should do.

Pt/En John Dolittle explained that it was difficult to help her escape to the sea. He said he would send a message to her husband using a bird. The bird would tell her husband she was safe and bring back news. He also told her to be happy because visitors were coming to watch her show.

Pt/En A teacher arrived with some children and Higgins. The children were very happy watching the animal in the water. Higgins noticed that Sophie seemed lively and in good spirits, so he believed she was feeling much better.

THE MESSENGER FROM THE NORTH

Pt/En Later that night, Doctor Dolittle and an owl named Too-Too visited the seal. The Doctor asked Sophie to tell Too-Too the exact location of her husband in Alaska. He explained that Too-Too would then fly to the coast and pass the message to gulls who were travelling north-west. He introduced Sophie to Too-Too, mentioning that the owl was very clever and good at math.

Pt/En The owl sat on the edge of the tank while Sophie told him precisely where her husband, Slushy, could be found. She also gave him a long and loving message for him. When she finished speaking, the owl replied.

Pt/En The owl told the Doctor that he would fly to Bristol, as it was the closest coastal town. He mentioned that there were always many gulls in the harbor there. He planned to give the message to one of the gulls to deliver to Slushy.

Pt/En The Doctor told Too-Too that he did a good job. He explained that they needed to move quickly. He asked Too-Too to find a sea-bird that would be willing to carry something all the way as a special favor.

Original English Text

1 - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

2 - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND — AND A RELATIVE

3 - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

4 - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

5 - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

6 - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

7 - THE MESSENGER FROM THE NORTH

THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

PT THIS IS THE story of that part of Doctor Dolittle's adventures which came about through his joining and traveling with a circus. He had not planned in the beginning to follow this life for any considerable time. His intention had only been to take the pushmi-pullyu out on show long enough to make sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat which had been borrowed and wrecked.

PT But a remark Too-Too had made was true; it was not so hard for John Dolittle to become rich — for indeed he was easily satisfied where money was concerned — but it was a very different matter for him to remain rich. Dab-Dab used to say that during the years she had known him he had, to her knowledge, been quite well off five or six times; but that the more money he had, the sooner you could expect him to be poor again.

PT Dab-Dab's idea of a fortune was not of course very large. But certainly during his experience with the circus the Doctor repeatedly had enough money in his pockets to be considered well to do; and, as regular as clockwork, by the end of the week or the month he would be penniless again.

PT Well, the point from which we are beginning, then, is where the Dolittle party (Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, Too-Too the owl, Gub-Gub the pig, the pushmi-pullyu and the white mouse) had returned at last to the little house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after their long journey from Africa. It was a large family to find food for. And the Doctor, without a penny in his pockets, had been a good deal worried over how he was going to feed it, even during the short time they would be here before arrangements were made to join a circus. However, the thoughtful Dab-Dab had made them carry up from the pirates' ship such supplies as remained in the larder after the voyage was done. These, she said, should last the household — with economy — for a day or two at least.

PT The animals' delight had at first, on getting back home, banished every care or thought of the morrow from the minds of all — except Dab-Dab. That good housekeeper had gone straight to the kitchen and set about the cleaning of pots and the cooking of food. The rest of them, the Doctor included, had gone out into the garden to re-explore all the well-known spots. And they were still roaming and poking around every nook and corner of their beloved home when they were suddenly summoned to luncheon by Dab-Dab's dinner-bell — a frying pan beaten with a spoon. At this there was a grand rush for the back door. And they all came trundling in from the garden, gabbling with delight at the prospect of taking a meal again in the dear old kitchen where they had in times past spent so many jolly hours together.

PT "It will be cold enough for a fire to-night," said Jip as they took their places at the table. "This September wind has a chilly snap in it. Will you tell us a story after supper, Doctor? It's a long time since we sat around the hearth in a ring."

PT "Or read to us out of your animal story books," said Gub-Gub, "the one about the Fox who tried to steal the King's goose."

PT "Well, maybe," said the Doctor. "We'll see. We'll see. What delicious sardines these are that the pirates had! From Bordeaux, by the taste of them. There's no mistaking real French sardines."

PT At this moment the Doctor was called away to see a patient in the surgery — a weasel who had broken a claw. And he was no sooner done with that when a rooster with a sore throat turned up from a neighboring farm. He was so hoarse, he said, he could only crow in a whisper, and nobody on his farm woke up in the morning. Then two pheasants arrived to show him a scrawny chick which had never been able to peck properly since it was born.

PT "He could only crow in a whisper"

PT For, although the people in Puddleby had not yet learned of the Doctor's arrival, news of his coming had already spread among the animals, and the birds. And all that afternoon he was kept busy bandaging, advising and physicking, while a huge motley crowd of creatures waited patiently outside the surgery door.

PT "Ah me! — just like old times," sighed Dab-Dab. "No peace. Patients clamoring to see him morning, noon and night."

PT Jip had been right: by the time darkness came that night it was very chilly. Wood enough was found in the cellar to start a jolly fire in the big chimney. Round this the animals gathered after supper and pestered the Doctor for a story or a chapter from one of his books.

PT "But look here," said he. "What about the circus? If we're going to make money to pay the sailor back we've got to be thinking of that. We haven't even found a circus to go with yet. I wonder what's the best way to set about it. They travel all over the place, you know. Let me see: who could I ask?"

PT "Sh!" said Too-Too. "Wasn't that the front door bell ringing?"

PT "Strange!" said the Doctor, getting up from his chair "Callers already?"

PT "Perhaps it's the old lady with rheumatism," said the white mouse as the Doctor walked out into the hall. "Maybe she didn't find her Oxenthorpe doctor was so very good after all."

PT When John Dolittle had lit the candles in the hall he opened the front door. And there standing on the threshold was the Cat's-Meat-Man.

PT "Why, it's Matthew Mugg, as I'm alive!" he cried. "Come in Matthew, come in. But how did you know I was here?"

PT "'Why, it's Matthew Mugg!'"

PT "I felt it in my bones, Doctor," said the Cat's-Meat-Man, stumping into the hall. "Only this morning I says to my wife, 'Theodosia,' I says, 'something tells me the Doctor's got back. And I'm going up to his house to-night to take a look.'"

PT "Well, I'm glad to see you," said John Dolittle. "Let's go into the kitchen where it's warm."

PT Although he said he had only come on the chance of finding the Doctor, the Cat's-Meat-Man had brought presents with him: a knuckle bone off a shoulder of mutton for Jip; a piece of cheese for the white mouse; a turnip for Gub-Gub and a pot of flowering geraniums for the Doctor. When the visitor was comfortably settled in the armchair before the fire John Dolittle handed him the tobacco-jar from the mantelpiece and told him to fill his pipe.

PT "I got your letter about the sparrow," said Matthew. "He found you all right, I s'pose."

PT "Yes, and he was very useful to me. He left the ship when we were off the Devon coast. He was anxious to get back to London."

PT "Are you home for a long stay now?"

PT "Well — yes and no," said the Doctor. "I'd like nothing better than to enjoy a few quiet months here and get my garden to rights. It's in a shocking mess. But unfortunately I've got to make some money first."

PT "Humph," said Matthew, puffing at his pipe. "Meself*, I've bin trying to do that all my life — Never was very good at it. But I've got twenty-five shillings saved up, if that would help you."

PT "It's very kind of you, Matthew, very. The fact is I — er — I need a whole lot of money. I've got to pay back some debts. But listen: I have a strange kind of new animal — a pushmi-pullyu. He has two heads. The monkeys in Africa presented him to me after I had cured an epidemic for them. Their idea was that I should travel with him in a circus — on show, you know. Would you like to see him?"

PT "I surely would," said the Cat's-Meat-Man. "Sounds like something very new."

PT "He's out in the garden," said the Doctor. "Don't stare at him too hard. He isn't used to it yet. Gets frightfully embarrassed. Let's take a bucket of water with us and just pretend we've brought him a drink."

PT When Matthew came back into the kitchen with the Doctor he was all smiles and enthusiasm.

PT "Why, John Dolittle," said he, "you'll make your fortune — sure as you're alive! There's never bin anything seen like that since the world began. And anyway, I always thought you ought to go into the circus business — you, the only man living that knows animal language. When are you going to start?"

PT "That's just the point. Perhaps you can help me. I'd want to be sure it was a nice circus I was going with — people I would like, you understand."

PT Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor on the knee with the stem of his pipe.

PT "I know the very concern you want," said he. "Right now over at Grimbledon there's the nicest little circus you ever saw. Grimbledon Fair's on this week and they'll be there till Saturday. Me and Theodosia saw 'em the first day they was on. It isn't a large circus but it's a good one — select like. What do you say if I take you over there to-morrow and you have a chat with the ringmaster?"

PT "Why that would be splendid," said the Doctor. "But in the meantime don't say anything to anyone about the idea at all. We must keep the pushmi-pullyu a secret till he is actually put on show before the public."

THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND — AND A RELATIVE

PT N OW, M ATTHEW M UGG was a peculiar man. He loved trying new jobs — which was one reason, perhaps, that he never made much money. But his attempts to get into some new kind of work usually ended in his coming back to selling cat's meat and rat-catching for farmers and millers around Puddleby.

PT Matthew had already at Grimbledon Fair tried to get a job with the circus and been refused. But now that he found the Doctor was going into the business — and with such a wonderful exhibition as a pushmi-pullyu — his hopes rose again. And as he went home that night he already in imagination saw himself in partnership with his beloved Doctor, running the biggest circus on earth.

PT Next day he called at the little house early. After Dab-Dab had made them up some sardine sandwiches to take with them for lunch, they set out.

PT It was a long walk from Puddleby to Grimbledon. But after the Doctor and the Cat's-Meat-Man had been trudging down the road a while they heard a sound of hoofs behind them. They turned round; and there was a farmer coming toward them in a trap. Seeing the two travelers upon the road, the farmer was going to offer them a ride. But his wife did not like the ragged looks of the Cat's-Meat-Man, and she forbade her husband to stop for them.

PT "What d'yer think of that for Christian charity?" said the Cat's-Meat-Man as the cart went spinning by them. "Sit comfortable in their seats and leave us to walk! That's Isidore Stiles, the biggest potato-grower in these parts. I often catches rats for him. And his wife, the snobby old scarecrow! Did yer see that look she gives me? A rat-catcher ain't good enough company for her!"

PT "But look," said the Doctor. "They're stopping and turning the trap around."

PT Now this farmer's horse knew the Doctor very well both by sight and reputation. And as he had trotted by he had recognized the little man tramping along the road as none other than the famous John Dolittle. Delighted to find that his friend had returned to these parts, the horse had then turned around of his own accord, and was now trotting back — in spite of his driver's pulling — to greet the Doctor and inquire for his health.

PT "Where are you going?" asked the horse as he came up.

PT "We're going to Grimbledon Fair," said the Doctor.

PT "So are we," said the horse. "Why don't you get into the back of the trap beside the old woman?"

PT "They haven't invited me," said the Doctor. "See your farmer is trying to turn you around again toward Grimbledon. Better not anger him. Run along. Don't bother about us. We'll be all right."

PT Very unwillingly the horse finally obeyed the driver, turned about and set off once more for the fair. But he hadn't gone more than half a mile before he said to himself, "It's a shame the great man should have to walk, while these bumpkins ride. I'm hanged if I'll leave him behind!"

PT Then he pretended to shy at something in the road, swung the trap around again suddenly and raced back toward the Doctor at full gallop. The farmer's wife screamed and her husband threw all his weight on the reins. But the horse took not the slightest notice. Reaching the Doctor he started rearing and bucking and carrying on like a wild colt.

PT "Get into the trap, Doctor," he whispered. "Get in, or I'll spill these boobies into the ditch."

PT The Doctor, fearing an accident, took hold of the horse's bridle and patted him on the nose. Instantly he became as calm and gentle as a lamb.

PT "The Doctor took hold of the bridle"

PT "Your horse is a little restive, sir," said the Doctor to the farmer. "Would you let me drive him for a spell? I am a veterinary surgeon."

PT "Why, certainly," said the farmer. "I thought I knew something about horses meself. But I can't do a thing with him this morning."

PT Then, as the Doctor climbed up and took the reins, the Cat's-Meat-Man got in behind and, chuckling with delight, sat beside the indignant wife.

PT "Nice day, Mrs. Stiles," said Matthew Mugg. "How are the rats in the barn?"

PT They reached the Grimbledon about the middle of the morning. The town was very full and busy and holidayfied. In the cattle-market fine beeves, prize pigs, fat sheep and pedigreed draft horses with ribbons in their manes filled the pens.

PT Through the good-natured crowds that thronged the streets the Doctor and Matthew made their way patiently toward the enclosure where the circus was. The Doctor began to get worried that he might be asked to pay to go in, because he hadn't a single penny in his pockets. But at the entrance to the circus they found a high platform erected, with some curtains at the back. It was like a small outdoor theater. On this platform a man with an enormous black moustache was standing. From time to time various showily-dressed persons made their appearance through the curtains; and the big man introduced them to the gaping crowd and told of the wonders they could perform. Whatever they were, clowns, acrobats or snake-charmers, he always said they were the greatest in the world. The crowd was tremendously impressed; and every once in a while people in ones and twos would make their way through the throng, pay their money at the little gate and pass into the circus enclosure.

PT "There you are," the Cat's-Meat-Man whispered in the Doctor's ear. "Didn't I tell yer it was a good show? Look! People going in by hundreds."

PT "Is that big man the manager?" asked the Doctor.

PT "Yes, that's him. That's Blossom himself — Alexander Blossom. He's the man we've come to see."

PT The Doctor began to squirm his way forward through the people, with Matthew following behind. Finally he reached the front and started making signs to the big man on the platform above to show that he wanted to speak to him. But Mr. Blossom was so busy bellowing about the wonders of his show that the Doctor — a small man in a big crowd — could not attract his attention.

PT "Get up on the platform," said Matthew. "Climb up and talk to him."

PT So the Doctor clambered up one corner of the stage and then suddenly got frightfully embarrassed to find himself facing so large a gathering of people. However, once there, he plucked up his courage and, tapping the shouting showman on the arm, he said:

PT "Excuse me."

PT Mr. Blossom stopped roaring about the "greatest show on earth" and gazed down at the little round man who had suddenly appeared beside him.

PT "Er — er—" the Doctor began.

PT Then there was a silence. The people began to titter.

PT Blossom, like most showmen, was never at a loss for words and seldom missed an opportunity of being funny at somebody else's expense. And while John Dolittle was still wondering how to begin, the manager suddenly turned to the crowd again and, waving his arm towards the Doctor, shouted:

PT "And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the original Humpty-Dumpty — the one what gave the king's men so much trouble. Pay your money and come in! Walk up and see 'im fall off the wall!"

PT At that the crowd roared with laughter and the poor Doctor got more embarrassed than ever.

PT "Talk to him, Doctor, talk to him!" called the Cat's-Meat-Man from down below.

PT Soon, when the laughter had subsided, the Doctor made another attempt. He had just opened his mouth when a single piercing cry rang from amidst the crowd— " John!"

PT The Doctor turned and gazed over the heads of the people to see who was calling him by name. And there on the outskirts of the throng he saw a woman waving violently to him with a green parasol.

PT "Who is it?" said the Cat's-Meat-Man.

PT "Heaven preserve us!" groaned the Doctor, shamefacedly climbing down off the stage. "What'll we do now? Matthew — it's Sarah!"

BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

PT " W ELL, WELL, S ARAH !" said John Dolittle when he had finally made his way to her. "My, how well and plump you're looking!"

PT "I'm nothing of the sort, John," said Sarah, severely. "Will you please tell me what you mean by gallivanting around on that platform like a clown? Wasn't it enough for you to throw away the best practice in the West Country for the sake of pet mice and frogs and things? Have you no pride? What are you doing up there?"

PT "I was thinking of going into the circus business," said the Doctor.

PT Sarah gasped and put her hand to her head as thought about to swoon. Then a long lean man in parson's clothes who was standing behind her came and took her by the arm.

PT "What is it, my dear?" said he.

PT "Launcelot," said Sarah weakly, "this is my brother, John Dolittle. John, this is the Reverend Launcelot Dingle, rector of Grimbledon, my husband. But, John, you can't be serious. Go into the circus business! How disgraceful! You must be joking — and who is this person?" she added as Matthew Mugg shuffled up and joined the party.

PT "This is Matthew Mugg," said the Doctor. "You remember him, of course?"

PT "Ugh! — the rat-catcher," said Sarah, closing her eyes in horror.

PT "Not at all. He's a meat merchant," said the Doctor. "Mr. Mugg, the Reverend Launcelot Dingle." And the Doctor introduced his ragged greasy friend as if he had been a king. "He's my most prominent patient," he added.

PT "But, listen, John," said Sarah, "if you do go into this mad business, promise me you'll do it under some other name. Think what it would mean to our position here if it got known that the Rector's brother-in-law was a common showman!"

PT The Doctor thought a moment. Then he smiled.

PT "All right, Sarah, I'll use some other name. But I can't help it if some one recognizes me, can I?"

PT After they had bidden farewell to Sarah, the Doctor and Matthew again sought out the manager. They found him counting money at the gate, and this time were able to talk to him at their ease.

PT John Dolittle described the wonderful animal that he had at home and said he wanted to join the circus with him. Alexander Blossom admitted he would like to see the creature, and told the Doctor to bring him here. But John Dolittle said it would be better and easier if the manager came to Puddleby to look at him.

PT This was agreed upon. And after they had explained to Blossom how to get to the little house on the Oxenthorpe Road, they set out for home again, very pleased with their success so far.

PT "If you do go with Blossom's Circus," Matthew asked, as they tramped along the road chewing sardine sandwiches, "will you take me with you, Doctor? I'd come in real handy, taking care of the caravan, feeding and cleaning and the likes o' that."

PT "You're very welcome to come, Matthew," said the Doctor. "But what about your own business?"

PT "Oh, that," said Matthew, biting viciously into another sandwich. "There ain't no money in that. Besides, it's so tame, handing out bits of meat on skewers to overfed poodles! There's no — no what d'y' call it?" — (he waved his sandwich towards the sky)— "no adventure in it. I'm naturally venturesome — reckless like — always was, from my cradle up. Now the circus: that's the real life! That's a man's job."

PT "He waved his sandwich towards the sky"

PT "But how about your wife?" asked the Doctor.

PT "Theodosia? Oh, she'd come along. She's venturesome, like me. She could mend the clothes and do odd jobs. What do you think?"

PT "What do I think?" asked the Doctor, who was staring down at the road as he walked. "I was thinking of Sarah."

PT "Queer gent, that what she married, ain't he," said Matthew, "the Reverend Dangle?"

PT "Dingle," the Doctor corrected. "Yes. He's venturesome too. It's a funny world — Poor dear Sarah! — Poor old Dingle! — Well, well."

PT Late that night, when the Grimbledon Fair had closed, Mr. Blossom, the ringmaster, came to the Doctor's house in Puddleby.

PT After he had been shown by the light of a lantern the pushmi-pullyu grazing on the lawn, he came back into the library with the Doctor and said:

PT "How much do you want for that animal?"

PT "No, no, he's not for sale," said the Doctor.

PT "Oh, come now," said the manager. "You don't want him. Any one could see you're not a regular showman. I'll give you twenty pounds for him."

PT "No," said the Doctor.

PT "Thirty pounds," said Blossom.

PT Still the Doctor refused.

PT "Forty pounds — fifty pounds," said the manager. Then he went up and up, offering prices that made the Cat's-Meat-Man who was listening open his eyes wider and wider with wonder.

PT "It's no use," said the Doctor at last. "You must either take me with the animal into your circus or leave him where he is. I have promised that I myself will see he is properly treated."

PT "What do you mean?" asked the showman. "Ain't he your property? Who did you promise?"

PT "He's his own property," said the Doctor. "He came here to oblige me. It was to himself, the pushmi-pullyu, that I gave my promise."

PT "What! — Are you crazy?" asked the showman.

PT Matthew Mugg was going to explain to Blossom that the Doctor could speak animals' language. But John Dolittle motioned to him to be silent.

PT "And so, you see," he went on, "you must either take me and the animal or neither."

PT Then Blossom said no, he wouldn't agree to that arrangement. And to Matthew's great disappointment and grief he took his hat and left.

PT But he had expected the Doctor to change his mind and give in. And he hadn't been gone more than ten minutes before he rang the door-bell and said that he had come back to talk it over.

PT Well, the upshot of it was that the showman finally consented to all the Doctor asked. The pushmi-pullyu and his party were to be provided with a new wagon all to themselves and, although traveling as part of the circus, were to be entirely free and independent. The money made was to be divided equally between the Doctor and the manager. Whenever the pushmi-pullyu wanted a day off he was to have it, and whatever kind of food he asked for was to be provided by Blossom.

PT When all the arrangements had been gone into, the man said he would send the caravan here next day, and prepared to go.

PT "By the way," he said, pausing at the front door. "What's your name?"

PT The Doctor was just about to tell him, when he remembered Sarah's request.

PT "Oh, well, call me John Smith," said he.

PT "All right, Mr. Smith," said the showman. "Have your party ready by eleven in the morning. Good night."

PT "Good night," said the Doctor.

PT As soon as the door had closed Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too and the white mouse, who had been hiding and listening in various corners of the house, all came out into the hall and started chattering at the top of their voices.

PT "Hooray!" grunted Gub-Gub. "Hooray for the circus!"

PT "'Hooray for the circus!'"

PT "My," said Matthew to the Doctor, "you're not such a bad business man after all! You got Blossom to give in to everything. He wasn't going to let the chance slip. Did you see how quickly he came back when he thought the deal was off? I'll bet he expects to make a lot of money out of us."

PT "Poor old home," sighed Dab-Dab, affectionately dusting off the hat-rack. "To leave it again so soon!"

PT "Hooray!" yelled Gub-Gub, trying to stand on his hind legs and balance the Doctor's hat on his nose— "Hooray for the circus! — To-morrow! — Whee!"

THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

PT V ERY EARLY THE next morning Dab-Dab had the whole house astir. She said breakfast must be eaten and the table cleared before seven, if everything was to be got in readiness for their departure by eleven.

PT As a matter of fact, the diligent housekeeper had the house closed and everybody waiting outside on the front steps hours before the wagon arrived. But the Doctor, for one, was still kept busy. For up to the last minute animal patients were still coming in from all parts of the countryside, with various ailments to be cured.

PT At last Jip, who had been out scouting, came rushing back to the party gathered in the garden.

PT "The wagon's coming," he panted— "all red and yellow — it's just around the bend."

PT Then everybody got excited and began grabbing their parcels. Gub-Gub's luggage was a bundle of turnips; and just as he was hurrying down the steps to the road the string broke and the round, white vegetables went rolling all over the place.

PT The wagon, when it finally came in sight, was certainly a thing of beauty. It was made like a gypsy caravan, with windows and door and chimney. It was very gayly painted and quite new.

PT "Waiting on the front steps"

PT Not so the horse; he was quite old. The Doctor said that never had he seen an animal so worn out and weary. He got into conversation with him and found out that he had been working in the circus for thirty-five years. He was very sick of it he said. His name was Beppo. The Doctor decided he would tell Blossom that it was high time Beppo should be pensioned off and allowed to live in peace.

PT In spite of the newness of the van, Dab-Dab swept it out before she put the packages in it. She had the Doctor's bedding tied up in a sheet, like a bundle of clothes for the laundry. And she was most careful that this should not get dirty.

PT When the animals and the baggage were all in, the Doctor got terribly afraid that the load would be too much for the old horse to pull. And he wanted to push behind, to help. But Beppo said he could manage it all right. However, the Doctor would not add to the weight by getting in himself. And when the door was shut and the window curtains drawn, so no one should see the pushmi-pullyu on the way, they set out for Grimbledon, with the man who had brought the wagon driving and the Doctor and the Cat's-Meat-Man walking behind.

PT On the way through Puddleby Market-place the driver stopped to get something at a shop. And while the caravan waited outside a crowd gathered about the wagon, wanting to know where it was going and what was inside. Matthew Mugg, his chest now swelling with pride, was dying to tell them, but the Doctor wouldn't let him make any speeches.

PT They reached the Grimbledon Fair-grounds about two o'clock in the afternoon and entered the circus enclosure by a back gate. Inside they found the great Blossom himself, waiting to welcome them.

PT He seemed quite surprised, on the van's being opened, to find the odd collection of creatures the Doctor had brought with him — he was particularly astonished at the pig. However, he was so delighted to have the pushmi-pullyu that he didn't mind.

PT He at once led them to what he called their stand — which, he said, he had had built for them that very morning. This the Doctor found to be similar to the place where he had first spoken with Blossom. It was a platform raised three feet from the ground, so that the board-and-canvas room on the top of it could be seen. It had steps up to it, and a little way back from the front edge of the platform curtains covered the entrance to the room, so no one could see inside unless they paid to go in.

PT Across the front of it was a sign:

PT THE PUSHMI-PULLYU!

PT COME AND SEE THE MARVELOUS

PT TWO-HEADED ANIMAL

PT FROM THE JUNGLES OF AFRICA!

PT ADMISSION SIXPENCE

PT The red and yellow wagon (in which the Doctor's party, with the exception of the pushmi-pullyu, were to live) was backed behind the "stand". And Dab-Dab immediately set about making up beds and arranging the inside so it would be homelike.

PT Blossom wanted to have the pushmi-pullyu put on show at once, but the Doctor refused. He said any wild animal would need to rest after the journey from Puddleby. And he wished the timid beast to get used to the noisy bustle of circus life before he was stared at by a crowd of holiday-makers.

PT Blossom was disappointed, but he had to give in. Then, to the animals' delight, he offered to show the Doctor around the circus and introduce him to the various performers. So after the pushmi-pullyu had been moved to his new home in the stand and the Doctor had seen that he was provided with hay and water and bedding, the Puddleby party started out to make a tour of the circus under the guidance of the great Alexander Blossom, ringmaster.

PT The main show took place only twice a day (at two in the afternoon and at six thirty at night), in a big tent in the middle of the enclosure. But all around this there were smaller tents and stands, most of which you had to pay extra to get into. Of these the Doctor's establishment was now to form one. They contained all manner of wonders: shooting galleries; guessing games; wild men of Borneo; bearded ladies; merry-go-rounds; strong men, snake charmers; a menagerie and many more.

PT Blossom took the Doctor and his friends to the menagerie first. It was a dingy third-rate sort of collection. Most of the animals seemed dirty and unhappy. The Doctor was so saddened he was all for having a row with Blossom over it. But the Cat's-Meat-Man whispered in his ear:

PT "Don't be starting trouble right away, Doctor. Wait a while. After the boss sees how valuable you are with performing animals you'll be able to do what you like with him. If you kick up a shindy* now we'll maybe lose our job. Then you won't be able to do anything."

PT This struck John Dolittle as good advice. And he contented himself for the present with whispering to the animals through the bars of their cages that later he hoped to do something for them.

PT Just as they had entered a dirty man was taking around a group of country folk to show them the collection. Stopping before a cage where a small furry animal was imprisoned, the man called out:

PT "And this, ladies and gents, is the famous Hurri-Gurri, from the forests of Patagonia. 'E 'angs from the trees by 'is tail. Pass on to the next cage."

PT The Doctor, followed by Gub-Gub, went over and looked in at "the famous Hurri-Gurri."

PT "Why," said he, "that's nothing but a common opossum from America. One of the marsupials."

PT "One of the marsupials"

PT "How do you know it's a Ma Soupial, Doctor?" asked Gub-Gub. "She hasn't any children with her. Perhaps, it's a Pa Soupial."

PT "And this," roared the man, standing before the next cage, "is the largest elephant in captivity."

PT "Almost the smallest one I ever saw," murmured the Doctor.

PT Then Mr. Blossom suggested that they go on to the next show, Princess Fatima, the snake charmer. And he led the way out of the close, evil-smelling menagerie into the open air. As the Doctor passed down the line of cages he hung his head, frowning unhappily. For the various animals, recognizing the great John Dolittle, were all making signs to him to stop and talk with them.

PT When they entered the snake charmer's tent there were no other visitors there for the moment but themselves. On the small stage they beheld the Princess Fatima, powdering her large nose and swearing to herself in cockney. Beside her chair was a big shallow box full of snakes. Matthew Mugg peeped into it, gasped with horror, and then started to run from the tent.

PT "It's all right, Matthew," the Doctor called out. "Don't be alarmed, they're quite harmless."

PT "What d'yer mean, harmless?" snorted the Princess Fatima, glaring at the Doctor. "They're king cobras, from India — the deadliest snakes livin'."

PT "They're nothing of the sort," said the Doctor.

PT "They're American blacksnakes — non-poisonous." And he tickled one under the chin.

PT "Leave them snakes alone!" yelled the Fatima, rising from her chair— "or I'll knock yer bloomin' 'ead orf."

PT "'You leave them snakes alone!'"

PT At this moment Blossom interfered and introduced the ruffled Princess to Mr. Smith.

PT The conversation which followed (Fatima was still too angry to take much part in it) was interrupted by the arrival of some people who had come to see the snake charmer perform. Blossom led the Doctor's party off into a corner, whispering:

PT "She's marvelous, Smith. One of the best turns I've got. Just you watch her."

PT Behind the curtains at the back somebody started beating a drum and playing a pipe. Then Fatima arose, lifted two snakes out of the box and wound them around her neck and arms.

PT "Will ze ladies and ze gentlemen step a little closair," she cooed softly to her audience. "Zen zay can see bettair — zo!"

PT "What's she talking like that for?" Gub-Gub whispered to the Doctor.

PT "Sh! I suppose she thinks she's speaking with an Oriental accent," said John Dolittle.

PT "Sounds to me like a hot-potato accent," muttered Gub-Gub. "Isn't she fat and wobbly!"

PT Noticing that the Doctor did not seem favorably impressed, the circus master led them out to see the other sideshows.

PT Crossing over to the strong man's booth, Gub-Gub caught sight of the Punch and Judy show which is going on at that moment. The play had just reached that point where Toby the dog bites Mr. Punch on the nose. Gub-Gub was fascinated. They could hardly drag him away from it. Indeed, throughout the whole time they spent with the circus this was his chief delight. He never missed a single performance — and, although the play was always the same and he got to know it every word by heart, he never grew tired of it.

PT At the next booth a large audience was gathered and yokels were gasping in wonder as the strong man lifted enormous weights in the air. There was no fake about this show. And John Dolittle, deeply interested, joined in the clapping and the gasping.

PT The strong man was an honest-looking fellow, with tremendous muscles. The Doctor took a liking to him right away. One of his tricks was to lie on the stage on his back and lift an enormous dumb-bell with his feet till his legs were sticking right up in the air. It needed balance as well as strength, because if the dumb-bell should fall the wrong way the man would certainly be injured. To-day when he had finally brought his legs into an upright position and the crowd was whispering in admiration, suddenly there was a loud crack. One of the boards of the stage had given way. Instantly down came the big dumb-bell right across the man's chest.

PT The crowd screamed and Blossom jumped up on the platform. It took two men's strength to lift the dumb-bell off the strong mans' body. But even then he did not arise. He lay motionless, his eyes closed, his face a deathly white.

PT "Get a doctor," Blossom shouted to the Cat's-Meat-Man. "Hurry! He's hurt hisself — unconscious. A doctor, quick!"

PT But John Dolittle was already on the stage, standing over the ringmaster, who knelt beside the injured man.

PT "Get out of the way and let me examine him," he said quietly.

PT "What can you do? He's hurt bad. Look, his breathing's queer. We got to get a doctor."

PT "I am a doctor," said John Dolittle. "Matthew, run to the van and get my black bag."

PT "You a doctor!" said Blossom, getting up off his knees. "Thought you called yourself Mr. Smith."

PT "Of course, he's a doctor," came a voice out of the crowd. "There wur a time when he wur the best known doctor in the West Country. I know un. Dolittle's his name — John Dolittle, of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh."

THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

PT THE D OCTOR FOUND that two of the strong man's ribs had been broken by the dumb-bell. However, he prophesied that with so powerful a constitution the patient should recover quickly. The injured man was put to bed in his own caravan and until he was well again the Doctor visited him four times a day and Matthew slept in his wagon to nurse him.

PT The strong man (his show name was Hercules) was very thankful to John Dolittle and became greatly attached to him — and very useful sometimes, as you will see later on.

PT So the Doctor felt, when he went to bed that first night of his circus career, that if he had made an enemy in Fatima, the snake charmer, he had gained a friend in Hercules, the strong man.

PT Of course, now that he had been recognized as the odd physician of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, there was no longer any sense in his trying to conceal who he was. And very soon he became known among the circus folk as just "the Doctor" — or "the Doc." On the very high recommendation of Hercules, he was constantly called upon for the cure of small ailments by everyone, from the bearded lady to the clown.

PT The next day, the pushmi-pullyu was put on show for the first time. He was very popular. A two-headed animal had never before been seen in a circus and the people thronged up to pay their money and have a look at him. At first he nearly died of embarrassment and shyness, and he was forever hiding one of his heads under the straw so as not to have to meet the gaze of all those staring eyes. Then the people wouldn't believe he had more than one head. So the Doctor asked him if he would be so good as to keep both of them in view.

PT "You need not look at the people," he said. "But just let them see that you really have two heads. You can turn your back on the audience — both ends."

PT But some of the silly people, even when they could see the two heads plainly, kept saying that one must be faked. And they would prod the poor, timid animal with sticks to see if part of him was stuffed. While two country bumpkins were doing this one day the pushmi-pullyu got annoyed, and bringing both his heads up sharply at the same time, he jabbed the two inquirers in the legs. Then they knew for sure that he was real and alive all over.

PT But as soon as the Cat's-Meat-Man could be spared from nursing Hercules (he turned the job over to his wife) the Doctor put him on guard inside the stall to see that the animal was not molested by stupid visitors. The poor creature had a terrible time those first days. But when Jip told him how much money was being taken in, he determined to stick it out for John Dolittle's sake. And after a little while, although his opinion of the human race sank very low, he got sort of used to the silly, gaping faces of his audiences and gazed back at them — from both his heads — with fearless superiority and the scorn that they deserved.

PT During show hours the Doctor used to sit in a chair on the front platform, taking the sixpences and smiling on the people as they went in — for all the world as though every one of them were old friends visiting his home. And, in fact, he did in this way re-meet many folks who had known him in years gone by, including the old lady with rheumatism, Squire Jenkyns and neighbors from Puddleby.

PT Poor Dab-Dab was busier than ever now. For in addition to the housekeeping duties she always had to keep one eye on the Doctor; and many were the scoldings she gave him because he would let the children in for nothing when she wasn't looking.

PT At the end of each day Blossom, the manager, came to divide up the money. And Too-Too, the mathematician, was always there when the adding was done, to see that the Doctor got his proper share.

PT Although the pushmi-pullyu was so popular, the Doctor saw very early in his new career that it would take quite a time to earn sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat — let alone to make enough for himself and his family to live on besides.

PT "Too-Too was always there"

PT He was rather sorry about this; for there were a lot of things in the circus business that he did not like and he was anxious to leave it. While his own show was a perfectly honest affair, there were many features of the circus that were faked; and the Doctor, who always hated fake of any kind, had an uncomfortable feeling that he was part of an establishment not strictly honest. Most of the gambling games were arranged so that those who played them were bound to lose their money.

PT But the thing that worried the Doctor most was the condition of the animals. Their life, he felt, was in most cases an unhappy one. At the end of his first day with the circus, after the crowds have gone home and all was quiet in the enclosure, he had gone back into the menagerie and talked to the animals there. They nearly all had complaints to make: their cages were not kept properly clean; they did not get exercise or room enough; with some the food served was not the kind they liked.

PT The Doctor heard them all and was so indignant he sought out the ringmaster in his private caravan right away and told him plainly of all the things he thought ought to be changed.

PT Blossom listened patiently until he had finished and then he laughed.

PT "Why, Doc," said he, "if I was to do all the things you want me to I might as well leave the business! I'd be ruined. What, pension off the horses? Send the hurri-gurri back to his home? Keep the men cleaning out the cages all day? Buy special foods? Have the animals took out for walks every day, like a young lady's academy? Man, you must be crazy! Now, look here: You don't know anything about this game — nothing, see? I've given in to you in all you asked. I'm letting you run your part of the show your own way. But I'm going to run the rest of it my way. Understand? I don' want no interference. It's bad enough to have the strong man on the sick list. I ain't going to go broke just to please your Sunday school ideas. And that's flat."

PT Sad at heart, the Doctor left the manager's quarters and made his way across to his own caravan. On the steps of his wagon, he found the Cat's-Meat-Man smoking his evening pipe. Close by, Beppo, the old horse, was cropping the scrubby grass of the enclosure by the light of the moon.

PT "Nice night," said Matthew. "You look kind of worried, Doctor. Anything wrong?"

PT "Yes," said John Dolittle, sitting down miserably on the steps beside him. "Everything's wrong. I've just been talking to Blossom about improving conditions in the menagerie. He won't do a single thing I ask. I think I'll leave the circus."

PT "Oh, come now," said Matthew. 'Why, you ain't hardly begun, Doctor! Blossom doesn't know yet that you can talk animal language even! Circuses don't have to be bad. You could run one that would be a new kind; clean, honest, special — one that everybody in the world come to see. But you got to get money first. Don't give up so easy."

PT "No, it's no use, Matthew. I'm doing no good here and I can't stay and see animals unhappy. I never should have gone into the business."

PT At this moment the old horse, Beppo, hearing his friend's voice, drew near and pushed his muzzle affectionately into the Doctor's ear.

PT "Hulloa," said John Dolittle. "Beppo, I'm afraid I can be of no help to you. I'm sorry — but I am going to leave the circus."

PT "But, Doctor," said the old horse, "you're our one hope. Why, only to-day I heard the elephant and the Talking Horse — the cob who performs in the big show — they were saying how glad they were that you had come. Be patient. You can't change everything in a minute. If you go, then we'll never get anything we want. But we know that if you stay, before long you will be running the whole show the way it should be run. We're not worried as long as you're with us. Only stay. And mark my words, the day will come when the new circus, 'The Dolittle Circus,' will be the greatest on earth."

PT For a moment the Doctor was silent. And Matthew, who had not understood the conversation with the horse, waited impatiently for him to speak.

PT At last he arose and turned to go into the caravan.

PT "Well," said the Cat's-Meat-Man anxiously, "are you going to stay?"

PT "Yes, Matthew," said the Doctor. "It seems I've got to. Good night."

PT At the end of that week the Grimbledon Fair was over and the circus had to move on to the next town. It was a big job, this packing up a large show for a long journey by road. And all day Sunday the enclosure was a very busy place. Men ran around everywhere shouting orders. The big tent and the little tents were pulled down and rolled up. The stands were taken apart and piled into wagons. The large space that had looked so gay was quickly changed into a drab, untidy mess. It was all very new to the Doctor's pets; and though Dab-Dab joined in the general hustle of packing, the rest of them enjoyed the excitement and the newness of it no end.

PT One thing that amused them very much was the change in the appearance of the performers when they got out of their circus dress to travel. Gub-Gub was very confused, because he couldn't recognize anybody any more. The clown took the white paint off his face. The Princess Fatima laid aside her gorgeous garments and appeared like a respectable charwoman ready for a holiday. The Wild Man of Borneo put on a collar and tie and talked quite naturally. And the Bearded Lady took off her beard, folded it up and packed it in a trunk.

PT Then in a long procession of caravans the circus set out upon the road. The next town to be visited was fifty miles off. This journey could not, of course, be covered in a single day, going at a walk. The nights were to be spent camping out by the roadside or in whatever convenient clear spaces could be found. So, beside the new amusement of seeing the country by day from a home on wheels, the animals had the thrill of spending the nights gypsy-fashion, wherever darkness found them. Jip got lots of fun chasing the rats out of the ditches along the road and often going off across a meadow on the scent of a fox. The slowness of the circus's pace gave him time for all sorts of small adventures; and he could always catch up. But Gub-Gub's chief delight was guessing where they would spend the night.

PT "On the scent of a fox"

PT This part of the life, the halting for sleep, seemed to be enjoyed by all. When the kettle was put on to boil over the roadside fire every one cheered up and got talkative. Jip's two friends, the clown's dog and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, always came around as soon as the procession stopped for the night, and joined the Doctor's party. They, too, seemed to be much in favor of John Dolittle's taking charge of the show or running a circus of his own. And when they weren't amusing the family circle with wonderful stories of a show-dog's life they kept telling the Doctor that a real Dolittle Circus would, to their way of thinking, be a perfect institution.

PT John Dolittle had always said that there were just as many different characters and types among dogs as there were among people — in fact, more. He had written a book to prove this. He called it Dog Psychology. Most metaphysicians had pooh-poohed it, saying that no one but a hair-brain would write on such a subject. But this was only to hide the fact that they couldn't understand it.

PT Certainly these two, Swizzle, the clown's dog, and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, had very different personalities. Swizzle (to look at, he was nothing but a common mongrel) had a great sense of humor. He made a joke out of everything. This may have been partly on account of his profession — helping a clown make people laugh. But it was also part of his philosophy. He told both the Doctor and Jip more than once that when he was still a puppy he had decided that nothing in this world was worth taking seriously. He was a great artist, nevertheless, and could always see the most difficult jokes — even when they were made at his own expense.

PT It was Swizzle's sense of humor that gave the Doctor the idea for the first comic papers printed for animals — when later he founded the Rat-and-Mouse Club. They were called Cellar Life and Basement Humor and were intended to bring light entertainment to those who live in dark places.

PT Toby, the other, was as different from his friend Swizzle as it is possible to be. He was a small dog, a dwarf white poodle. And he took himself and life quite seriously. The most noticeable thing about his character was his determination to get everything which he thought he ought to get. Yet he was not selfish, not at all. The Doctor always said that this shrewd business-like quality was to be found in most little dogs — who had to make up for their small size by an extra share of cheek. The very first time Toby came visiting to John Dolittle's caravan he got on the Doctor's bed and made himself comfortable. Dab-Dab, highly scandalized, tried to put him off. But he wouldn't move. He said the Doctor didn't seem to mind and he was the owner of the bed. And from that time on he always occupied this place in the caravan's evening circle when he came to visit. He had won a special privilege for himself by sheer cheek. He was always demanding privileges, and he usually got them.

PT But there was one thing, in which Toby and Swizzle were alike; and that was the pride they took in their personal friendship with John Dolittle, whom they considered the greatest man on earth.

PT "Toby and Swizzle"

PT One night on the first trip between towns the procession had stopped by the side of the road as usual. There was a nice old-fashioned farm quite near and Gub-Gub had gone off to see if there were any pigs in the stye. Otherwise the Doctor's family circle was complete. And soon after the kettle had been put on to boil along came Toby and Swizzle. The night was cool; so, instead of making a fire outside, Dab-Dab was using the stove in the caravan, and everybody was sitting around it chatting.

PT "Have you heard the news, Doctor?" said Toby, jumping up on the bed.

PT "No," said John Dolittle. "What is it?"

PT "At the next town — Ashby, you know, quite a large place — we are to pick up Sophie."

PT "Who in the world is Sophie?" asked the Doctor, getting out his slippers from behind the stove.

PT "She left us before you joined," said Swizzle. "Sophie's the performing seal — balances balls on her nose and does tricks in the water. She fell sick and Blossom had to leave her behind about a month ago. She's all right now, though, and her keeper is meeting us at Ashby so she can join us again. She's rather a sentimental sort of girl, is Sophie. But she's a good sport, and I'm sure you will like her."

PT "Climbed wearily from his sleepless bed"

PT The circus reached Ashby about nine o'clock on a Wednesday evening. It was to open to the public the first thing the following morning. So all through that night, by the light of flares, the men were busy hoisting tents, setting up booths, and spreading tanbark. Even after the pushmi-pullyu's stand was put together and the Doctor's family retired to rest, no one got any sleep; for the ground still shook with the hammers driving pegs; and the air was full of shouts and the spirits of work, till the dusk of dawn crept over the roofs of Ashby and showed the city of canvas that had been built in a night.

PT John Dolittle decided, as he climbed wearily from his sleepless bed that circus life took a lot of getting used to. After breakfast, leaving Matthew in charge of his stand, he set out to make the acquaintance of the performing seal.

SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

PT S OPHIE ' S KEEPER, LIKE the rest of the showmen, had by this time got his part of the circus in readiness to open to the public. The seal was accustomed to perform in the big tent twice a day, following the Pinto Brothers (trapeze acrobats) and the Talking Horse. But during the rest of the day she was a side-show like the pushmi-pullyu. Here in an enclosed tank she dived after fish for the amusement of anyone who paid threepence to come and see her.

PT This morning — it was still quite early — Sophie's keeper was eating his breakfast outside on the steps when the Doctor entered the stand. Inside, a tank about twelve feet across had been let into the ground; and around it was a platform with a railing where visitors stood to watch the performance. Sophie, a fine five-foot Alaskan seal, with sleek skin and intelligent eyes, was wallowing moodily in the water of the tank. When the Doctor spoke to her in her own language, and she realized who her visitor was, she burst into a flood of tears.

PT "What is the matter?" asked John Dolittle.

PT The seal, still weeping, did not answer.

PT "Calm yourself," said the Doctor. "Don't be hysterical. Tell me, are you still sick? I understood you had recovered."

PT "Oh, yes, I got over that," said Sophie through her tears. "It was only an upset stomach. They will feed us this stale fish, you know."

PT "Then what's the matter?" asked the Doctor. "Why are you crying?"

PT "I was weeping for joy," said Sophie. "I was just thinking as you came in that the only person in the world who could help me in my trouble was John Dolittle. Of course, I had heard all about you through the Post Office and the Arctic Monthly. In fact, I had written to you. It was I who contributed those articles on under-water swimming — you remember? — The Alaskan Wiggle, you know — double overhand stroke. It was printed in the August number of your magazine. We were awfully sorry when you had to give up the Arctic Monthly. It was tremendously popular among the seals."

PT "But what was this trouble you were speaking of?" asked the Doctor.

PT "Oh, yes," said Sophie, bursting into tears again. "That just shows you how glad I am; I had forgotten all about it for the moment. You know, when you first came in I thought you were an ordinary visitor. But the very first word of sealish that you spoke — and Alaskan sealish at that — I knew who you were; John Dolittle, the one man in the world I wanted to see! It was too much, I—"

PT "Come, come!" said the Doctor. "Don't break down again. Tell me what your trouble is."

PT "Well," said Sophie, "it's this: While I—"

PT At that moment there was a noise outside, the rattling of a bucket.

PT "Sh! It's the keeper coming," whispered the Doctor quickly. "Just carry on with your tricks. I'm not letting them know I can talk to the animals."

PT When the keeper entered to swab the floor, Sophie was frisking and diving for an audience of one: a quite little fat man with a battered high hat on the back of his head. The keeper just glanced at him, before setting to work, and decided that he was quite an ordinary person, nobody in particular at all.

PT As soon as the man had finished his mopping and disappeared again, Sophie continued:

PT "You know," said the seal, "when I fell sick we were performing at Hatley-on-Sea, and I and my keeper — Higgins is his name — stayed there two weeks while the circus went on without us. Now, there's a zoo at Hatley — only a small one — near the esplanade. They have artificial ponds there with seals and otters in them. Well, Higgins got talking to the keeper of these seals one day, and told him about my being sick. And they decided I needed company. So they put me in the pond with the other seals till I should recover. Among them there was an older one who came from the same part of the Behring Straits as I did. He gave me some very bad news about my husband. It seems that ever since I was captured he has been unhappy and refused to eat. He used to be leader of the herd. But after I was taken away he had worried and grown thin and finally another seal was elected leader in his place. Now he wasn't expected to live." (Quietly Sophie began to weep again.) "I can quite understand it. We were devoted to one another. And although he was so big and strong and no other seal in the herd ever dared to argue with him, without me, well, he was just lost, you know — a mere baby. He relied on me for everything. And now — I don't know what's happening to him. It's just terrible — terrible!"

PT "Well, wait a minute," said the Doctor. "Don't cry. What do you think ought to be done?"

PT "I ought to go to him," said Sophie, raising herself in the water and spreading out her flippers. "I ought to be by his side. He is the proper leader of the herd and he needs me. I hoped I might escape at Hatley, but not a chance did I get."

PT "Humph!" muttered the Doctor. "It's an awful long way to the Behring Straits. How on earth would you get there?"

PT "That's just what I wanted to see you about," said Sophie. "Overland, of course, my rate of travel is very slow. If I could only have got away at Hatley I'd have been all right. Because, of course," she added with a powerful swish of her tail that slopped half the water out of the tank, "once I reached the sea I'd be up to Alaska in no time."

PT "'I ought to go to him'"

PT "Ah, yes," the Doctor agreed, as he shook the water out of his boots. "I see you are a powerful swimmer. How far are we from the coast here?"

PT "About a hundred miles," said Sophie. "Oh dear! Poor Slushy! My poor, poor Slushy!"

PT "Poor who?" asked the Doctor.

PT "Slushy," said the seal. "That's my husband's name. He relied on me in everything, poor, simple Slushy. What shall I do? What shall I do?"

PT "Well, now listen," said John Dolittle. "This is no easy matter, to smuggle you to the sea. I don't say it's impossible. But it needs thinking out. Perhaps I can get you free some other way — openly. In the meantime I'll send word up to your husband by bird messenger and tell him to stop worrying, because you are all right. And the same messenger can bring us back news of how he is getting on. Now, cheer up. Here come some people to see you perform."

PT A school mistress with a band of children entered, accompanied by Higgins, the keeper. As they came in a little fat man went out, smiling to himself. Soon the children were laughing with delight at the antics of the big animal in the tank. And Higgins decided that Sophie must now be feeling entirely recovered, for he had never seen her so sprightly or so full of good spirits before.

THE MESSENGER FROM THE NORTH

PT L ATE THAT NIGHT the Doctor took Too-Too with him and went to visit the seal again. "Now, Sophie," said he when they had reached the side of the tank, "this owl is a friend of mine, and I want you to describe to him just where in Alaska your husband can be found. Then we'll send him off to the seashore, and he will hand on your message to the gulls who are going northwestward. Let me introduce you: Sophie, this is Too-Too, one of the cleverest birds I know. He is particularly good at mathematics."

PT The owl sat on the rail while Sophie told him exactly how Slushy could be reached and reeled off a long and loving message for her husband. When she had ended he said:

PT "I think I'll make for Bristol, Doctor. It is about the nearest coast town. There are always plenty of gulls to be found in the harbor. I'll get one to take this and pass it on to its destination."

PT "Very good, Too-Too," said the Doctor. "But we want to hurry it all we can. If you can find some sea-bird who is willing to take it the whole way as a special favor to me, it would be better."

Versão em Português

1 - O CÍRCULO DA LAREIRA

2 - O DOUTOR ENCONTRA UM AMIGO — E UM PARENTE

3 - ACORDOS COMERCIAIS

4 - O DOUTOR É DESCOBERTO

5 - O DOUTOR FICA DESANIMADO

6 - SOPHIE, DO ALASCA

7 - O MENSAGEIRO DO NORTE

O CÍRCULO DA LAREIRA

En Esta história é sobre as aventuras do Doutor Dolittle quando ele se juntou a um circo. Ele não planejava ficar muito tempo no circo. Seu principal objetivo era mostrar o pushmi-pullyu para ganhar dinheiro suficiente. Esse dinheiro era necessário para pagar um marinheiro por um barco que havia sido emprestado e depois naufragado.

En Too-Too tinha dito algo verdadeiro: não era difícil para o Doutor Dolittle ficar rico, pois ele não era exigente quanto a dinheiro. No entanto, era muito difícil para ele permanecer rico. Dab-Dab mencionou que, nos anos em que o conheceu, ele havia ficado rico cerca de cinco ou seis vezes. Ela também observou que quanto mais dinheiro ele tinha, mais rápido ficava pobre novamente.

En A ideia de Dab-Dab sobre uma grande quantia de dinheiro não era muito alta. Durante seu tempo no circo, o Doutor Dolittle frequentemente tinha dinheiro suficiente para ser considerado abastado. Mas, tão regularmente quanto um relógio, no final de cada semana ou mês, ele ficava sem dinheiro novamente.

En Começamos a história quando o Doutor Dolittle e seus companheiros animais — Jip o cachorro, Dab-Dab a pata, Too-Too a coruja, Gub-Gub o porco, o pushmi-pullyu e o rato branco — voltaram para sua casa em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh após uma longa viagem da África. Alimentar uma família tão grande era difícil. O Doutor Dolittle não tinha dinheiro e estava preocupado em como os alimentaria, mesmo durante o curto período antes de planejarem se juntar a um circo. Felizmente, a atenciosa Dab-Dab havia trazido suprimentos da despensa de um navio pirata, que ela acreditava que durariam para a casa por um ou dois dias se fossem cuidadosos.

En Quando chegaram em casa pela primeira vez, os animais estavam tão felizes que esqueceram todas as suas preocupações. Apenas Dab-Dab estava pensando no futuro. Ela foi direto para a cozinha para começar a limpar e cozinhar. O Doutor e os outros animais foram ao jardim para explorar sua casa familiar. Eles ainda estavam olhando ao redor quando Dab-Dab os chamou para o almoço usando uma frigideira batida com uma colher como sino de jantar. Todos correram para dentro, animados para comer uma refeição juntos em sua amada cozinha novamente, onde haviam compartilhado muitos momentos felizes.

En Jip comentou que estaria frio o suficiente para uma fogueira naquela noite. Ele disse que o vento de setembro estava frio e perguntou ao Doutor se ele contaria uma história após o jantar, já que fazia muito tempo que não se sentavam juntos perto do fogo.

En Gub-Gub sugeriu que o Doutor lesse de seus livros de histórias de animais. Ele pediu especificamente a história sobre a Raposa que tentou roubar o ganso do Rei.

En O Doutor respondeu que talvez contasse uma história ou lesse. Ele provou as sardinhas e as achou deliciosas, observando que eram claramente sardinhas francesas de Bordeaux.

En Naquele momento, o Doutor foi chamado ao consultório para tratar uma doninha com uma garra quebrada. Logo depois, um galo chegou reclamando de uma dor de garganta que tornava seu cantar muito baixo, tão baixo que sua fazenda não acordava. Então, dois faisões trouxeram um pintinho fraco que nunca havia bicado a comida corretamente desde que nasceu.

En O galo explicou que sua dor de garganta significava que ele só conseguia cantar muito baixinho.

En Embora as pessoas em Puddleby ainda não soubessem que o Doutor havia chegado, os animais e os pássaros já tinham ouvido a notícia. Durante toda a tarde, o Doutor esteve ocupado ajudando muitos tipos diferentes de animais. Um grande grupo de criaturas esperava pacientemente do lado de fora da porta de sua clínica.

En Dab-Dab comentou que parecia os velhos tempos, sem paz, porque os pacientes estavam constantemente pedindo para ver o Doutor.

En Como Jip havia previsto, a noite ficou muito fria. Os animais encontraram madeira suficiente no porão para fazer uma fogueira alegre na grande chaminé. Depois de comer, os animais se reuniram ao redor do fogo e pediram ao Doutor que contasse uma história ou lesse um de seus livros.

En O Doutor lembrou a todos que eles precisavam pensar no circo. Ele explicou que eles tinham que ganhar dinheiro para pagar o marinheiro e que ainda não tinham encontrado um circo para se juntar. Ele se perguntou qual era a melhor maneira de começar e a quem poderia pedir conselhos, já que os circos viajam muito.

En Too-Too perguntou se eles tinham acabado de ouvir a campainha da porta da frente tocar.

En O Doutor achou estranho. Ele se levantou da cadeira e se perguntou se os visitantes já haviam chegado.

En Enquanto o Doutor entrava no corredor, o rato branco sugeriu que poderia ser a senhora idosa com dor nas articulações. O rato pensou que ela poderia não ter ficado muito satisfeita com o médico de Oxenthorpe.

En John Dolittle acendeu as velas no corredor e abriu a porta da frente. Parado na soleira estava o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato.

En O Doutor reconheceu o homem como Matthew Mugg e ficou feliz em vê-lo. Ele convidou Matthew para entrar e perguntou como ele sabia que ele estava lá.

En O Doutor disse que o visitante era Matthew Mugg.

En O Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato chegou à casa do Doutor. Ele disse ao Doutor que tinha uma forte sensação de que o Doutor havia retornado. Explicou que havia dito à sua esposa mais cedo naquele dia que acreditava que o Doutor estava de volta e que pretendia ir à casa do Doutor naquela noite para verificar.

En John Dolittle disse que estava feliz em ver o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato. Ele sugeriu que fossem para a cozinha, pois estava mais quente lá.

En Embora o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato dissesse que só veio para ver se o Doutor estava em casa, ele trouxe presentes. Ele tinha um osso para Jip, queijo para o rato branco, um nabo para Gub-Gub e plantas floridas para o Doutor. Depois que o visitante se acomodou em uma cadeira perto do fogo, John Dolittle deu a ele um pote de tabaco da prateleira e o convidou a encher seu cachimbo.

En Matthew mencionou que havia recebido a carta do Doutor sobre o pardal. Ele perguntou se o pardal havia conseguido encontrar o caminho de volta.

En O Doutor confirmou que o pardal havia sido muito útil. Ele explicou que o pardal havia deixado o navio quando estavam perto da costa de Devon porque estava ansioso para voltar a Londres.

En Alguém perguntou ao Doutor Dolittle se ele planejava ficar em casa por muito tempo.

En O Doutor Dolittle respondeu que era sim e não. Ele queria passar alguns meses tranquilos arrumando seu jardim muito bagunçado. No entanto, primeiro precisava ganhar algum dinheiro.

En Matthew comentou que havia tentado ganhar dinheiro a vida toda, mas não teve muito sucesso. Ele ofereceu ao Doutor Dolittle vinte e cinco xelins que havia economizado.

En O Doutor Dolittle agradeceu a Matthew pela oferta gentil. Ele explicou que precisava de uma grande quantia de dinheiro para pagar dívidas. Em seguida, contou a Matthew sobre um animal estranho de duas cabeças chamado pushmi-pullyu, que macacos na África lhe deram depois que ele curou uma epidemia. Os macacos sugeriram que ele viajasse com o animal em um circo. O Doutor Dolittle perguntou a Matthew se ele gostaria de vê-lo.

En O Homem da Carne de Gato disse que certamente gostaria de ver o animal, pois parecia muito incomum.

En O Doutor disse a Matthew que a pessoa estava no jardim. Pediu a Matthew que não olhasse muito para ele, explicando que ele era tímido e se envergonhava facilmente. O Doutor sugeriu que levassem um balde de água com eles, fingindo que era uma bebida.

En Matthew voltou para a cozinha com o Doutor. Ele estava muito feliz e cheio de energia.

En Matthew disse a John Dolittle que ele ficaria muito rico. Disse que ninguém nunca tinha visto nada igual antes. Matthew acrescentou que sempre achou que John Dolittle deveria trabalhar em um circo, porque ele era a única pessoa que entendia a linguagem dos animais. Ele perguntou quando John Dolittle planejava começar.

En John Dolittle explicou que esse era o principal problema. Ele perguntou se Matthew poderia ajudá-lo. Ele queria ter certeza de que entraria para um bom circo, com pessoas de que gostasse.

En Matthew Mugg inclinou-se para a frente e tocou suavemente o joelho do Doutor com o cachimbo.

En Ele disse que sabia o que eles queriam. Ele contou a eles sobre um cirquinho agradável em Grimbledon que fazia parte da Feira de Grimbledon. O circo ficaria lá até sábado, e ele e Theodosia o tinham visto no primeiro dia. Ele o descreveu como um circo bom e seleto, não grande. Então ele perguntou se podia levá-los ao circo no dia seguinte para falar com o mestre de cerimônias.

En O Doutor concordou que isso seria maravilhoso. No entanto, ele pediu que não contassem a ninguém sobre o plano por enquanto. Ele explicou que precisavam manter o pushmi-pullyu em segredo até que estivesse pronto para ser mostrado ao público.

O DOUTOR ENCONTRA UM AMIGO — E UM PARENTE

En Matthew Mugg era um homem incomum que gostava de tentar empregos diferentes. Talvez por isso não ganhasse muito dinheiro. Geralmente, suas tentativas de novo trabalho terminavam com ele voltando aos seus antigos ofícios de vender carne de gato e caçar ratos para fazendeiros e moleiros perto de Puddleby.

En Matthew tinha tentado anteriormente conseguir um emprego no circo na Feira de Grimbledon, mas não teve sucesso. Agora, sabendo que o Doutor estava começando um circo com o único pushmi-pullyu, suas esperanças aumentaram. Enquanto ia para casa naquela noite, ele se imaginava trabalhando com o Doutor e administrando o maior circo do mundo.

En No dia seguinte, Matthew visitou a casa do Doutor cedo. Depois que Dab-Dab preparou alguns sanduíches de sardinha para o almoço, eles partiram em sua jornada.

En O Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminharam uma longa distância. Ouviram cavalos atrás deles e viram um fazendeiro em uma carroça se aproximando. O fazendeiro ia oferecer uma carona, mas sua esposa não gostou da aparência do Homem da Carne de Gato e disse ao marido para não parar.

En O Homem da Carne de Gato ficou chateado por o fazendeiro e sua esposa não os terem ajudado. Ele explicou que conhecia o fazendeiro, Isidore Stiles, que cultivava muitas batatas, e que ele frequentemente pegava ratos para ele. Ele também disse que a esposa do fazendeiro era orgulhosa e achava que ele não era companhia suficientemente boa para ela.

En O Doutor apontou que a carroça do fazendeiro estava parando e virando.

En O cavalo do fazendeiro conhecia bem o Doutor Dolittle. Quando o cavalo viu o Doutor caminhando, ficou feliz em ver seu amigo. O cavalo virou a carroça sozinho, mesmo com o condutor puxando as rédeas, para cumprimentar o Doutor e perguntar como ele estava.

En Quando o cavalo se aproximou, perguntou ao Doutor para onde ele estava indo.

En O Doutor anunciou que eles estavam viajando para a Feira de Grimbledon.

En O cavalo respondeu que eles também estavam indo. Em seguida, o cavalo sugeriu que o Doutor se sentasse na parte de trás da carroça ao lado da velha senhora.

En O Doutor explicou que não havia sido convidado. Ele apontou que o fazendeiro estava tentando fazer o cavalo virar de volta para Grimbledon e aconselhou o cavalo a não irritar o fazendeiro. Ele disse ao cavalo para seguir seu caminho, afirmando que eles ficariam bem sem ele.

En O cavalo relutantemente seguiu as instruções do condutor e virou a carroça para voltar à feira. No entanto, após apenas uma curta distância, o cavalo pensou que era injusto o homem importante ter que andar enquanto outros iam de carroça. O cavalo decidiu que não deixaria o Doutor para trás.

En O cavalo então fingiu estar assustado com algo na estrada. De repente, virou a carroça novamente e galopou de volta muito rapidamente em direção ao Doutor. A esposa do fazendeiro gritou, e o marido puxou forte as rédeas. Mas o cavalo os ignorou. Quando chegou ao Doutor, começou a pular e se mover descontroladamente, como um cavalo jovem e indomado.

En Alguém sussurrou para o Doutor. Ele disse ao Doutor para entrar na armadilha. Ele avisou que jogaria os itens na vala se o Doutor não obedecesse.

En O Doutor estava preocupado que algo ruim pudesse acontecer. Ele segurou as rédeas do cavalo e tocou suavemente seu nariz. Imediatamente, o cavalo ficou muito calmo e quieto.

En O Doutor segurou as rédeas do cavalo.

En O Doutor disse ao fazendeiro que seu cavalo parecia um pouco nervoso. Ele perguntou se poderia dirigir o cavalo por um curto período, porque era um cirurgião veterinário.

En O fazendeiro concordou. Ele disse que pensava saber muito sobre cavalos, mas não conseguia controlar aquele naquela manhã.

En Depois que o Doutor entrou na carroça e pegou as rédeas, o Vendedor de Carne de Gato sentou-se contente ao lado da Sra. Stiles.

En Matthew Mugg cumprimentou a Sra. Stiles e perguntou sobre os ratos no celeiro dela.

En Eles chegaram a Grimbledon pela manhã. A cidade estava movimentada e cheia de pessoas, com muitos animais de fazenda e cavalos sendo vendidos no mercado.

En O Doutor e Matthew caminharam pelas ruas movimentadas em direção ao circo. O Doutor estava preocupado em pagar a entrada porque não tinha dinheiro. Na entrada do circo, eles viram um pequeno palco com um homem que tinha um grande bigode. Esse homem apresentava artistas, como palhaços e acrobatas, à multidão, dizendo que eles eram os melhores do mundo. O público parecia muito impressionado, e muitas pessoas pagaram para entrar no circo.

En O Vendedor de Carne de Gato disse ao Doutor que era um bom show e apontou as muitas pessoas que estavam entrando no circo.

En O Doutor perguntou se o homem grande era o gerente.

En Matthew confirmou que o homem era Alexander Blossom, que era o gerente que eles tinham vindo encontrar.

En O Doutor atravessou a multidão, com Matthew atrás dele. Ele chegou à frente e tentou sinalizar para o homem na plataforma acima, querendo falar com ele. No entanto, o Sr. Blossom estava anunciando seu show em voz alta e não percebeu o Doutor, que era uma pessoa pequena em um grande grupo.

En Matthew sugeriu que o Doutor subisse na plataforma e falasse com o Sr. Blossom.

En O Doutor subiu em uma parte do palco. Ele se sentiu muito tímido porque muitas pessoas o observavam. Mas ele ficou corajoso, tocou o braço do showman e começou a falar.

En Uma pessoa pediu licença.

En O Sr. Blossom parou de falar alto sobre seu show incrível. Ele olhou para baixo, para o homem pequeno e redondo que tinha acabado de aparecer ao seu lado.

En O Doutor começou a falar, mas hesitou.

En Houve um momento de silêncio. Então, o público começou a rir baixinho.

En O Sr. Blossom era muito bom em falar e frequentemente fazia piadas sobre outras pessoas. Enquanto John Dolittle ainda pensava no que dizer, o gerente se virou novamente para a multidão. Ele acenou com o braço na direção do Doutor e gritou.

En O orador anunciou que este era o Humpty-Dumpty original, explicando que ele tinha causado muitos problemas para os soldados do rei. Ele convidou o público a pagar para entrar e assistir Humpty-Dumpty cair do muro.

En A multidão riu alto, e o Doutor sentiu-se ainda mais envergonhado do que antes.

En Um homem da multidão chamou o Doutor, dizendo-lhe para falar com Humpty-Dumpty.

En Depois que a risada parou, o Doutor tentou falar novamente. No entanto, assim que começou, ouviu-se um grito alto e agudo vindo da multidão, chamando por João.

En O Doutor olhou por cima das cabeças das pessoas para ver quem o chamava. Na borda da multidão, ele viu uma mulher acenando energicamente com uma sombrinha verde.

En O Homem da Carne de Gato perguntou quem estava lá.

En O Doutor desceu do palco, sentindo-se envergonhado. Ele perguntou a Matthew o que deveriam fazer e disse-lhe que Sarah havia chegado.

ACORDOS COMERCIAIS

En Quando John Dolittle finalmente alcançou Sarah, ele a cumprimentou calorosamente. Ele comentou que ela parecia muito saudável e bem alimentada.

En Sarah disse a John que ele não estava parecendo rechonchudo. Ela perguntou por que ele estava se comportando como um palhaço no palco. Ela lembrou que ele já havia abandonado seu bom emprego no West Country por animais como ratos e sapos, e perguntou se ele não tinha orgulho e o que estava fazendo lá em cima.

En O Doutor explicou que estava considerando começar um circo.

En Sarah ofegou e sentiu que ia desmaiar. Um homem alto e magro vestindo roupas de padre veio e segurou seu braço.

En O homem perguntou a Sarah o que havia acontecido.

En Sarah disse ao Reverendo Launcelot Dingle que John Dolittle era seu irmão e que o Reverendo era seu marido. Ela perguntou a John se ele estava falando sério sobre começar um negócio de circo, dizendo que era vergonhoso e que ele devia estar brincando. Ela também perguntou quem era a outra pessoa quando Matthew Mugg se juntou a eles.

En John Dolittle apresentou Matthew Mugg e perguntou a Sarah se ela se lembrava dele.

En Sarah reconheceu Matthew Mugg como o caçador de ratos e fechou os olhos horrorizada.

En O Doutor explicou que o Sr. Mugg era um comerciante de carne e seu paciente mais importante. Ele então apresentou seu amigo, o Sr. Mugg, cujo nome completo era Reverendo Launcelot Dingle, como se ele fosse uma pessoa muito importante.

En Sarah pediu a John que usasse um nome diferente se ele começasse seu novo e incomum trabalho. Ela estava preocupada com a posição social deles se as pessoas descobrissem que o cunhado do Reitor era um simples artista de circo.

En O Doutor fez uma pausa por um momento e então sorriu.

En O Doutor concordou com o pedido de Sarah de usar outro nome. No entanto, ele questionou se poderia impedir que as pessoas o reconhecessem.

En Depois de se despedirem de Sarah, o Doutor e Matthew foram encontrar o gerente novamente. Eles o encontraram contando dinheiro no portão, e desta vez puderam falar com ele sem se sentir apressados.

En O Doutor Dolittle contou a Alexander Blossom sobre um animal especial que possuía. Ele queria se juntar ao circo com esse animal. Blossom queria ver o animal e pediu ao Doutor que o levasse até ele. No entanto, o Doutor Dolittle sugeriu que seria mais fácil se Blossom visitasse Puddleby para ver o animal lá.

En Eles concordaram com o plano. Depois de explicar como encontrar a pequena casa na Estrada Oxenthorpe, eles foram para casa. Eles estavam felizes com o que havia acontecido até então.

En Enquanto caminhavam e comiam sanduíches, Matthew perguntou ao Doutor Dolittle se poderia ir com ele ao Circo de Blossom. Matthew explicou que poderia ser muito útil cuidando da caravana, alimentando-a e mantendo-a limpa.

En O Doutor disse a Matthew que ele era bem-vindo para vir. Mas ele perguntou a Matthew sobre seu próprio trabalho.

En Matthew respondeu que seu trabalho atual não rendia dinheiro. Ele também achava que era muito chato e sem emoção, como dar pequenos pedaços de carne para cães ricos. Ele acreditava que era naturalmente aventureiro e que o circo seria uma verdadeira aventura e um trabalho de homem.

En Ele ergueu seu sanduíche em direção ao céu.

En O Doutor perguntou sobre a esposa do homem.

En O homem explicou que sua esposa, Theodosia, era aventureira e também viria. Ela poderia ajudar consertando roupas e fazendo outros trabalhos. Ele pediu a opinião do Doutor.

En O Doutor perguntou o que ele estava pensando. Enquanto caminhava e olhava para a estrada, o Doutor disse que estava pensando em Sarah.

En Matthew comentou que o marido de Sarah, o Reverendo Dangle, era uma pessoa estranha.

En O Doutor corrigiu o nome, dizendo que era Dingle. Ele mencionou que Dingle também era aventureiro. Então pensou em Sarah e Dingle, comentando como o mundo era estranho.

En Tarde daquela noite, após o fim da Feira de Grimbledon, o mestre de cerimônias, Sr. Blossom, visitou a casa do Doutor em Puddleby.

En O Sr. Blossom viu o pushmi-pullyu pastando no gramado à luz de uma lanterna. Depois, ele voltou para a biblioteca com o Doutor.

En O Sr. Blossom perguntou ao Doutor quanto ele queria pelo animal.

En O Doutor respondeu que o animal não estava à venda.

En O gerente disse ao Doutor que ele não era um verdadeiro feirante e que não queria o animal. Ele ofereceu vinte libras por ele.

En O Doutor recusou.

En Blossom ofereceu trinta libras.

En O Doutor continuou a recusar.

En O gerente então ofereceu quarenta libras e depois cinquenta libras. Ele continuou aumentando sua oferta, o que surpreendeu um homem que estava ouvindo.

En O Doutor finalmente disse que era impossível. Ele disse ao dono do circo que ele teria que levar ele e o animal para o circo. Se não, o animal teria que ficar onde estava. O Doutor havia prometido garantir que o animal fosse bem cuidado.

En O dono do circo perguntou ao Doutor o que ele queria dizer. Ele questionou se o animal pertencia ao Doutor e para quem o Doutor havia feito sua promessa.

En O Doutor explicou que o animal era dono de si mesmo. Ele disse que o animal tinha vindo para ajudá-lo, e foi ao próprio pushmi-pullyu que ele havia dado sua promessa.

En O dono do circo perguntou ao Doutor se ele estava louco.

En Matthew Mugg ia contar a Blossom que o Doutor conseguia entender os animais. No entanto, John Dolittle sinalizou para Matthew ficar quieto.

En O homem explicou que eles tinham que escolher entre levar ele e o animal, ou não levar nenhum dos dois.

En Blossom se recusou a concordar com o plano. Matthew ficou muito chateado e triste. Ele pegou o chapéu e saiu do local.

En Matthew esperava que o Doutor mudasse de ideia. Ele voltou depois de apenas dez minutos e tocou a campainha, dizendo que queria discutir o assunto novamente.

En No final, o empresário concordou com tudo que o Doutor pediu. O pushmi-pullyu e seus companheiros receberiam uma carroça nova só para eles. Embora viajassem com o circo, seriam completamente livres. O dinheiro ganho seria dividido igualmente entre o Doutor e o gerente. O pushmi-pullyu poderia ter dias de folga sempre que quisesse, e Blossom forneceria qualquer comida que ele pedisse.

En Depois que finalizaram todos os arranjos, o homem disse que enviaria a caravana no dia seguinte e então se preparou para partir.

En Enquanto o homem estava saindo pela porta da frente, ele perguntou ao Doutor qual era o seu nome.

En O Doutor ia contar a ele seu nome, mas então lembrou que Sarah havia pedido para ele não contar.

En Então, o Doutor decidiu usar um nome diferente e disse ao homem que se chamava John Smith.

En O empresário aceitou isso e disse ao Sr. Smith para ter seu grupo pronto às onze horas da manhã seguinte, e então desejou-lhe boa noite.

En O Doutor respondeu, desejando boa noite ao empresário também.

En Quando a porta fechou, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too e o camundongo branco saíram de onde estavam escondidos e ouvindo. Todos foram para o saguão e começaram a falar muito alto.

En Gub-Gub grunhiu feliz e disse que estava muito contente com o circo.

En Alguém mais também expressou felicidade pelo circo.

En Matthew disse ao Doutor que ele era um bom homem de negócios. Ele explicou que o Doutor fez Blossom concordar com tudo. Matthew notou que Blossom voltou rapidamente quando pensou que o acordo tinha sido cancelado, e acreditou que Blossom esperava ganhar muito dinheiro com eles.

En Dab-Dab suspirou tristemente enquanto limpava o cabide. Ele disse que era uma pena deixar a casa deles novamente tão cedo.

En Gub-Gub estava muito animado com o circo. Ele gritou de alegria e tentou ficar nas patas traseiras enquanto equilibrava o chapéu do Doutor no nariz. Ele estava ansioso pelo dia seguinte.

O DOUTOR É DESCOBERTO

En Muito cedo na manhã seguinte, Dab-Dab garantiu que todos estivessem ocupados se preparando. Ela instruiu que tomassem café da manhã e arrumassem a mesa antes das sete horas. Isso era necessário para que tudo estivesse pronto para a partida deles às onze.

En Na verdade, a zelosa governanta deixou a casa preparada e todos esperando do lado de fora nos degraus muito antes de a carroça chegar. No entanto, o Doutor ainda estava ocupado. Até o último momento, animais doentes ainda estavam chegando de todas as partes do país para serem tratados.

En Finalmente, Jip, que tinha saído para explorar, correu de volta para o grupo que estava reunido no jardim.

En Jip relatou que a carroça estava chegando. Ele explicou que era vermelha e amarela e estava virando a esquina.

En Todos ficaram empolgados e começaram a pegar suas coisas. A bagagem de Gub-Gub era um embrulho de nabos. Enquanto ele descia correndo os degraus até a estrada, o barbante arrebentou e os nabos rolaram para todo lado.

En A carroça que chegou era muito bonita. Parecia uma caravana cigana, com janelas, porta e chaminé. Estava pintada com cores vivas e era novinha em folha.

En Eles estavam esperando nos degraus da frente.

En O cavalo estava muito velho e cansado. O Doutor descobriu que o cavalo, chamado Beppo, havia trabalhado no circo por trinta e cinco anos e estava farto disso. O Doutor decidiu dizer a Blossom que Beppo deveria poder se aposentar e viver em paz.

En Dab-Dab limpou a nova carroça antes de colocar os pacotes dentro. Ela colocou cuidadosamente a roupa de cama do Doutor, que estava amarrada em um lençol como roupa de lavanderia, dentro da carroça, tomando cuidado para não sujar.

En O Doutor Dolittle estava preocupado que o cavalo velho estivesse muito cansado para puxar a carroça com todos os animais e suas coisas. Ele queria ajudar a empurrar a carroça. Mas Beppo disse a ele que estava tudo bem e que ele conseguiria puxá-la. O Doutor Dolittle decidiu não entrar na carroça ele mesmo porque não queria torná-la mais pesada. Eles começaram sua jornada para Grimbledon. A porta e as cortinas da carroça estavam fechadas para que ninguém pudesse ver o pushmi-pullyu dentro. O homem que trouxe a carroça a dirigiu, e o Doutor Dolittle e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminharam atrás.

En Enquanto viajavam pela Praça do Mercado de Puddleby, o motorista parou em uma loja. Um grupo de pessoas se reuniu ao redor da carroça enquanto ela esperava. Elas estavam curiosas e queriam saber para onde a carroça estava indo e o que havia dentro. Matthew Mugg se sentiu muito orgulhoso e queria contar a elas, mas o Doutor Dolittle não permitiu que ele fizesse nenhum discurso.

En Eles chegaram ao Parque de Diversões de Grimbledon à tarde, por volta das duas horas. Eles entraram na área do circo por um portão dos fundos. Lá dentro, encontraram o Sr. Blossom, que estava esperando para cumprimentá-los.

En O Sr. Blossom pareceu surpreso quando a carroça foi aberta e ele viu os animais incomuns que o Doutor Dolittle havia trazido. Ele ficou especialmente surpreso com o porco. No entanto, ele ficou muito feliz por ter o pushmi-pullyu e não se importou com os outros animais.

En O Sr. Blossom imediatamente mostrou a eles sua área de apresentação, que ele disse ter construído para eles naquela manhã. O Doutor Dolittle viu que era semelhante a um lugar que ele já tinha visto antes. Era uma plataforma elevada três pés do chão, com um cômodo no topo que podia ser visto de longe. Havia degraus para subir na plataforma. Cortinas cobriam a entrada do cômodo, então as pessoas tinham que pagar para entrar e ver.

En Uma placa foi colocada na frente.

En A placa informava que o animal se chamava The Pushmi-Pullyu.

En As pessoas foram convidadas a ver algo maravilhoso.

En Era um animal com duas cabeças.

En Este animal incomum veio das selvas da África.

En O custo para entrar era seis pence.

En A carroça vermelha e amarela foi estacionada atrás da barraca. O grupo do Doutor viveria dentro dela, exceto pelo pushmi-pullyu. Dab-Dab começou a arrumar as camas e organizar o interior para torná-lo aconchegante.

En Blossom queria mostrar o pushmi-pullyu imediatamente. No entanto, o Doutor discordou. Ele explicou que qualquer animal selvagem precisava de tempo para descansar após uma viagem. Ele também queria que o animal tímido se acostumasse ao ambiente movimentado do circo antes que as pessoas o observassem.

En Blossom estava insatisfeito, mas aceitou a decisão do Doutor. Ele então se ofereceu para mostrar o circo ao Doutor e apresentá-lo aos artistas, o que agradou os animais. Depois que o pushmi-pullyu foi levado para sua nova casa e recebeu comida, água e cama, o grupo do Doutor começou um passeio pelo circo com o mestre de cerimônias, Alexander Blossom.

En O show principal do circo acontecia apenas duas vezes por dia, em uma grande tenda. Ao redor dessa tenda havia tendas e barracas menores, muitas das quais exigiam pagamento extra. Esses lugares ofereciam várias atrações, como jogos, espetáculos e uma coleção de animais. A carroça do Doutor agora seria uma dessas atrações.

En Blossom levou o Doutor e seus amigos para ver os animais primeiro. O lugar não era muito bom, e a maioria dos animais parecia suja e triste. O Doutor ficou muito infeliz e quis discutir com Blossom. Mas o Homem da Carne de Gato falou com ele calmamente.

En O Homem da Carne de Gato aconselhou o Doutor a não começar um problema imediatamente. Ele sugeriu esperar, explicando que se o chefe visse como o Doutor era útil com animais de circo, ele poderia fazer o que quisesse depois. Ele alertou que causar problemas agora poderia levar à perda dos empregos, o que impediria o Doutor de fazer qualquer coisa.

En John Dolittle achou que isso era um bom conselho. Por enquanto, ele falou calmamente com os animais através das barras das jaulas, dizendo que esperava ajudá-los mais tarde.

En Assim que chegaram, um homem de aparência suja estava mostrando os animais a um grupo de visitantes. Ele parou na frente de uma jaula onde um animal pequeno e peludo estava guardado.

En O homem disse aos visitantes que o animal era o famoso Hurri-Gurri da Patagônia. Ele explicou que ele se pendurava em árvores pelo rabo e depois disse a eles para passarem para a próxima jaula.

En O Doutor Dolittle, com Gub-Gub o seguindo, foi olhar o animal chamado Hurri-Gurri. Eles espiaram dentro de seu recinto.

En O Doutor explicou que era um gambá comum da América e que pertencia a um grupo de animais chamados marsupiais.

En Ele repetiu que o animal era um marsupial.

En Gub-Gub perguntou ao Doutor como ele sabia que era um marsupial. Gub-Gub imaginou se poderia ser um "Pa Soupial" porque não tinha nenhum filhote com ele.

En Um homem parou ao lado da próxima jaula e anunciou em voz alta que ela continha o maior elefante já mantido em cativeiro.

En O médico disse calmamente que era um dos menores animais que ele já tinha visto.

En O Sr. Blossom sugeriu que eles fossem para a próxima apresentação, que era a Princesa Fatima, a encantadora de serpentes. Ele os conduziu para fora da área dos animais, que era lotada e cheirava mal, para o ar fresco. Enquanto o médico passava pelas jaulas, ele olhava para baixo tristemente. Os animais o reconheceram e estavam tentando fazê-lo parar e falar com eles.

En Dentro da tenda da encantadora de serpentes, eles eram os únicos visitantes naquele momento. Em um pequeno palco, viram a Princesa Fatima passando pó no nariz e falando consigo mesma de forma infeliz. Ao lado da cadeira dela havia uma caixa larga e rasa cheia de cobras. Matthew Mugg olhou dentro da caixa, ficou chocado e rapidamente tentou sair da tenda.

En O médico chamou Matthew, dizendo a ele para não se preocupar e que as cobras não eram perigosas.

En A Princesa Fatima perguntou furiosamente ao médico o que ele queria dizer. Ela explicou que as cobras eram naja-rei da Índia e as mais mortíferas existentes.

En O Doutor disse que eles não eram nada daquilo.

En Ele explicou que eram cobras negras americanas e não venenosas. Então, ele tocou gentilmente uma delas debaixo do queixo.

En A Fátima gritou com o Doutor para deixar as cobras em paz. Ela ameaçou bater nele se ele não parasse.

En Ela repetiu seu aviso para que ele deixasse as cobras em paz.

En Naquele momento, Blossom interveio. Ela apresentou a Princesa, um pouco irritada, ao Sr. Smith.

En A discussão continuou, mas Fatima ainda estava com raiva demais para falar muito. De repente, chegaram pessoas que queriam ver o encantador de serpentes. Blossom levou o Doutor Dolittle e seus amigos para um canto tranquilo e falou com eles em voz baixa.

En Blossom disse a Smith que a encantadora de serpentes era excelente e uma das melhores atrações dela. Ela sugeriu que ele a observasse se apresentar.

En Atrás das cortinas, a música começou com um tambor e uma flauta. Então Fatima apareceu. Ela pegou duas cobras de uma caixa e as enrolou em volta do pescoço e dos braços.

En Fatima pediu suavemente ao público que se aproximasse para que pudessem vê-la melhor.

En Gub-Gub perguntou calmamente ao Doutor Dolittle por que Fatima estava falando daquela maneira peculiar.

En John Dolittle pediu silêncio em voz baixa. Ele achou que a mulher estava falando com um sotaque oriental.

En Gub-Gub murmurou que aquilo parecia um sotaque de batata quente. Ele também comentou que a mulher parecia gorda e cambaleante.

En O mestre do circo percebeu que o Doutor Dolittle não parecia satisfeito. Por causa disso, ele os levou para ver os outros shows.

En Perto da barraca do homem forte, Gub-Gub viu o show de Punch e Judy. Durante a peça, um cachorro mordeu o Sr. Punch. Gub-Gub ficou muito interessado e assistiu várias vezes. Mesmo sabendo a peça de cor, ele nunca ficava entediado.

En Na barraca seguinte, um homem forte estava levantando pesos muito pesados, o que impressionou o público. John Dolittle ficou muito interessado e se juntou às pessoas que aplaudiam e suspiravam.

En O homem forte era uma pessoa bonita com músculos muito grandes. O Doutor Dolittle gostou dele imediatamente. Seu truque especial era deitar de costas no palco e levantar um peso enorme com os pés, de modo que suas pernas apontassem para cima. Esse truque exigia força e bom equilíbrio, porque se o peso caísse no lado errado, o homem poderia se machucar seriamente. Hoje, enquanto ele terminava o truque e o público assistia com admiração, ouviu-se um estalo alto. Uma parte do palco quebrou, e o grande peso caiu diretamente sobre o peito do homem.

En A multidão gritou alarmada. Blossom subiu rapidamente ao palco. Foram necessários dois homens para levantar o peso pesado do corpo do homem forte. No entanto, ele não se levantou. Ficou completamente imóvel, com os olhos fechados e o rosto muito pálido.

En Blossom gritou para o Vendedor de Carne de Gato, dizendo-lhe para chamar um médico muito rápido. Ela explicou que o homem forte estava ferido e inconsciente, e que precisava de um médico imediatamente.

En No entanto, John Dolittle já estava no palco. Ele estava perto do mestre de cerimônias, que estava ajoelhado ao lado do homem forte ferido.

En John Dolittle pediu silenciosamente que todos se afastassem para que ele pudesse examinar o homem ferido.

En As pessoas viram que o homem estava gravemente ferido e sua respiração estava estranha. Elas disseram que era importante chamar um médico.

En John Dolittle declarou que era médico. Em seguida, instruiu Matthew a ir até a van e pegar sua bolsa preta.

En Blossom expressou surpresa, pois pensava que John Dolittle usava o nome Sr. Smith.

En Alguém da multidão confirmou que John Dolittle era realmente médico. Eles mencionaram que ele já foi um médico muito famoso no West Country e que seu nome era John Dolittle, de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.

O DOUTOR FICA DESANIMADO

En O médico descobriu que o homem forte havia quebrado duas costelas. Ele acreditava que a saúde robusta do homem significava que ele se recuperaria rapidamente. O homem ferido foi levado para sua caravana para descansar. O médico o visitava quatro vezes ao dia, e Matthew ficava na carroça para cuidar dele até que ficasse bem.

En O homem forte, cujo nome artístico era Hércules, estava muito grato ao Doutor John Dolittle. Ele se afeiçoou muito ao Doutor e seria útil em alguns momentos no futuro.

En Em sua primeira noite trabalhando no circo, o Doutor pensou que, embora tivesse feito uma inimiga em Fátima, a encantadora de serpentes, também havia feito um amigo em Hércules, o homem forte.

En Já que as pessoas sabiam que ele era o médico incomum de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, ele não podia mais esconder sua identidade. Logo, o pessoal do circo o conhecia simplesmente como "o Doutor" ou "o Doc". Por causa da forte recomendação de Hércules, muitas pessoas, da senhora barbada ao palhaço, frequentemente pediam ao Doutor que as ajudasse com pequenos problemas de saúde.

En No dia seguinte, o pushmi-pullyu foi mostrado ao público pela primeira vez e se tornou muito popular. Um animal de duas cabeças era uma novidade em um circo, e multidões pagaram para vê-lo. No início, o pushmi-pullyu se sentiu muito tímido e envergonhado. Ele tentou esconder uma de suas cabeças sob a palha para evitar os muitos olhos que o encaravam. Então, as pessoas não acreditaram que ele tinha duas cabeças. Assim, o Doutor pediu que, por favor, mantivesse ambas as cabeças visíveis.

En O Doutor disse ao pushmi-pullyu que não precisava olhar para as pessoas. Ele explicou que deveria apenas deixar que elas vissem que ele realmente tinha duas cabeças. Ele sugeriu que poderia virar as costas para a plateia com ambas as extremidades.

En Algumas pessoas não acreditavam que o animal com duas cabeças fosse real. Achavam que uma cabeça era falsa e cutucavam-no com paus. O animal ficou bravo e mordeu duas pessoas com ambas as cabeças. Isso mostrou a todos que o animal estava vivo e era real.

En Um homem foi contratado para proteger o animal dos visitantes. O animal passou por um período difícil no começo. No entanto, ele descobriu quanto dinheiro estava sendo ganho e decidiu continuar por causa do Doutor Dolittle. Depois de algum tempo, o animal se acostumou com as plateias. Ele as encarava bravamente, sentindo que mereciam seu desprezo.

En Durante os espetáculos, o Doutor Dolittle sentava na entrada e recebia o dinheiro dos visitantes. Ele sorria para eles como se fossem velhos amigos. Encontrou muitas pessoas que conhecia do passado, incluindo uma senhora idosa com reumatismo e vizinhos de Puddleby.

En Dab-Dab estava muito ocupada. Além do trabalho doméstico habitual, ela tinha que vigiar o Doutor Dolittle. Muitas vezes ela o repreendia porque ele às vezes deixava crianças entrarem de graça quando ela não estava olhando.

En No final de cada dia, Blossom, o gerente, dividia o dinheiro. Too-Too, que era bom em matemática, sempre verificava o total. Ele garantia que o Doutor Dolittle recebesse sua parte correta dos lucros.

En O pushmi-pullyu era muito popular, mas o Doutor Dolittle sabia que precisava de muito dinheiro. Ele tinha que pagar o marinheiro pelo barco. Ele também precisava de dinheiro para sustentar a si mesmo e sua família. Isso levaria muito tempo.

En Too-Too estava sempre presente.

En O Doutor Dolittle não gostava de trabalhar no circo e queria sair. Embora seu próprio show fosse honesto, muitas outras partes do circo não eram. Ele se sentia desconfortável porque acreditava que o circo era desonesto. Muitos jogos eram preparados para que as pessoas perdessem seu dinheiro.

En O Doutor estava mais preocupado com os animais. Ele sentia que eles não estavam felizes. Após seu primeiro dia, ele conversou com os animais em seu cercado. Eles reclamaram que suas gaiolas não estavam limpas, não tinham espaço ou exercício suficientes, e alguns não gostavam da comida.

En O Doutor Dolittle ouviu todas as reclamações dos animais. Ele ficou muito irritado e foi imediatamente para a caravana do mestre de cerimônias. Ele disse claramente ao mestre de cerimônias todas as coisas que achava que precisavam mudar.

En Blossom ouviu atentamente enquanto a outra pessoa falava. Depois que terminaram, Blossom riu.

En Blossom disse ao Doutor que não podia fazer tudo o que ele queria porque isso arruinaria o circo. Explicou que não mudaria a forma como administrava o circo. Blossom disse que o Doutor podia administrar sua parte, mas que ele administraria o resto. Não queria nenhuma interferência e não gastaria dinheiro com as ideias do Doutor.

En O Doutor estava triste e saiu do escritório do gerente para ir até sua caravana. Nos degraus, viu Matthew fumando seu cachimbo. Perto dali, o velho cavalo Beppo comia grama ao luar.

En Matthew comentou que a noite estava agradável. Ele notou que o Doutor parecia preocupado e perguntou se algo estava errado.

En O Doutor sentou-se tristemente ao lado de Matthew. Explicou que tudo estava errado porque Blossom se recusou a fazer qualquer melhoria que ele sugerisse para os animais. O Doutor sentiu que talvez tivesse que deixar o circo.

En Matthew encorajou o Doutor Dolittle a não desistir. Ele disse que o Doutor ainda não tinha começado e que Blossom não sabia que ele podia falar com os animais. Matthew explicou que circos podem ser bons e sugeriu que o Doutor Dolittle poderia criar um circo novo, limpo e especial, que muitas pessoas gostariam de ver. Ele também mencionou que o Doutor precisava de dinheiro antes de começar.

En O Doutor Dolittle disse a Matthew que sentia que não estava ajudando ninguém. Ele disse que não podia ficar porque os animais estavam infelizes. Ele pensou que não deveria ter começado a trabalhar no circo.

En Naquele momento, o velho cavalo Beppo ouviu a voz de seu amigo. Ele se aproximou e gentilmente enfiou o nariz na orelha do Doutor.

En John Dolittle cumprimentou Beppo. Ele disse ao cavalo que lamentava, mas não podia ajudá-lo. Ele explicou que ia deixar o circo.

En O velho cavalo disse ao Doutor que ele era a única esperança deles. Ele mencionou que o elefante e o Cavalo Falante estavam felizes por o Doutor ter chegado. Beppo pediu ao Doutor que fosse paciente, explicando que as mudanças levam tempo. Ele disse que, se o Doutor fosse embora, eles não conseguiriam o que queriam. No entanto, se ele ficasse, acabaria por administrar o circo corretamente. Os animais se sentiam seguros com o Doutor e acreditavam que um dia 'O Circo Dolittle' se tornaria o maior da Terra.

En O Doutor ficou em silêncio por um curto período. Matthew não entendeu sobre o que o Doutor e o cavalo haviam conversado. Ele estava esperando o Doutor dizer algo.

En Finalmente, o Doutor se levantou e foi em direção à caravana.

En O Vendedor de Carne de Gato perguntou ao Doutor, com preocupação, se ele iria ficar.

En O Doutor disse a Matthew que ele tinha que ficar ali. Ele então disse boa noite.

En Depois que a feira terminou, o circo precisou se mudar para uma nova cidade. Empacotar o grande espetáculo para uma longa viagem foi um grande trabalho. No domingo, muitos homens estavam ocupados desmontando as tendas e empilhando as arquibancadas em carroças. A área rapidamente ficou bagunçada. Os animais de estimação do Doutor acharam essa nova experiência emocionante. Enquanto Dab-Dab ajudava com a embalagem, os outros animais aproveitaram a atividade e as novas paisagens.

En Os artistas do circo pareciam muito diferentes quando tiraram suas fantasias para viajar. Gub-Gub achou difícil reconhecê-los. O palhaço lavou a pintura do rosto. A Princesa Fatima trocou suas roupas elegantes por roupas simples, parecendo uma mulher comum. O Homem Selvagem de Bornéu usou roupas normais, como colarinho e gravata, e falou normalmente. A Mulher Barbuda removeu a barba e a guardou em uma caixa.

En O circo começou sua jornada em muitas caravanas. A próxima cidade ficava a cinquenta milhas de distância, então a viagem levou mais de um dia. Eles planejaram acampar à beira da estrada à noite. Os animais gostaram de ver o campo de suas casas sobre rodas e de dormir ao ar livre como ciganos. Jip se divertiu perseguindo ratos e raposas. O ritmo lento do circo permitiu-lhe muitas pequenas aventuras. A parte favorita de Gub-Gub era adivinhar onde eles parariam para passar a noite.

En Jip gostava de seguir o cheiro de uma raposa.

En Todos pareciam gostar da parte da jornada em que paravam para dormir. Quando uma fogueira era feita para cozinhar, as pessoas ficavam mais felizes e conversavam mais. Os amigos de Jip, o cachorro do palhaço e Toby, sempre se juntavam ao grupo do Doutor Dolittle quando paravam para a noite. Eles concordavam que o Doutor Dolittle administrar seu próprio circo seria uma ideia perfeita. Eles frequentemente diziam a ele que um "Circo Dolittle" seria uma coisa maravilhosa.

En O Doutor John Dolittle acreditava que os cães tinham tantas personalidades diferentes quanto as pessoas, talvez até mais. Ele escreveu um livro sobre isso chamado "Psicologia Canina". Alguns especialistas descartaram seu livro, dizendo que era sobre um assunto tolo. No entanto, o autor sugere que eles fizeram isso para esconder o fato de que não entendiam suas ideias.

En Swizzle, o cachorro do palhaço, era um cão de aparência comum, mas tinha um ótimo senso de humor. Sempre fazia piadas e acreditava que nada na vida deveria ser levado muito a sério. Ele era um bom artista e conseguia entender até piadas feitas sobre ele mesmo.

En Por causa do humor de Swizzle, o Doutor Dolittle teve uma ideia. Mais tarde, ele fundou o Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos e criou revistas em quadrinhos para animais. Essas revistas, chamadas "Cellar Life" e "Basement Humor", eram destinadas a entreter animais que vivem em lugares escuros.

En Toby, um pequeno poodle branco, era muito diferente de Swizzle. Ele levava a si mesmo e a vida a sério. Toby sempre tentava conseguir o que achava que merecia, mas não era egoísta. O Doutor acreditava que cães pequenos muitas vezes precisavam ser espertos e ousados. Quando Toby visitou pela primeira vez, ele se acomodou na cama do Doutor. Mesmo que outro cão tentasse tirá-lo, Toby ficou, dizendo que o Doutor não se importava. Ele sempre ocupava seu lugar favorito na caravana quando visitava, tendo conquistado isso por ser confiante e pedir o que queria.

En Apesar de suas diferenças, Toby e Swizzle compartilhavam uma coisa: ambos tinham muito orgulho de sua amizade com o Doutor Dolittle. Eles acreditavam que ele era o homem mais importante do mundo.

En Este capítulo é sobre os cães Toby e Swizzle.

En Uma noite, durante sua primeira viagem entre as cidades, o circo parou na estrada. Gub-Gub foi a uma fazenda próxima procurar por porcos. O resto do grupo do Doutor estava lá. Toby e Swizzle chegaram logo depois. Como a noite estava fria, Dab-Dab usou o fogão dentro da caravana, e todos se sentaram ao redor dele conversando.

En Toby perguntou ao Doutor Dolittle se ele tinha ouvido as notícias.

En O Doutor respondeu que não tinha ouvido nenhuma notícia e perguntou o que era.

En Toby explicou que eles iam buscar alguém chamado Sophie na próxima cidade, que era um lugar grande chamado Ashby.

En O Doutor perguntou quem era Sophie enquanto pegava seus chinelos.

En Swizzle explicou que Sophie, a foca artista, não estava com eles. Sophie faz truques como equilibrar bolas e nadar. Ela ficou doente há cerca de um mês, então Blossom teve que deixá-la para trás. Sophie está saudável novamente agora. Seu tratador se encontraria com eles em Ashby para que ela pudesse se juntar ao circo novamente. Swizzle mencionou que Sophie era um pouco sensível, mas uma foca de bom coração que as pessoas gostariam.

En John Dolittle saiu da cama lentamente. Ele estava cansado porque não havia dormido bem.

En O circo chegou a Ashby na noite de quarta-feira. Na manhã seguinte, o circo estava programado para abrir. Durante toda a noite, os trabalhadores estavam ocupados montando tendas e barracas. Eles trabalharam até o amanhecer. O chão tremia com os martelos, e havia muitos gritos. De manhã, uma grande cidade feita de tendas havia sido construída.

En John Dolittle sentiu que a vida no circo era difícil de se acostumar. Ele saiu da cama, sentindo-se cansado por não ter dormido. Após o café da manhã, ele deixou Matthew responsável pela barraca deles e foi conhecer a foca artista.

SOPHIE, DO ALASCA

En O tratador de Sophie havia preparado sua parte do circo para o público. A foca geralmente se apresentava duas vezes ao dia na tenda principal, após os acrobatas e um cavalo falante. Em outros momentos, ela era uma atração lateral. Em um tanque especial, ela mergulhava atrás de peixes, e as pessoas pagavam um pequeno valor para vê-la.

En Era de manhã cedo e o tratador de Sophie estava tomando café da manhã do lado de fora. O Doutor Dolittle chegou e entrou. Havia um grande tanque no chão, com uma plataforma ao redor para os visitantes assistirem. Sophie, uma foca do Alasca de um metro e meio, com pele lisa e olhos inteligentes, estava tristemente na água. Quando o Doutor falou com ela na própria língua dela, ela entendeu quem ele era e começou a chorar muito.

En O Doutor Dolittle perguntou a Sophie o que estava errado.

En A foca ainda estava chorando e não respondeu.

En O Doutor disse a ela para se acalmar e não ficar chateada. Ele perguntou se ela ainda estava doente, pois tinha ouvido que ela tinha se recuperado.

En Entre lágrimas, Sophie disse que estava melhor e que seu estômago tinha apenas ficado irritado. Ela mencionou que estavam sendo alimentadas com peixe velho e estragado.

En O Doutor perguntou o que estava errado e por que ela estava chorando.

En Sophie explicou que estava chorando lágrimas de felicidade. Ela estava pensando que John Dolittle era a única pessoa que poderia ajudá-la. Ela sabia sobre ele porque tinha ouvido falar dele e lido sua revista, o Arctic Monthly. Ela até havia escrito para ele e contribuído com artigos sobre natação, como "The Alaskan Wiggle". Ela ficou triste quando ele parou de publicar a revista porque era muito popular entre as focas.

En O Doutor pediu a Sophie que explicasse o problema que ela havia mencionado.

En Sophie disse que estava tão feliz que havia esquecido seu problema por um momento. Ela explicou que quando o Doutor chegou, pensou que ele era apenas um visitante normal. Mas quando ele falou em língua de foca, ela imediatamente soube que ele era John Dolittle, a pessoa que ela mais queria ver.

En O Doutor disse a Sophie para se acalmar e pediu que ela contasse qual era o seu problema.

En Sophie começou a explicar que queria falar sobre algo que aconteceu enquanto ela estava fazendo alguma coisa.

En Naquele momento, eles ouviram um barulho lá fora, que parecia o chocalhar de um balde.

En O Doutor rapidamente disse a Sophie para ficar quieta porque o guarda estava vindo. Ele pediu que ela continuasse com seus truques e se certificasse de que o guarda não soubesse que ele podia falar com os animais.

En Quando o guarda entrou para limpar o chão, Sophie estava fazendo truques para um homem. Esse homem tinha um chapéu surrado na cabeça. O guarda olhou para o homem e pensou que ele era apenas uma pessoa comum.

En Assim que o homem terminou de limpar e saiu, Sophie continuou sua explicação.

En Sophie explicou que, quando ficou doente, o circo estava se apresentando em Hatley-on-Sea. Ela e seu tratador, Higgins, ficaram lá. Um pequeno zoológico em Hatley tinha focas, e Higgins conversou com o tratador do zoológico. Eles colocaram Sophie no lago do zoológico com outras focas para ajudá-la a melhorar. Uma foca mais velha, que vinha do mesmo lugar que Sophie, deu a ela más notícias sobre seu marido. Ele estava infeliz e não comia desde que ela foi capturada. Ele costumava ser o líder do grupo, mas depois que ela partiu, ele ficou magro e preocupado, e outra foca tomou seu lugar. Não se esperava que ele sobrevivesse. Sophie chorou e disse que seu marido era forte, mas estava perdido e como um bebê sem ela. Ela se sentia terrível porque ele dependia dela para tudo.

En O Doutor Dolittle disse a Sophie para não chorar. Ele perguntou o que ela achava que deveria ser feito.

En Sophie disse que precisava ir para o marido. Ela explicou que ele era o verdadeiro líder do grupo e precisava dela ao seu lado. Ela mencionou que esperava escapar em Hatley, mas não teve chance.

En O Doutor Dolittle achou que o Estreito de Bering era muito distante. Ele perguntou a Sophie como ela viajaria até lá.

En Sophie disse ao Doutor que queria falar com ele sobre seus planos de viagem. Ela disse que se movia muito devagar em terra. Ela acrescentou que, se tivesse conseguido escapar em Hatley, estaria bem, porque uma vez que chegasse ao mar, poderia viajar para o Alasca muito rapidamente.

En O médico sentiu que deveria ir até a pessoa.

En O médico concordou. Ele tirou a água das botas e perguntou a que distância estava a costa.

En Sophie respondeu que estavam a cerca de cem milhas da costa. Ela estava muito preocupada com Slushy.

En O médico perguntou com quem Sophie estava preocupada.

En A foca explicou que Slushy era seu marido. Ela disse que ele era uma pessoa simples que dependia dela e perguntou o que deveria fazer.

En John Dolittle explicou que era difícil ajudar ela a escapar para o mar. Ele disse que enviaria uma mensagem ao marido dela usando um pássaro. O pássaro diria ao marido que ela estava segura e traria notícias. Ele também disse a ela para ficar feliz porque visitantes estavam chegando para assistir ao show dela.

En Uma professora chegou com algumas crianças e Higgins. As crianças estavam muito felizes assistindo ao animal na água. Higgins percebeu que Sophie parecia animada e de bom humor, então ele acreditou que ela estava se sentindo muito melhor.

O MENSAGEIRO DO NORTE

En Mais tarde naquela noite, o Doutor Dolittle e uma coruja chamada Too-Too visitaram a foca. O Doutor pediu a Sophie que dissesse a Too-Too a localização exata do marido dela no Alasca. Ele explicou que Too-Too voaria para a costa e passaria a mensagem para gaivotas que estavam viajando para noroeste. Ele apresentou Sophie a Too-Too, mencionando que a coruja era muito inteligente e boa em matemática.

En A coruja sentou na borda do tanque enquanto Sophie contava a ele precisamente onde seu marido, Slushy, poderia ser encontrado. Ela também deu a ele uma longa e amorosa mensagem para ele. Quando ela terminou de falar, a coruja respondeu.

En A coruja disse ao Doutor que voaria para Bristol, pois era a cidade costeira mais próxima. Ele mencionou que sempre havia muitas gaivotas no porto lá. Ele planejava dar a mensagem a uma das gaivotas para entregar a Slushy.

En O Doutor disse a Too-Too que ele fez um bom trabalho. Ele explicou que eles precisavam se mover rapidamente. Ele pediu a Too-Too que encontrasse uma ave marinha que estivesse disposta a carregar algo todo o caminho como um favor especial.

THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

Português

Esta história é sobre as aventuras do Doutor Dolittle quando ele se juntou a um circo. Ele não planejava ficar muito tempo no circo. Seu principal objetivo era mostrar o pushmi-pullyu para ganhar dinheiro suficiente. Esse dinheiro era necessário para pagar um marinheiro por um barco que havia sido emprestado e depois naufragado.

Original English

THIS IS THE story of that part of Doctor Dolittle's adventures which came about through his joining and traveling with a circus. He had not planned in the beginning to follow this life for any considerable time. His intention had only been to take the pushmi-pullyu out on show long enough to make sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat which had been borrowed and wrecked.

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Português

Too-Too tinha dito algo verdadeiro: não era difícil para o Doutor Dolittle ficar rico, pois ele não era exigente quanto a dinheiro. No entanto, era muito difícil para ele permanecer rico. Dab-Dab mencionou que, nos anos em que o conheceu, ele havia ficado rico cerca de cinco ou seis vezes. Ela também observou que quanto mais dinheiro ele tinha, mais rápido ficava pobre novamente.

Original English

But a remark Too-Too had made was true; it was not so hard for John Dolittle to become rich — for indeed he was easily satisfied where money was concerned — but it was a very different matter for him to remain rich. Dab-Dab used to say that during the years she had known him he had, to her knowledge, been quite well off five or six times; but that the more money he had, the sooner you could expect him to be poor again.

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Português

A ideia de Dab-Dab sobre uma grande quantia de dinheiro não era muito alta. Durante seu tempo no circo, o Doutor Dolittle frequentemente tinha dinheiro suficiente para ser considerado abastado. Mas, tão regularmente quanto um relógio, no final de cada semana ou mês, ele ficava sem dinheiro novamente.

Original English

Dab-Dab's idea of a fortune was not of course very large. But certainly during his experience with the circus the Doctor repeatedly had enough money in his pockets to be considered well to do; and, as regular as clockwork, by the end of the week or the month he would be penniless again.

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Português

Começamos a história quando o Doutor Dolittle e seus companheiros animais — Jip o cachorro, Dab-Dab a pata, Too-Too a coruja, Gub-Gub o porco, o pushmi-pullyu e o rato branco — voltaram para sua casa em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh após uma longa viagem da África. Alimentar uma família tão grande era difícil. O Doutor Dolittle não tinha dinheiro e estava preocupado em como os alimentaria, mesmo durante o curto período antes de planejarem se juntar a um circo. Felizmente, a atenciosa Dab-Dab havia trazido suprimentos da despensa de um navio pirata, que ela acreditava que durariam para a casa por um ou dois dias se fossem cuidadosos.

Original English

Well, the point from which we are beginning, then, is where the Dolittle party (Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, Too-Too the owl, Gub-Gub the pig, the pushmi-pullyu and the white mouse) had returned at last to the little house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after their long journey from Africa. It was a large family to find food for. And the Doctor, without a penny in his pockets, had been a good deal worried over how he was going to feed it, even during the short time they would be here before arrangements were made to join a circus. However, the thoughtful Dab-Dab had made them carry up from the pirates' ship such supplies as remained in the larder after the voyage was done. These, she said, should last the household — with economy — for a day or two at least.

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Português

Quando chegaram em casa pela primeira vez, os animais estavam tão felizes que esqueceram todas as suas preocupações. Apenas Dab-Dab estava pensando no futuro. Ela foi direto para a cozinha para começar a limpar e cozinhar. O Doutor e os outros animais foram ao jardim para explorar sua casa familiar. Eles ainda estavam olhando ao redor quando Dab-Dab os chamou para o almoço usando uma frigideira batida com uma colher como sino de jantar. Todos correram para dentro, animados para comer uma refeição juntos em sua amada cozinha novamente, onde haviam compartilhado muitos momentos felizes.

Original English

The animals' delight had at first, on getting back home, banished every care or thought of the morrow from the minds of all — except Dab-Dab. That good housekeeper had gone straight to the kitchen and set about the cleaning of pots and the cooking of food. The rest of them, the Doctor included, had gone out into the garden to re-explore all the well-known spots. And they were still roaming and poking around every nook and corner of their beloved home when they were suddenly summoned to luncheon by Dab-Dab's dinner-bell — a frying pan beaten with a spoon. At this there was a grand rush for the back door. And they all came trundling in from the garden, gabbling with delight at the prospect of taking a meal again in the dear old kitchen where they had in times past spent so many jolly hours together.

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Português

Jip comentou que estaria frio o suficiente para uma fogueira naquela noite. Ele disse que o vento de setembro estava frio e perguntou ao Doutor se ele contaria uma história após o jantar, já que fazia muito tempo que não se sentavam juntos perto do fogo.

Original English

"It will be cold enough for a fire to-night," said Jip as they took their places at the table. "This September wind has a chilly snap in it. Will you tell us a story after supper, Doctor? It's a long time since we sat around the hearth in a ring."

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Português

Gub-Gub sugeriu que o Doutor lesse de seus livros de histórias de animais. Ele pediu especificamente a história sobre a Raposa que tentou roubar o ganso do Rei.

Original English

"Or read to us out of your animal story books," said Gub-Gub, "the one about the Fox who tried to steal the King's goose."

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Português

O Doutor respondeu que talvez contasse uma história ou lesse. Ele provou as sardinhas e as achou deliciosas, observando que eram claramente sardinhas francesas de Bordeaux.

Original English

"Well, maybe," said the Doctor. "We'll see. We'll see. What delicious sardines these are that the pirates had! From Bordeaux, by the taste of them. There's no mistaking real French sardines."

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Português

Naquele momento, o Doutor foi chamado ao consultório para tratar uma doninha com uma garra quebrada. Logo depois, um galo chegou reclamando de uma dor de garganta que tornava seu cantar muito baixo, tão baixo que sua fazenda não acordava. Então, dois faisões trouxeram um pintinho fraco que nunca havia bicado a comida corretamente desde que nasceu.

Original English

At this moment the Doctor was called away to see a patient in the surgery — a weasel who had broken a claw. And he was no sooner done with that when a rooster with a sore throat turned up from a neighboring farm. He was so hoarse, he said, he could only crow in a whisper, and nobody on his farm woke up in the morning. Then two pheasants arrived to show him a scrawny chick which had never been able to peck properly since it was born.

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Português

O galo explicou que sua dor de garganta significava que ele só conseguia cantar muito baixinho.

Original English

"He could only crow in a whisper"

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Português

Embora as pessoas em Puddleby ainda não soubessem que o Doutor havia chegado, os animais e os pássaros já tinham ouvido a notícia. Durante toda a tarde, o Doutor esteve ocupado ajudando muitos tipos diferentes de animais. Um grande grupo de criaturas esperava pacientemente do lado de fora da porta de sua clínica.

Original English

For, although the people in Puddleby had not yet learned of the Doctor's arrival, news of his coming had already spread among the animals, and the birds. And all that afternoon he was kept busy bandaging, advising and physicking, while a huge motley crowd of creatures waited patiently outside the surgery door.

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Português

Dab-Dab comentou que parecia os velhos tempos, sem paz, porque os pacientes estavam constantemente pedindo para ver o Doutor.

Original English

"Ah me! — just like old times," sighed Dab-Dab. "No peace. Patients clamoring to see him morning, noon and night."

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Português

Como Jip havia previsto, a noite ficou muito fria. Os animais encontraram madeira suficiente no porão para fazer uma fogueira alegre na grande chaminé. Depois de comer, os animais se reuniram ao redor do fogo e pediram ao Doutor que contasse uma história ou lesse um de seus livros.

Original English

Jip had been right: by the time darkness came that night it was very chilly. Wood enough was found in the cellar to start a jolly fire in the big chimney. Round this the animals gathered after supper and pestered the Doctor for a story or a chapter from one of his books.

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Português

O Doutor lembrou a todos que eles precisavam pensar no circo. Ele explicou que eles tinham que ganhar dinheiro para pagar o marinheiro e que ainda não tinham encontrado um circo para se juntar. Ele se perguntou qual era a melhor maneira de começar e a quem poderia pedir conselhos, já que os circos viajam muito.

Original English

"But look here," said he. "What about the circus? If we're going to make money to pay the sailor back we've got to be thinking of that. We haven't even found a circus to go with yet. I wonder what's the best way to set about it. They travel all over the place, you know. Let me see: who could I ask?"

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Português

Too-Too perguntou se eles tinham acabado de ouvir a campainha da porta da frente tocar.

Original English

"Sh!" said Too-Too. "Wasn't that the front door bell ringing?"

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Português

O Doutor achou estranho. Ele se levantou da cadeira e se perguntou se os visitantes já haviam chegado.

Original English

"Strange!" said the Doctor, getting up from his chair "Callers already?"

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Português

Enquanto o Doutor entrava no corredor, o rato branco sugeriu que poderia ser a senhora idosa com dor nas articulações. O rato pensou que ela poderia não ter ficado muito satisfeita com o médico de Oxenthorpe.

Original English

"Perhaps it's the old lady with rheumatism," said the white mouse as the Doctor walked out into the hall. "Maybe she didn't find her Oxenthorpe doctor was so very good after all."

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Português

John Dolittle acendeu as velas no corredor e abriu a porta da frente. Parado na soleira estava o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato.

Original English

When John Dolittle had lit the candles in the hall he opened the front door. And there standing on the threshold was the Cat's-Meat-Man.

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Português

O Doutor reconheceu o homem como Matthew Mugg e ficou feliz em vê-lo. Ele convidou Matthew para entrar e perguntou como ele sabia que ele estava lá.

Original English

"Why, it's Matthew Mugg, as I'm alive!" he cried. "Come in Matthew, come in. But how did you know I was here?"

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Português

O Doutor disse que o visitante era Matthew Mugg.

Original English

"'Why, it's Matthew Mugg!'"

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Português

O Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato chegou à casa do Doutor. Ele disse ao Doutor que tinha uma forte sensação de que o Doutor havia retornado. Explicou que havia dito à sua esposa mais cedo naquele dia que acreditava que o Doutor estava de volta e que pretendia ir à casa do Doutor naquela noite para verificar.

Original English

"I felt it in my bones, Doctor," said the Cat's-Meat-Man, stumping into the hall. "Only this morning I says to my wife, 'Theodosia,' I says, 'something tells me the Doctor's got back. And I'm going up to his house to-night to take a look.'"

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Português

John Dolittle disse que estava feliz em ver o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato. Ele sugeriu que fossem para a cozinha, pois estava mais quente lá.

Original English

"Well, I'm glad to see you," said John Dolittle. "Let's go into the kitchen where it's warm."

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Português

Embora o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato dissesse que só veio para ver se o Doutor estava em casa, ele trouxe presentes. Ele tinha um osso para Jip, queijo para o rato branco, um nabo para Gub-Gub e plantas floridas para o Doutor. Depois que o visitante se acomodou em uma cadeira perto do fogo, John Dolittle deu a ele um pote de tabaco da prateleira e o convidou a encher seu cachimbo.

Original English

Although he said he had only come on the chance of finding the Doctor, the Cat's-Meat-Man had brought presents with him: a knuckle bone off a shoulder of mutton for Jip; a piece of cheese for the white mouse; a turnip for Gub-Gub and a pot of flowering geraniums for the Doctor. When the visitor was comfortably settled in the armchair before the fire John Dolittle handed him the tobacco-jar from the mantelpiece and told him to fill his pipe.

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Português

Matthew mencionou que havia recebido a carta do Doutor sobre o pardal. Ele perguntou se o pardal havia conseguido encontrar o caminho de volta.

Original English

"I got your letter about the sparrow," said Matthew. "He found you all right, I s'pose."

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Português

O Doutor confirmou que o pardal havia sido muito útil. Ele explicou que o pardal havia deixado o navio quando estavam perto da costa de Devon porque estava ansioso para voltar a Londres.

Original English

"Yes, and he was very useful to me. He left the ship when we were off the Devon coast. He was anxious to get back to London."

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Português

Alguém perguntou ao Doutor Dolittle se ele planejava ficar em casa por muito tempo.

Original English

"Are you home for a long stay now?"

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle respondeu que era sim e não. Ele queria passar alguns meses tranquilos arrumando seu jardim muito bagunçado. No entanto, primeiro precisava ganhar algum dinheiro.

Original English

"Well — yes and no," said the Doctor. "I'd like nothing better than to enjoy a few quiet months here and get my garden to rights. It's in a shocking mess. But unfortunately I've got to make some money first."

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Português

Matthew comentou que havia tentado ganhar dinheiro a vida toda, mas não teve muito sucesso. Ele ofereceu ao Doutor Dolittle vinte e cinco xelins que havia economizado.

Original English

"Humph," said Matthew, puffing at his pipe. "Meself*, I've bin trying to do that all my life — Never was very good at it. But I've got twenty-five shillings saved up, if that would help you."

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle agradeceu a Matthew pela oferta gentil. Ele explicou que precisava de uma grande quantia de dinheiro para pagar dívidas. Em seguida, contou a Matthew sobre um animal estranho de duas cabeças chamado pushmi-pullyu, que macacos na África lhe deram depois que ele curou uma epidemia. Os macacos sugeriram que ele viajasse com o animal em um circo. O Doutor Dolittle perguntou a Matthew se ele gostaria de vê-lo.

Original English

"It's very kind of you, Matthew, very. The fact is I — er — I need a whole lot of money. I've got to pay back some debts. But listen: I have a strange kind of new animal — a pushmi-pullyu. He has two heads. The monkeys in Africa presented him to me after I had cured an epidemic for them. Their idea was that I should travel with him in a circus — on show, you know. Would you like to see him?"

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Português

O Homem da Carne de Gato disse que certamente gostaria de ver o animal, pois parecia muito incomum.

Original English

"I surely would," said the Cat's-Meat-Man. "Sounds like something very new."

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Português

O Doutor disse a Matthew que a pessoa estava no jardim. Pediu a Matthew que não olhasse muito para ele, explicando que ele era tímido e se envergonhava facilmente. O Doutor sugeriu que levassem um balde de água com eles, fingindo que era uma bebida.

Original English

"He's out in the garden," said the Doctor. "Don't stare at him too hard. He isn't used to it yet. Gets frightfully embarrassed. Let's take a bucket of water with us and just pretend we've brought him a drink."

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Português

Matthew voltou para a cozinha com o Doutor. Ele estava muito feliz e cheio de energia.

Original English

When Matthew came back into the kitchen with the Doctor he was all smiles and enthusiasm.

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Português

Matthew disse a John Dolittle que ele ficaria muito rico. Disse que ninguém nunca tinha visto nada igual antes. Matthew acrescentou que sempre achou que John Dolittle deveria trabalhar em um circo, porque ele era a única pessoa que entendia a linguagem dos animais. Ele perguntou quando John Dolittle planejava começar.

Original English

"Why, John Dolittle," said he, "you'll make your fortune — sure as you're alive! There's never bin anything seen like that since the world began. And anyway, I always thought you ought to go into the circus business — you, the only man living that knows animal language. When are you going to start?"

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Português

John Dolittle explicou que esse era o principal problema. Ele perguntou se Matthew poderia ajudá-lo. Ele queria ter certeza de que entraria para um bom circo, com pessoas de que gostasse.

Original English

"That's just the point. Perhaps you can help me. I'd want to be sure it was a nice circus I was going with — people I would like, you understand."

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Português

Matthew Mugg inclinou-se para a frente e tocou suavemente o joelho do Doutor com o cachimbo.

Original English

Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor on the knee with the stem of his pipe.

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Português

Ele disse que sabia o que eles queriam. Ele contou a eles sobre um cirquinho agradável em Grimbledon que fazia parte da Feira de Grimbledon. O circo ficaria lá até sábado, e ele e Theodosia o tinham visto no primeiro dia. Ele o descreveu como um circo bom e seleto, não grande. Então ele perguntou se podia levá-los ao circo no dia seguinte para falar com o mestre de cerimônias.

Original English

"I know the very concern you want," said he. "Right now over at Grimbledon there's the nicest little circus you ever saw. Grimbledon Fair's on this week and they'll be there till Saturday. Me and Theodosia saw 'em the first day they was on. It isn't a large circus but it's a good one — select like. What do you say if I take you over there to-morrow and you have a chat with the ringmaster?"

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Português

O Doutor concordou que isso seria maravilhoso. No entanto, ele pediu que não contassem a ninguém sobre o plano por enquanto. Ele explicou que precisavam manter o pushmi-pullyu em segredo até que estivesse pronto para ser mostrado ao público.

Original English

"Why that would be splendid," said the Doctor. "But in the meantime don't say anything to anyone about the idea at all. We must keep the pushmi-pullyu a secret till he is actually put on show before the public."

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THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND — AND A RELATIVE

Português

Matthew Mugg era um homem incomum que gostava de tentar empregos diferentes. Talvez por isso não ganhasse muito dinheiro. Geralmente, suas tentativas de novo trabalho terminavam com ele voltando aos seus antigos ofícios de vender carne de gato e caçar ratos para fazendeiros e moleiros perto de Puddleby.

Original English

N OW, M ATTHEW M UGG was a peculiar man. He loved trying new jobs — which was one reason, perhaps, that he never made much money. But his attempts to get into some new kind of work usually ended in his coming back to selling cat's meat and rat-catching for farmers and millers around Puddleby.

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Português

Matthew tinha tentado anteriormente conseguir um emprego no circo na Feira de Grimbledon, mas não teve sucesso. Agora, sabendo que o Doutor estava começando um circo com o único pushmi-pullyu, suas esperanças aumentaram. Enquanto ia para casa naquela noite, ele se imaginava trabalhando com o Doutor e administrando o maior circo do mundo.

Original English

Matthew had already at Grimbledon Fair tried to get a job with the circus and been refused. But now that he found the Doctor was going into the business — and with such a wonderful exhibition as a pushmi-pullyu — his hopes rose again. And as he went home that night he already in imagination saw himself in partnership with his beloved Doctor, running the biggest circus on earth.

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Português

No dia seguinte, Matthew visitou a casa do Doutor cedo. Depois que Dab-Dab preparou alguns sanduíches de sardinha para o almoço, eles partiram em sua jornada.

Original English

Next day he called at the little house early. After Dab-Dab had made them up some sardine sandwiches to take with them for lunch, they set out.

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Português

O Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminharam uma longa distância. Ouviram cavalos atrás deles e viram um fazendeiro em uma carroça se aproximando. O fazendeiro ia oferecer uma carona, mas sua esposa não gostou da aparência do Homem da Carne de Gato e disse ao marido para não parar.

Original English

It was a long walk from Puddleby to Grimbledon. But after the Doctor and the Cat's-Meat-Man had been trudging down the road a while they heard a sound of hoofs behind them. They turned round; and there was a farmer coming toward them in a trap. Seeing the two travelers upon the road, the farmer was going to offer them a ride. But his wife did not like the ragged looks of the Cat's-Meat-Man, and she forbade her husband to stop for them.

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Português

O Homem da Carne de Gato ficou chateado por o fazendeiro e sua esposa não os terem ajudado. Ele explicou que conhecia o fazendeiro, Isidore Stiles, que cultivava muitas batatas, e que ele frequentemente pegava ratos para ele. Ele também disse que a esposa do fazendeiro era orgulhosa e achava que ele não era companhia suficientemente boa para ela.

Original English

"What d'yer think of that for Christian charity?" said the Cat's-Meat-Man as the cart went spinning by them. "Sit comfortable in their seats and leave us to walk! That's Isidore Stiles, the biggest potato-grower in these parts. I often catches rats for him. And his wife, the snobby old scarecrow! Did yer see that look she gives me? A rat-catcher ain't good enough company for her!"

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Português

O Doutor apontou que a carroça do fazendeiro estava parando e virando.

Original English

"But look," said the Doctor. "They're stopping and turning the trap around."

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Português

O cavalo do fazendeiro conhecia bem o Doutor Dolittle. Quando o cavalo viu o Doutor caminhando, ficou feliz em ver seu amigo. O cavalo virou a carroça sozinho, mesmo com o condutor puxando as rédeas, para cumprimentar o Doutor e perguntar como ele estava.

Original English

Now this farmer's horse knew the Doctor very well both by sight and reputation. And as he had trotted by he had recognized the little man tramping along the road as none other than the famous John Dolittle. Delighted to find that his friend had returned to these parts, the horse had then turned around of his own accord, and was now trotting back — in spite of his driver's pulling — to greet the Doctor and inquire for his health.

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Português

Quando o cavalo se aproximou, perguntou ao Doutor para onde ele estava indo.

Original English

"Where are you going?" asked the horse as he came up.

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Português

O Doutor anunciou que eles estavam viajando para a Feira de Grimbledon.

Original English

"We're going to Grimbledon Fair," said the Doctor.

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Português

O cavalo respondeu que eles também estavam indo. Em seguida, o cavalo sugeriu que o Doutor se sentasse na parte de trás da carroça ao lado da velha senhora.

Original English

"So are we," said the horse. "Why don't you get into the back of the trap beside the old woman?"

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Português

O Doutor explicou que não havia sido convidado. Ele apontou que o fazendeiro estava tentando fazer o cavalo virar de volta para Grimbledon e aconselhou o cavalo a não irritar o fazendeiro. Ele disse ao cavalo para seguir seu caminho, afirmando que eles ficariam bem sem ele.

Original English

"They haven't invited me," said the Doctor. "See your farmer is trying to turn you around again toward Grimbledon. Better not anger him. Run along. Don't bother about us. We'll be all right."

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Português

O cavalo relutantemente seguiu as instruções do condutor e virou a carroça para voltar à feira. No entanto, após apenas uma curta distância, o cavalo pensou que era injusto o homem importante ter que andar enquanto outros iam de carroça. O cavalo decidiu que não deixaria o Doutor para trás.

Original English

Very unwillingly the horse finally obeyed the driver, turned about and set off once more for the fair. But he hadn't gone more than half a mile before he said to himself, "It's a shame the great man should have to walk, while these bumpkins ride. I'm hanged if I'll leave him behind!"

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Português

O cavalo então fingiu estar assustado com algo na estrada. De repente, virou a carroça novamente e galopou de volta muito rapidamente em direção ao Doutor. A esposa do fazendeiro gritou, e o marido puxou forte as rédeas. Mas o cavalo os ignorou. Quando chegou ao Doutor, começou a pular e se mover descontroladamente, como um cavalo jovem e indomado.

Original English

Then he pretended to shy at something in the road, swung the trap around again suddenly and raced back toward the Doctor at full gallop. The farmer's wife screamed and her husband threw all his weight on the reins. But the horse took not the slightest notice. Reaching the Doctor he started rearing and bucking and carrying on like a wild colt.

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Português

Alguém sussurrou para o Doutor. Ele disse ao Doutor para entrar na armadilha. Ele avisou que jogaria os itens na vala se o Doutor não obedecesse.

Original English

"Get into the trap, Doctor," he whispered. "Get in, or I'll spill these boobies into the ditch."

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Português

O Doutor estava preocupado que algo ruim pudesse acontecer. Ele segurou as rédeas do cavalo e tocou suavemente seu nariz. Imediatamente, o cavalo ficou muito calmo e quieto.

Original English

The Doctor, fearing an accident, took hold of the horse's bridle and patted him on the nose. Instantly he became as calm and gentle as a lamb.

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Português

O Doutor segurou as rédeas do cavalo.

Original English

"The Doctor took hold of the bridle"

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Português

O Doutor disse ao fazendeiro que seu cavalo parecia um pouco nervoso. Ele perguntou se poderia dirigir o cavalo por um curto período, porque era um cirurgião veterinário.

Original English

"Your horse is a little restive, sir," said the Doctor to the farmer. "Would you let me drive him for a spell? I am a veterinary surgeon."

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Português

O fazendeiro concordou. Ele disse que pensava saber muito sobre cavalos, mas não conseguia controlar aquele naquela manhã.

Original English

"Why, certainly," said the farmer. "I thought I knew something about horses meself. But I can't do a thing with him this morning."

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Português

Depois que o Doutor entrou na carroça e pegou as rédeas, o Vendedor de Carne de Gato sentou-se contente ao lado da Sra. Stiles.

Original English

Then, as the Doctor climbed up and took the reins, the Cat's-Meat-Man got in behind and, chuckling with delight, sat beside the indignant wife.

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Português

Matthew Mugg cumprimentou a Sra. Stiles e perguntou sobre os ratos no celeiro dela.

Original English

"Nice day, Mrs. Stiles," said Matthew Mugg. "How are the rats in the barn?"

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Português

Eles chegaram a Grimbledon pela manhã. A cidade estava movimentada e cheia de pessoas, com muitos animais de fazenda e cavalos sendo vendidos no mercado.

Original English

They reached the Grimbledon about the middle of the morning. The town was very full and busy and holidayfied. In the cattle-market fine beeves, prize pigs, fat sheep and pedigreed draft horses with ribbons in their manes filled the pens.

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Português

O Doutor e Matthew caminharam pelas ruas movimentadas em direção ao circo. O Doutor estava preocupado em pagar a entrada porque não tinha dinheiro. Na entrada do circo, eles viram um pequeno palco com um homem que tinha um grande bigode. Esse homem apresentava artistas, como palhaços e acrobatas, à multidão, dizendo que eles eram os melhores do mundo. O público parecia muito impressionado, e muitas pessoas pagaram para entrar no circo.

Original English

Through the good-natured crowds that thronged the streets the Doctor and Matthew made their way patiently toward the enclosure where the circus was. The Doctor began to get worried that he might be asked to pay to go in, because he hadn't a single penny in his pockets. But at the entrance to the circus they found a high platform erected, with some curtains at the back. It was like a small outdoor theater. On this platform a man with an enormous black moustache was standing. From time to time various showily-dressed persons made their appearance through the curtains; and the big man introduced them to the gaping crowd and told of the wonders they could perform. Whatever they were, clowns, acrobats or snake-charmers, he always said they were the greatest in the world. The crowd was tremendously impressed; and every once in a while people in ones and twos would make their way through the throng, pay their money at the little gate and pass into the circus enclosure.

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Português

O Vendedor de Carne de Gato disse ao Doutor que era um bom show e apontou as muitas pessoas que estavam entrando no circo.

Original English

"There you are," the Cat's-Meat-Man whispered in the Doctor's ear. "Didn't I tell yer it was a good show? Look! People going in by hundreds."

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Português

O Doutor perguntou se o homem grande era o gerente.

Original English

"Is that big man the manager?" asked the Doctor.

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Português

Matthew confirmou que o homem era Alexander Blossom, que era o gerente que eles tinham vindo encontrar.

Original English

"Yes, that's him. That's Blossom himself — Alexander Blossom. He's the man we've come to see."

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Português

O Doutor atravessou a multidão, com Matthew atrás dele. Ele chegou à frente e tentou sinalizar para o homem na plataforma acima, querendo falar com ele. No entanto, o Sr. Blossom estava anunciando seu show em voz alta e não percebeu o Doutor, que era uma pessoa pequena em um grande grupo.

Original English

The Doctor began to squirm his way forward through the people, with Matthew following behind. Finally he reached the front and started making signs to the big man on the platform above to show that he wanted to speak to him. But Mr. Blossom was so busy bellowing about the wonders of his show that the Doctor — a small man in a big crowd — could not attract his attention.

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Português

Matthew sugeriu que o Doutor subisse na plataforma e falasse com o Sr. Blossom.

Original English

"Get up on the platform," said Matthew. "Climb up and talk to him."

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Português

O Doutor subiu em uma parte do palco. Ele se sentiu muito tímido porque muitas pessoas o observavam. Mas ele ficou corajoso, tocou o braço do showman e começou a falar.

Original English

So the Doctor clambered up one corner of the stage and then suddenly got frightfully embarrassed to find himself facing so large a gathering of people. However, once there, he plucked up his courage and, tapping the shouting showman on the arm, he said:

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Português

Uma pessoa pediu licença.

Original English

"Excuse me."

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Português

O Sr. Blossom parou de falar alto sobre seu show incrível. Ele olhou para baixo, para o homem pequeno e redondo que tinha acabado de aparecer ao seu lado.

Original English

Mr. Blossom stopped roaring about the "greatest show on earth" and gazed down at the little round man who had suddenly appeared beside him.

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Português

O Doutor começou a falar, mas hesitou.

Original English

"Er — er—" the Doctor began.

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Português

Houve um momento de silêncio. Então, o público começou a rir baixinho.

Original English

Then there was a silence. The people began to titter.

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Português

O Sr. Blossom era muito bom em falar e frequentemente fazia piadas sobre outras pessoas. Enquanto John Dolittle ainda pensava no que dizer, o gerente se virou novamente para a multidão. Ele acenou com o braço na direção do Doutor e gritou.

Original English

Blossom, like most showmen, was never at a loss for words and seldom missed an opportunity of being funny at somebody else's expense. And while John Dolittle was still wondering how to begin, the manager suddenly turned to the crowd again and, waving his arm towards the Doctor, shouted:

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Português

O orador anunciou que este era o Humpty-Dumpty original, explicando que ele tinha causado muitos problemas para os soldados do rei. Ele convidou o público a pagar para entrar e assistir Humpty-Dumpty cair do muro.

Original English

"And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the original Humpty-Dumpty — the one what gave the king's men so much trouble. Pay your money and come in! Walk up and see 'im fall off the wall!"

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Português

A multidão riu alto, e o Doutor sentiu-se ainda mais envergonhado do que antes.

Original English

At that the crowd roared with laughter and the poor Doctor got more embarrassed than ever.

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Português

Um homem da multidão chamou o Doutor, dizendo-lhe para falar com Humpty-Dumpty.

Original English

"Talk to him, Doctor, talk to him!" called the Cat's-Meat-Man from down below.

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Português

Depois que a risada parou, o Doutor tentou falar novamente. No entanto, assim que começou, ouviu-se um grito alto e agudo vindo da multidão, chamando por João.

Original English

Soon, when the laughter had subsided, the Doctor made another attempt. He had just opened his mouth when a single piercing cry rang from amidst the crowd— " John!"

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Português

O Doutor olhou por cima das cabeças das pessoas para ver quem o chamava. Na borda da multidão, ele viu uma mulher acenando energicamente com uma sombrinha verde.

Original English

The Doctor turned and gazed over the heads of the people to see who was calling him by name. And there on the outskirts of the throng he saw a woman waving violently to him with a green parasol.

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Português

O Homem da Carne de Gato perguntou quem estava lá.

Original English

"Who is it?" said the Cat's-Meat-Man.

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Português

O Doutor desceu do palco, sentindo-se envergonhado. Ele perguntou a Matthew o que deveriam fazer e disse-lhe que Sarah havia chegado.

Original English

"Heaven preserve us!" groaned the Doctor, shamefacedly climbing down off the stage. "What'll we do now? Matthew — it's Sarah!"

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BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

Português

Quando John Dolittle finalmente alcançou Sarah, ele a cumprimentou calorosamente. Ele comentou que ela parecia muito saudável e bem alimentada.

Original English

" W ELL, WELL, S ARAH !" said John Dolittle when he had finally made his way to her. "My, how well and plump you're looking!"

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Português

Sarah disse a John que ele não estava parecendo rechonchudo. Ela perguntou por que ele estava se comportando como um palhaço no palco. Ela lembrou que ele já havia abandonado seu bom emprego no West Country por animais como ratos e sapos, e perguntou se ele não tinha orgulho e o que estava fazendo lá em cima.

Original English

"I'm nothing of the sort, John," said Sarah, severely. "Will you please tell me what you mean by gallivanting around on that platform like a clown? Wasn't it enough for you to throw away the best practice in the West Country for the sake of pet mice and frogs and things? Have you no pride? What are you doing up there?"

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Português

O Doutor explicou que estava considerando começar um circo.

Original English

"I was thinking of going into the circus business," said the Doctor.

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Português

Sarah ofegou e sentiu que ia desmaiar. Um homem alto e magro vestindo roupas de padre veio e segurou seu braço.

Original English

Sarah gasped and put her hand to her head as thought about to swoon. Then a long lean man in parson's clothes who was standing behind her came and took her by the arm.

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Português

O homem perguntou a Sarah o que havia acontecido.

Original English

"What is it, my dear?" said he.

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Português

Sarah disse ao Reverendo Launcelot Dingle que John Dolittle era seu irmão e que o Reverendo era seu marido. Ela perguntou a John se ele estava falando sério sobre começar um negócio de circo, dizendo que era vergonhoso e que ele devia estar brincando. Ela também perguntou quem era a outra pessoa quando Matthew Mugg se juntou a eles.

Original English

"Launcelot," said Sarah weakly, "this is my brother, John Dolittle. John, this is the Reverend Launcelot Dingle, rector of Grimbledon, my husband. But, John, you can't be serious. Go into the circus business! How disgraceful! You must be joking — and who is this person?" she added as Matthew Mugg shuffled up and joined the party.

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Português

John Dolittle apresentou Matthew Mugg e perguntou a Sarah se ela se lembrava dele.

Original English

"This is Matthew Mugg," said the Doctor. "You remember him, of course?"

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Português

Sarah reconheceu Matthew Mugg como o caçador de ratos e fechou os olhos horrorizada.

Original English

"Ugh! — the rat-catcher," said Sarah, closing her eyes in horror.

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Português

O Doutor explicou que o Sr. Mugg era um comerciante de carne e seu paciente mais importante. Ele então apresentou seu amigo, o Sr. Mugg, cujo nome completo era Reverendo Launcelot Dingle, como se ele fosse uma pessoa muito importante.

Original English

"Not at all. He's a meat merchant," said the Doctor. "Mr. Mugg, the Reverend Launcelot Dingle." And the Doctor introduced his ragged greasy friend as if he had been a king. "He's my most prominent patient," he added.

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Português

Sarah pediu a John que usasse um nome diferente se ele começasse seu novo e incomum trabalho. Ela estava preocupada com a posição social deles se as pessoas descobrissem que o cunhado do Reitor era um simples artista de circo.

Original English

"But, listen, John," said Sarah, "if you do go into this mad business, promise me you'll do it under some other name. Think what it would mean to our position here if it got known that the Rector's brother-in-law was a common showman!"

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Português

O Doutor fez uma pausa por um momento e então sorriu.

Original English

The Doctor thought a moment. Then he smiled.

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Português

O Doutor concordou com o pedido de Sarah de usar outro nome. No entanto, ele questionou se poderia impedir que as pessoas o reconhecessem.

Original English

"All right, Sarah, I'll use some other name. But I can't help it if some one recognizes me, can I?"

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Português

Depois de se despedirem de Sarah, o Doutor e Matthew foram encontrar o gerente novamente. Eles o encontraram contando dinheiro no portão, e desta vez puderam falar com ele sem se sentir apressados.

Original English

After they had bidden farewell to Sarah, the Doctor and Matthew again sought out the manager. They found him counting money at the gate, and this time were able to talk to him at their ease.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle contou a Alexander Blossom sobre um animal especial que possuía. Ele queria se juntar ao circo com esse animal. Blossom queria ver o animal e pediu ao Doutor que o levasse até ele. No entanto, o Doutor Dolittle sugeriu que seria mais fácil se Blossom visitasse Puddleby para ver o animal lá.

Original English

John Dolittle described the wonderful animal that he had at home and said he wanted to join the circus with him. Alexander Blossom admitted he would like to see the creature, and told the Doctor to bring him here. But John Dolittle said it would be better and easier if the manager came to Puddleby to look at him.

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Português

Eles concordaram com o plano. Depois de explicar como encontrar a pequena casa na Estrada Oxenthorpe, eles foram para casa. Eles estavam felizes com o que havia acontecido até então.

Original English

This was agreed upon. And after they had explained to Blossom how to get to the little house on the Oxenthorpe Road, they set out for home again, very pleased with their success so far.

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Português

Enquanto caminhavam e comiam sanduíches, Matthew perguntou ao Doutor Dolittle se poderia ir com ele ao Circo de Blossom. Matthew explicou que poderia ser muito útil cuidando da caravana, alimentando-a e mantendo-a limpa.

Original English

"If you do go with Blossom's Circus," Matthew asked, as they tramped along the road chewing sardine sandwiches, "will you take me with you, Doctor? I'd come in real handy, taking care of the caravan, feeding and cleaning and the likes o' that."

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Português

O Doutor disse a Matthew que ele era bem-vindo para vir. Mas ele perguntou a Matthew sobre seu próprio trabalho.

Original English

"You're very welcome to come, Matthew," said the Doctor. "But what about your own business?"

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Português

Matthew respondeu que seu trabalho atual não rendia dinheiro. Ele também achava que era muito chato e sem emoção, como dar pequenos pedaços de carne para cães ricos. Ele acreditava que era naturalmente aventureiro e que o circo seria uma verdadeira aventura e um trabalho de homem.

Original English

"Oh, that," said Matthew, biting viciously into another sandwich. "There ain't no money in that. Besides, it's so tame, handing out bits of meat on skewers to overfed poodles! There's no — no what d'y' call it?" — (he waved his sandwich towards the sky)— "no adventure in it. I'm naturally venturesome — reckless like — always was, from my cradle up. Now the circus: that's the real life! That's a man's job."

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Português

Ele ergueu seu sanduíche em direção ao céu.

Original English

"He waved his sandwich towards the sky"

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Português

O Doutor perguntou sobre a esposa do homem.

Original English

"But how about your wife?" asked the Doctor.

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Português

O homem explicou que sua esposa, Theodosia, era aventureira e também viria. Ela poderia ajudar consertando roupas e fazendo outros trabalhos. Ele pediu a opinião do Doutor.

Original English

"Theodosia? Oh, she'd come along. She's venturesome, like me. She could mend the clothes and do odd jobs. What do you think?"

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Português

O Doutor perguntou o que ele estava pensando. Enquanto caminhava e olhava para a estrada, o Doutor disse que estava pensando em Sarah.

Original English

"What do I think?" asked the Doctor, who was staring down at the road as he walked. "I was thinking of Sarah."

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Português

Matthew comentou que o marido de Sarah, o Reverendo Dangle, era uma pessoa estranha.

Original English

"Queer gent, that what she married, ain't he," said Matthew, "the Reverend Dangle?"

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Português

O Doutor corrigiu o nome, dizendo que era Dingle. Ele mencionou que Dingle também era aventureiro. Então pensou em Sarah e Dingle, comentando como o mundo era estranho.

Original English

"Dingle," the Doctor corrected. "Yes. He's venturesome too. It's a funny world — Poor dear Sarah! — Poor old Dingle! — Well, well."

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Português

Tarde daquela noite, após o fim da Feira de Grimbledon, o mestre de cerimônias, Sr. Blossom, visitou a casa do Doutor em Puddleby.

Original English

Late that night, when the Grimbledon Fair had closed, Mr. Blossom, the ringmaster, came to the Doctor's house in Puddleby.

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Português

O Sr. Blossom viu o pushmi-pullyu pastando no gramado à luz de uma lanterna. Depois, ele voltou para a biblioteca com o Doutor.

Original English

After he had been shown by the light of a lantern the pushmi-pullyu grazing on the lawn, he came back into the library with the Doctor and said:

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Português

O Sr. Blossom perguntou ao Doutor quanto ele queria pelo animal.

Original English

"How much do you want for that animal?"

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Português

O Doutor respondeu que o animal não estava à venda.

Original English

"No, no, he's not for sale," said the Doctor.

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Português

O gerente disse ao Doutor que ele não era um verdadeiro feirante e que não queria o animal. Ele ofereceu vinte libras por ele.

Original English

"Oh, come now," said the manager. "You don't want him. Any one could see you're not a regular showman. I'll give you twenty pounds for him."

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Português

O Doutor recusou.

Original English

"No," said the Doctor.

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Português

Blossom ofereceu trinta libras.

Original English

"Thirty pounds," said Blossom.

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Português

O Doutor continuou a recusar.

Original English

Still the Doctor refused.

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Português

O gerente então ofereceu quarenta libras e depois cinquenta libras. Ele continuou aumentando sua oferta, o que surpreendeu um homem que estava ouvindo.

Original English

"Forty pounds — fifty pounds," said the manager. Then he went up and up, offering prices that made the Cat's-Meat-Man who was listening open his eyes wider and wider with wonder.

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Português

O Doutor finalmente disse que era impossível. Ele disse ao dono do circo que ele teria que levar ele e o animal para o circo. Se não, o animal teria que ficar onde estava. O Doutor havia prometido garantir que o animal fosse bem cuidado.

Original English

"It's no use," said the Doctor at last. "You must either take me with the animal into your circus or leave him where he is. I have promised that I myself will see he is properly treated."

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Português

O dono do circo perguntou ao Doutor o que ele queria dizer. Ele questionou se o animal pertencia ao Doutor e para quem o Doutor havia feito sua promessa.

Original English

"What do you mean?" asked the showman. "Ain't he your property? Who did you promise?"

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Português

O Doutor explicou que o animal era dono de si mesmo. Ele disse que o animal tinha vindo para ajudá-lo, e foi ao próprio pushmi-pullyu que ele havia dado sua promessa.

Original English

"He's his own property," said the Doctor. "He came here to oblige me. It was to himself, the pushmi-pullyu, that I gave my promise."

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Português

O dono do circo perguntou ao Doutor se ele estava louco.

Original English

"What! — Are you crazy?" asked the showman.

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Português

Matthew Mugg ia contar a Blossom que o Doutor conseguia entender os animais. No entanto, John Dolittle sinalizou para Matthew ficar quieto.

Original English

Matthew Mugg was going to explain to Blossom that the Doctor could speak animals' language. But John Dolittle motioned to him to be silent.

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Português

O homem explicou que eles tinham que escolher entre levar ele e o animal, ou não levar nenhum dos dois.

Original English

"And so, you see," he went on, "you must either take me and the animal or neither."

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Português

Blossom se recusou a concordar com o plano. Matthew ficou muito chateado e triste. Ele pegou o chapéu e saiu do local.

Original English

Then Blossom said no, he wouldn't agree to that arrangement. And to Matthew's great disappointment and grief he took his hat and left.

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Português

Matthew esperava que o Doutor mudasse de ideia. Ele voltou depois de apenas dez minutos e tocou a campainha, dizendo que queria discutir o assunto novamente.

Original English

But he had expected the Doctor to change his mind and give in. And he hadn't been gone more than ten minutes before he rang the door-bell and said that he had come back to talk it over.

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Português

No final, o empresário concordou com tudo que o Doutor pediu. O pushmi-pullyu e seus companheiros receberiam uma carroça nova só para eles. Embora viajassem com o circo, seriam completamente livres. O dinheiro ganho seria dividido igualmente entre o Doutor e o gerente. O pushmi-pullyu poderia ter dias de folga sempre que quisesse, e Blossom forneceria qualquer comida que ele pedisse.

Original English

Well, the upshot of it was that the showman finally consented to all the Doctor asked. The pushmi-pullyu and his party were to be provided with a new wagon all to themselves and, although traveling as part of the circus, were to be entirely free and independent. The money made was to be divided equally between the Doctor and the manager. Whenever the pushmi-pullyu wanted a day off he was to have it, and whatever kind of food he asked for was to be provided by Blossom.

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Português

Depois que finalizaram todos os arranjos, o homem disse que enviaria a caravana no dia seguinte e então se preparou para partir.

Original English

When all the arrangements had been gone into, the man said he would send the caravan here next day, and prepared to go.

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Português

Enquanto o homem estava saindo pela porta da frente, ele perguntou ao Doutor qual era o seu nome.

Original English

"By the way," he said, pausing at the front door. "What's your name?"

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Português

O Doutor ia contar a ele seu nome, mas então lembrou que Sarah havia pedido para ele não contar.

Original English

The Doctor was just about to tell him, when he remembered Sarah's request.

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Português

Então, o Doutor decidiu usar um nome diferente e disse ao homem que se chamava John Smith.

Original English

"Oh, well, call me John Smith," said he.

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Português

O empresário aceitou isso e disse ao Sr. Smith para ter seu grupo pronto às onze horas da manhã seguinte, e então desejou-lhe boa noite.

Original English

"All right, Mr. Smith," said the showman. "Have your party ready by eleven in the morning. Good night."

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Português

O Doutor respondeu, desejando boa noite ao empresário também.

Original English

"Good night," said the Doctor.

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Português

Quando a porta fechou, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too e o camundongo branco saíram de onde estavam escondidos e ouvindo. Todos foram para o saguão e começaram a falar muito alto.

Original English

As soon as the door had closed Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too and the white mouse, who had been hiding and listening in various corners of the house, all came out into the hall and started chattering at the top of their voices.

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Português

Gub-Gub grunhiu feliz e disse que estava muito contente com o circo.

Original English

"Hooray!" grunted Gub-Gub. "Hooray for the circus!"

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Português

Alguém mais também expressou felicidade pelo circo.

Original English

"'Hooray for the circus!'"

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Português

Matthew disse ao Doutor que ele era um bom homem de negócios. Ele explicou que o Doutor fez Blossom concordar com tudo. Matthew notou que Blossom voltou rapidamente quando pensou que o acordo tinha sido cancelado, e acreditou que Blossom esperava ganhar muito dinheiro com eles.

Original English

"My," said Matthew to the Doctor, "you're not such a bad business man after all! You got Blossom to give in to everything. He wasn't going to let the chance slip. Did you see how quickly he came back when he thought the deal was off? I'll bet he expects to make a lot of money out of us."

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Português

Dab-Dab suspirou tristemente enquanto limpava o cabide. Ele disse que era uma pena deixar a casa deles novamente tão cedo.

Original English

"Poor old home," sighed Dab-Dab, affectionately dusting off the hat-rack. "To leave it again so soon!"

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Português

Gub-Gub estava muito animado com o circo. Ele gritou de alegria e tentou ficar nas patas traseiras enquanto equilibrava o chapéu do Doutor no nariz. Ele estava ansioso pelo dia seguinte.

Original English

"Hooray!" yelled Gub-Gub, trying to stand on his hind legs and balance the Doctor's hat on his nose— "Hooray for the circus! — To-morrow! — Whee!"

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THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

Português

Muito cedo na manhã seguinte, Dab-Dab garantiu que todos estivessem ocupados se preparando. Ela instruiu que tomassem café da manhã e arrumassem a mesa antes das sete horas. Isso era necessário para que tudo estivesse pronto para a partida deles às onze.

Original English

V ERY EARLY THE next morning Dab-Dab had the whole house astir. She said breakfast must be eaten and the table cleared before seven, if everything was to be got in readiness for their departure by eleven.

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Português

Na verdade, a zelosa governanta deixou a casa preparada e todos esperando do lado de fora nos degraus muito antes de a carroça chegar. No entanto, o Doutor ainda estava ocupado. Até o último momento, animais doentes ainda estavam chegando de todas as partes do país para serem tratados.

Original English

As a matter of fact, the diligent housekeeper had the house closed and everybody waiting outside on the front steps hours before the wagon arrived. But the Doctor, for one, was still kept busy. For up to the last minute animal patients were still coming in from all parts of the countryside, with various ailments to be cured.

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Português

Finalmente, Jip, que tinha saído para explorar, correu de volta para o grupo que estava reunido no jardim.

Original English

At last Jip, who had been out scouting, came rushing back to the party gathered in the garden.

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Português

Jip relatou que a carroça estava chegando. Ele explicou que era vermelha e amarela e estava virando a esquina.

Original English

"The wagon's coming," he panted— "all red and yellow — it's just around the bend."

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Português

Todos ficaram empolgados e começaram a pegar suas coisas. A bagagem de Gub-Gub era um embrulho de nabos. Enquanto ele descia correndo os degraus até a estrada, o barbante arrebentou e os nabos rolaram para todo lado.

Original English

Then everybody got excited and began grabbing their parcels. Gub-Gub's luggage was a bundle of turnips; and just as he was hurrying down the steps to the road the string broke and the round, white vegetables went rolling all over the place.

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Português

A carroça que chegou era muito bonita. Parecia uma caravana cigana, com janelas, porta e chaminé. Estava pintada com cores vivas e era novinha em folha.

Original English

The wagon, when it finally came in sight, was certainly a thing of beauty. It was made like a gypsy caravan, with windows and door and chimney. It was very gayly painted and quite new.

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Português

Eles estavam esperando nos degraus da frente.

Original English

"Waiting on the front steps"

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Português

O cavalo estava muito velho e cansado. O Doutor descobriu que o cavalo, chamado Beppo, havia trabalhado no circo por trinta e cinco anos e estava farto disso. O Doutor decidiu dizer a Blossom que Beppo deveria poder se aposentar e viver em paz.

Original English

Not so the horse; he was quite old. The Doctor said that never had he seen an animal so worn out and weary. He got into conversation with him and found out that he had been working in the circus for thirty-five years. He was very sick of it he said. His name was Beppo. The Doctor decided he would tell Blossom that it was high time Beppo should be pensioned off and allowed to live in peace.

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Português

Dab-Dab limpou a nova carroça antes de colocar os pacotes dentro. Ela colocou cuidadosamente a roupa de cama do Doutor, que estava amarrada em um lençol como roupa de lavanderia, dentro da carroça, tomando cuidado para não sujar.

Original English

In spite of the newness of the van, Dab-Dab swept it out before she put the packages in it. She had the Doctor's bedding tied up in a sheet, like a bundle of clothes for the laundry. And she was most careful that this should not get dirty.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle estava preocupado que o cavalo velho estivesse muito cansado para puxar a carroça com todos os animais e suas coisas. Ele queria ajudar a empurrar a carroça. Mas Beppo disse a ele que estava tudo bem e que ele conseguiria puxá-la. O Doutor Dolittle decidiu não entrar na carroça ele mesmo porque não queria torná-la mais pesada. Eles começaram sua jornada para Grimbledon. A porta e as cortinas da carroça estavam fechadas para que ninguém pudesse ver o pushmi-pullyu dentro. O homem que trouxe a carroça a dirigiu, e o Doutor Dolittle e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminharam atrás.

Original English

When the animals and the baggage were all in, the Doctor got terribly afraid that the load would be too much for the old horse to pull. And he wanted to push behind, to help. But Beppo said he could manage it all right. However, the Doctor would not add to the weight by getting in himself. And when the door was shut and the window curtains drawn, so no one should see the pushmi-pullyu on the way, they set out for Grimbledon, with the man who had brought the wagon driving and the Doctor and the Cat's-Meat-Man walking behind.

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Português

Enquanto viajavam pela Praça do Mercado de Puddleby, o motorista parou em uma loja. Um grupo de pessoas se reuniu ao redor da carroça enquanto ela esperava. Elas estavam curiosas e queriam saber para onde a carroça estava indo e o que havia dentro. Matthew Mugg se sentiu muito orgulhoso e queria contar a elas, mas o Doutor Dolittle não permitiu que ele fizesse nenhum discurso.

Original English

On the way through Puddleby Market-place the driver stopped to get something at a shop. And while the caravan waited outside a crowd gathered about the wagon, wanting to know where it was going and what was inside. Matthew Mugg, his chest now swelling with pride, was dying to tell them, but the Doctor wouldn't let him make any speeches.

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Português

Eles chegaram ao Parque de Diversões de Grimbledon à tarde, por volta das duas horas. Eles entraram na área do circo por um portão dos fundos. Lá dentro, encontraram o Sr. Blossom, que estava esperando para cumprimentá-los.

Original English

They reached the Grimbledon Fair-grounds about two o'clock in the afternoon and entered the circus enclosure by a back gate. Inside they found the great Blossom himself, waiting to welcome them.

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Português

O Sr. Blossom pareceu surpreso quando a carroça foi aberta e ele viu os animais incomuns que o Doutor Dolittle havia trazido. Ele ficou especialmente surpreso com o porco. No entanto, ele ficou muito feliz por ter o pushmi-pullyu e não se importou com os outros animais.

Original English

He seemed quite surprised, on the van's being opened, to find the odd collection of creatures the Doctor had brought with him — he was particularly astonished at the pig. However, he was so delighted to have the pushmi-pullyu that he didn't mind.

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Português

O Sr. Blossom imediatamente mostrou a eles sua área de apresentação, que ele disse ter construído para eles naquela manhã. O Doutor Dolittle viu que era semelhante a um lugar que ele já tinha visto antes. Era uma plataforma elevada três pés do chão, com um cômodo no topo que podia ser visto de longe. Havia degraus para subir na plataforma. Cortinas cobriam a entrada do cômodo, então as pessoas tinham que pagar para entrar e ver.

Original English

He at once led them to what he called their stand — which, he said, he had had built for them that very morning. This the Doctor found to be similar to the place where he had first spoken with Blossom. It was a platform raised three feet from the ground, so that the board-and-canvas room on the top of it could be seen. It had steps up to it, and a little way back from the front edge of the platform curtains covered the entrance to the room, so no one could see inside unless they paid to go in.

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Português

Uma placa foi colocada na frente.

Original English

Across the front of it was a sign:

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Português

A placa informava que o animal se chamava The Pushmi-Pullyu.

Original English

THE PUSHMI-PULLYU!

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Português

As pessoas foram convidadas a ver algo maravilhoso.

Original English

COME AND SEE THE MARVELOUS

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Português

Era um animal com duas cabeças.

Original English

TWO-HEADED ANIMAL

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Português

Este animal incomum veio das selvas da África.

Original English

FROM THE JUNGLES OF AFRICA!

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Português

O custo para entrar era seis pence.

Original English

ADMISSION SIXPENCE

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Português

A carroça vermelha e amarela foi estacionada atrás da barraca. O grupo do Doutor viveria dentro dela, exceto pelo pushmi-pullyu. Dab-Dab começou a arrumar as camas e organizar o interior para torná-lo aconchegante.

Original English

The red and yellow wagon (in which the Doctor's party, with the exception of the pushmi-pullyu, were to live) was backed behind the "stand". And Dab-Dab immediately set about making up beds and arranging the inside so it would be homelike.

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Português

Blossom queria mostrar o pushmi-pullyu imediatamente. No entanto, o Doutor discordou. Ele explicou que qualquer animal selvagem precisava de tempo para descansar após uma viagem. Ele também queria que o animal tímido se acostumasse ao ambiente movimentado do circo antes que as pessoas o observassem.

Original English

Blossom wanted to have the pushmi-pullyu put on show at once, but the Doctor refused. He said any wild animal would need to rest after the journey from Puddleby. And he wished the timid beast to get used to the noisy bustle of circus life before he was stared at by a crowd of holiday-makers.

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Português

Blossom estava insatisfeito, mas aceitou a decisão do Doutor. Ele então se ofereceu para mostrar o circo ao Doutor e apresentá-lo aos artistas, o que agradou os animais. Depois que o pushmi-pullyu foi levado para sua nova casa e recebeu comida, água e cama, o grupo do Doutor começou um passeio pelo circo com o mestre de cerimônias, Alexander Blossom.

Original English

Blossom was disappointed, but he had to give in. Then, to the animals' delight, he offered to show the Doctor around the circus and introduce him to the various performers. So after the pushmi-pullyu had been moved to his new home in the stand and the Doctor had seen that he was provided with hay and water and bedding, the Puddleby party started out to make a tour of the circus under the guidance of the great Alexander Blossom, ringmaster.

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Português

O show principal do circo acontecia apenas duas vezes por dia, em uma grande tenda. Ao redor dessa tenda havia tendas e barracas menores, muitas das quais exigiam pagamento extra. Esses lugares ofereciam várias atrações, como jogos, espetáculos e uma coleção de animais. A carroça do Doutor agora seria uma dessas atrações.

Original English

The main show took place only twice a day (at two in the afternoon and at six thirty at night), in a big tent in the middle of the enclosure. But all around this there were smaller tents and stands, most of which you had to pay extra to get into. Of these the Doctor's establishment was now to form one. They contained all manner of wonders: shooting galleries; guessing games; wild men of Borneo; bearded ladies; merry-go-rounds; strong men, snake charmers; a menagerie and many more.

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Português

Blossom levou o Doutor e seus amigos para ver os animais primeiro. O lugar não era muito bom, e a maioria dos animais parecia suja e triste. O Doutor ficou muito infeliz e quis discutir com Blossom. Mas o Homem da Carne de Gato falou com ele calmamente.

Original English

Blossom took the Doctor and his friends to the menagerie first. It was a dingy third-rate sort of collection. Most of the animals seemed dirty and unhappy. The Doctor was so saddened he was all for having a row with Blossom over it. But the Cat's-Meat-Man whispered in his ear:

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Português

O Homem da Carne de Gato aconselhou o Doutor a não começar um problema imediatamente. Ele sugeriu esperar, explicando que se o chefe visse como o Doutor era útil com animais de circo, ele poderia fazer o que quisesse depois. Ele alertou que causar problemas agora poderia levar à perda dos empregos, o que impediria o Doutor de fazer qualquer coisa.

Original English

"Don't be starting trouble right away, Doctor. Wait a while. After the boss sees how valuable you are with performing animals you'll be able to do what you like with him. If you kick up a shindy* now we'll maybe lose our job. Then you won't be able to do anything."

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Português

John Dolittle achou que isso era um bom conselho. Por enquanto, ele falou calmamente com os animais através das barras das jaulas, dizendo que esperava ajudá-los mais tarde.

Original English

This struck John Dolittle as good advice. And he contented himself for the present with whispering to the animals through the bars of their cages that later he hoped to do something for them.

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Português

Assim que chegaram, um homem de aparência suja estava mostrando os animais a um grupo de visitantes. Ele parou na frente de uma jaula onde um animal pequeno e peludo estava guardado.

Original English

Just as they had entered a dirty man was taking around a group of country folk to show them the collection. Stopping before a cage where a small furry animal was imprisoned, the man called out:

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Português

O homem disse aos visitantes que o animal era o famoso Hurri-Gurri da Patagônia. Ele explicou que ele se pendurava em árvores pelo rabo e depois disse a eles para passarem para a próxima jaula.

Original English

"And this, ladies and gents, is the famous Hurri-Gurri, from the forests of Patagonia. 'E 'angs from the trees by 'is tail. Pass on to the next cage."

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle, com Gub-Gub o seguindo, foi olhar o animal chamado Hurri-Gurri. Eles espiaram dentro de seu recinto.

Original English

The Doctor, followed by Gub-Gub, went over and looked in at "the famous Hurri-Gurri."

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Português

O Doutor explicou que era um gambá comum da América e que pertencia a um grupo de animais chamados marsupiais.

Original English

"Why," said he, "that's nothing but a common opossum from America. One of the marsupials."

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Português

Ele repetiu que o animal era um marsupial.

Original English

"One of the marsupials"

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Português

Gub-Gub perguntou ao Doutor como ele sabia que era um marsupial. Gub-Gub imaginou se poderia ser um "Pa Soupial" porque não tinha nenhum filhote com ele.

Original English

"How do you know it's a Ma Soupial, Doctor?" asked Gub-Gub. "She hasn't any children with her. Perhaps, it's a Pa Soupial."

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Português

Um homem parou ao lado da próxima jaula e anunciou em voz alta que ela continha o maior elefante já mantido em cativeiro.

Original English

"And this," roared the man, standing before the next cage, "is the largest elephant in captivity."

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Português

O médico disse calmamente que era um dos menores animais que ele já tinha visto.

Original English

"Almost the smallest one I ever saw," murmured the Doctor.

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Português

O Sr. Blossom sugeriu que eles fossem para a próxima apresentação, que era a Princesa Fatima, a encantadora de serpentes. Ele os conduziu para fora da área dos animais, que era lotada e cheirava mal, para o ar fresco. Enquanto o médico passava pelas jaulas, ele olhava para baixo tristemente. Os animais o reconheceram e estavam tentando fazê-lo parar e falar com eles.

Original English

Then Mr. Blossom suggested that they go on to the next show, Princess Fatima, the snake charmer. And he led the way out of the close, evil-smelling menagerie into the open air. As the Doctor passed down the line of cages he hung his head, frowning unhappily. For the various animals, recognizing the great John Dolittle, were all making signs to him to stop and talk with them.

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Português

Dentro da tenda da encantadora de serpentes, eles eram os únicos visitantes naquele momento. Em um pequeno palco, viram a Princesa Fatima passando pó no nariz e falando consigo mesma de forma infeliz. Ao lado da cadeira dela havia uma caixa larga e rasa cheia de cobras. Matthew Mugg olhou dentro da caixa, ficou chocado e rapidamente tentou sair da tenda.

Original English

When they entered the snake charmer's tent there were no other visitors there for the moment but themselves. On the small stage they beheld the Princess Fatima, powdering her large nose and swearing to herself in cockney. Beside her chair was a big shallow box full of snakes. Matthew Mugg peeped into it, gasped with horror, and then started to run from the tent.

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Português

O médico chamou Matthew, dizendo a ele para não se preocupar e que as cobras não eram perigosas.

Original English

"It's all right, Matthew," the Doctor called out. "Don't be alarmed, they're quite harmless."

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Português

A Princesa Fatima perguntou furiosamente ao médico o que ele queria dizer. Ela explicou que as cobras eram naja-rei da Índia e as mais mortíferas existentes.

Original English

"What d'yer mean, harmless?" snorted the Princess Fatima, glaring at the Doctor. "They're king cobras, from India — the deadliest snakes livin'."

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Português

O Doutor disse que eles não eram nada daquilo.

Original English

"They're nothing of the sort," said the Doctor.

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Português

Ele explicou que eram cobras negras americanas e não venenosas. Então, ele tocou gentilmente uma delas debaixo do queixo.

Original English

"They're American blacksnakes — non-poisonous." And he tickled one under the chin.

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Português

A Fátima gritou com o Doutor para deixar as cobras em paz. Ela ameaçou bater nele se ele não parasse.

Original English

"Leave them snakes alone!" yelled the Fatima, rising from her chair— "or I'll knock yer bloomin' 'ead orf."

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Português

Ela repetiu seu aviso para que ele deixasse as cobras em paz.

Original English

"'You leave them snakes alone!'"

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Português

Naquele momento, Blossom interveio. Ela apresentou a Princesa, um pouco irritada, ao Sr. Smith.

Original English

At this moment Blossom interfered and introduced the ruffled Princess to Mr. Smith.

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Português

A discussão continuou, mas Fatima ainda estava com raiva demais para falar muito. De repente, chegaram pessoas que queriam ver o encantador de serpentes. Blossom levou o Doutor Dolittle e seus amigos para um canto tranquilo e falou com eles em voz baixa.

Original English

The conversation which followed (Fatima was still too angry to take much part in it) was interrupted by the arrival of some people who had come to see the snake charmer perform. Blossom led the Doctor's party off into a corner, whispering:

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Português

Blossom disse a Smith que a encantadora de serpentes era excelente e uma das melhores atrações dela. Ela sugeriu que ele a observasse se apresentar.

Original English

"She's marvelous, Smith. One of the best turns I've got. Just you watch her."

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Português

Atrás das cortinas, a música começou com um tambor e uma flauta. Então Fatima apareceu. Ela pegou duas cobras de uma caixa e as enrolou em volta do pescoço e dos braços.

Original English

Behind the curtains at the back somebody started beating a drum and playing a pipe. Then Fatima arose, lifted two snakes out of the box and wound them around her neck and arms.

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Português

Fatima pediu suavemente ao público que se aproximasse para que pudessem vê-la melhor.

Original English

"Will ze ladies and ze gentlemen step a little closair," she cooed softly to her audience. "Zen zay can see bettair — zo!"

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Português

Gub-Gub perguntou calmamente ao Doutor Dolittle por que Fatima estava falando daquela maneira peculiar.

Original English

"What's she talking like that for?" Gub-Gub whispered to the Doctor.

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Português

John Dolittle pediu silêncio em voz baixa. Ele achou que a mulher estava falando com um sotaque oriental.

Original English

"Sh! I suppose she thinks she's speaking with an Oriental accent," said John Dolittle.

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Português

Gub-Gub murmurou que aquilo parecia um sotaque de batata quente. Ele também comentou que a mulher parecia gorda e cambaleante.

Original English

"Sounds to me like a hot-potato accent," muttered Gub-Gub. "Isn't she fat and wobbly!"

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Português

O mestre do circo percebeu que o Doutor Dolittle não parecia satisfeito. Por causa disso, ele os levou para ver os outros shows.

Original English

Noticing that the Doctor did not seem favorably impressed, the circus master led them out to see the other sideshows.

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Português

Perto da barraca do homem forte, Gub-Gub viu o show de Punch e Judy. Durante a peça, um cachorro mordeu o Sr. Punch. Gub-Gub ficou muito interessado e assistiu várias vezes. Mesmo sabendo a peça de cor, ele nunca ficava entediado.

Original English

Crossing over to the strong man's booth, Gub-Gub caught sight of the Punch and Judy show which is going on at that moment. The play had just reached that point where Toby the dog bites Mr. Punch on the nose. Gub-Gub was fascinated. They could hardly drag him away from it. Indeed, throughout the whole time they spent with the circus this was his chief delight. He never missed a single performance — and, although the play was always the same and he got to know it every word by heart, he never grew tired of it.

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Português

Na barraca seguinte, um homem forte estava levantando pesos muito pesados, o que impressionou o público. John Dolittle ficou muito interessado e se juntou às pessoas que aplaudiam e suspiravam.

Original English

At the next booth a large audience was gathered and yokels were gasping in wonder as the strong man lifted enormous weights in the air. There was no fake about this show. And John Dolittle, deeply interested, joined in the clapping and the gasping.

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Português

O homem forte era uma pessoa bonita com músculos muito grandes. O Doutor Dolittle gostou dele imediatamente. Seu truque especial era deitar de costas no palco e levantar um peso enorme com os pés, de modo que suas pernas apontassem para cima. Esse truque exigia força e bom equilíbrio, porque se o peso caísse no lado errado, o homem poderia se machucar seriamente. Hoje, enquanto ele terminava o truque e o público assistia com admiração, ouviu-se um estalo alto. Uma parte do palco quebrou, e o grande peso caiu diretamente sobre o peito do homem.

Original English

The strong man was an honest-looking fellow, with tremendous muscles. The Doctor took a liking to him right away. One of his tricks was to lie on the stage on his back and lift an enormous dumb-bell with his feet till his legs were sticking right up in the air. It needed balance as well as strength, because if the dumb-bell should fall the wrong way the man would certainly be injured. To-day when he had finally brought his legs into an upright position and the crowd was whispering in admiration, suddenly there was a loud crack. One of the boards of the stage had given way. Instantly down came the big dumb-bell right across the man's chest.

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Português

A multidão gritou alarmada. Blossom subiu rapidamente ao palco. Foram necessários dois homens para levantar o peso pesado do corpo do homem forte. No entanto, ele não se levantou. Ficou completamente imóvel, com os olhos fechados e o rosto muito pálido.

Original English

The crowd screamed and Blossom jumped up on the platform. It took two men's strength to lift the dumb-bell off the strong mans' body. But even then he did not arise. He lay motionless, his eyes closed, his face a deathly white.

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Português

Blossom gritou para o Vendedor de Carne de Gato, dizendo-lhe para chamar um médico muito rápido. Ela explicou que o homem forte estava ferido e inconsciente, e que precisava de um médico imediatamente.

Original English

"Get a doctor," Blossom shouted to the Cat's-Meat-Man. "Hurry! He's hurt hisself — unconscious. A doctor, quick!"

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Português

No entanto, John Dolittle já estava no palco. Ele estava perto do mestre de cerimônias, que estava ajoelhado ao lado do homem forte ferido.

Original English

But John Dolittle was already on the stage, standing over the ringmaster, who knelt beside the injured man.

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Português

John Dolittle pediu silenciosamente que todos se afastassem para que ele pudesse examinar o homem ferido.

Original English

"Get out of the way and let me examine him," he said quietly.

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Português

As pessoas viram que o homem estava gravemente ferido e sua respiração estava estranha. Elas disseram que era importante chamar um médico.

Original English

"What can you do? He's hurt bad. Look, his breathing's queer. We got to get a doctor."

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Português

John Dolittle declarou que era médico. Em seguida, instruiu Matthew a ir até a van e pegar sua bolsa preta.

Original English

"I am a doctor," said John Dolittle. "Matthew, run to the van and get my black bag."

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Português

Blossom expressou surpresa, pois pensava que John Dolittle usava o nome Sr. Smith.

Original English

"You a doctor!" said Blossom, getting up off his knees. "Thought you called yourself Mr. Smith."

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Português

Alguém da multidão confirmou que John Dolittle era realmente médico. Eles mencionaram que ele já foi um médico muito famoso no West Country e que seu nome era John Dolittle, de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.

Original English

"Of course, he's a doctor," came a voice out of the crowd. "There wur a time when he wur the best known doctor in the West Country. I know un. Dolittle's his name — John Dolittle, of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh."

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THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

Português

O médico descobriu que o homem forte havia quebrado duas costelas. Ele acreditava que a saúde robusta do homem significava que ele se recuperaria rapidamente. O homem ferido foi levado para sua caravana para descansar. O médico o visitava quatro vezes ao dia, e Matthew ficava na carroça para cuidar dele até que ficasse bem.

Original English

THE D OCTOR FOUND that two of the strong man's ribs had been broken by the dumb-bell. However, he prophesied that with so powerful a constitution the patient should recover quickly. The injured man was put to bed in his own caravan and until he was well again the Doctor visited him four times a day and Matthew slept in his wagon to nurse him.

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Português

O homem forte, cujo nome artístico era Hércules, estava muito grato ao Doutor John Dolittle. Ele se afeiçoou muito ao Doutor e seria útil em alguns momentos no futuro.

Original English

The strong man (his show name was Hercules) was very thankful to John Dolittle and became greatly attached to him — and very useful sometimes, as you will see later on.

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Português

Em sua primeira noite trabalhando no circo, o Doutor pensou que, embora tivesse feito uma inimiga em Fátima, a encantadora de serpentes, também havia feito um amigo em Hércules, o homem forte.

Original English

So the Doctor felt, when he went to bed that first night of his circus career, that if he had made an enemy in Fatima, the snake charmer, he had gained a friend in Hercules, the strong man.

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Português

Já que as pessoas sabiam que ele era o médico incomum de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, ele não podia mais esconder sua identidade. Logo, o pessoal do circo o conhecia simplesmente como "o Doutor" ou "o Doc". Por causa da forte recomendação de Hércules, muitas pessoas, da senhora barbada ao palhaço, frequentemente pediam ao Doutor que as ajudasse com pequenos problemas de saúde.

Original English

Of course, now that he had been recognized as the odd physician of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, there was no longer any sense in his trying to conceal who he was. And very soon he became known among the circus folk as just "the Doctor" — or "the Doc." On the very high recommendation of Hercules, he was constantly called upon for the cure of small ailments by everyone, from the bearded lady to the clown.

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Português

No dia seguinte, o pushmi-pullyu foi mostrado ao público pela primeira vez e se tornou muito popular. Um animal de duas cabeças era uma novidade em um circo, e multidões pagaram para vê-lo. No início, o pushmi-pullyu se sentiu muito tímido e envergonhado. Ele tentou esconder uma de suas cabeças sob a palha para evitar os muitos olhos que o encaravam. Então, as pessoas não acreditaram que ele tinha duas cabeças. Assim, o Doutor pediu que, por favor, mantivesse ambas as cabeças visíveis.

Original English

The next day, the pushmi-pullyu was put on show for the first time. He was very popular. A two-headed animal had never before been seen in a circus and the people thronged up to pay their money and have a look at him. At first he nearly died of embarrassment and shyness, and he was forever hiding one of his heads under the straw so as not to have to meet the gaze of all those staring eyes. Then the people wouldn't believe he had more than one head. So the Doctor asked him if he would be so good as to keep both of them in view.

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Português

O Doutor disse ao pushmi-pullyu que não precisava olhar para as pessoas. Ele explicou que deveria apenas deixar que elas vissem que ele realmente tinha duas cabeças. Ele sugeriu que poderia virar as costas para a plateia com ambas as extremidades.

Original English

"You need not look at the people," he said. "But just let them see that you really have two heads. You can turn your back on the audience — both ends."

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Português

Algumas pessoas não acreditavam que o animal com duas cabeças fosse real. Achavam que uma cabeça era falsa e cutucavam-no com paus. O animal ficou bravo e mordeu duas pessoas com ambas as cabeças. Isso mostrou a todos que o animal estava vivo e era real.

Original English

But some of the silly people, even when they could see the two heads plainly, kept saying that one must be faked. And they would prod the poor, timid animal with sticks to see if part of him was stuffed. While two country bumpkins were doing this one day the pushmi-pullyu got annoyed, and bringing both his heads up sharply at the same time, he jabbed the two inquirers in the legs. Then they knew for sure that he was real and alive all over.

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Português

Um homem foi contratado para proteger o animal dos visitantes. O animal passou por um período difícil no começo. No entanto, ele descobriu quanto dinheiro estava sendo ganho e decidiu continuar por causa do Doutor Dolittle. Depois de algum tempo, o animal se acostumou com as plateias. Ele as encarava bravamente, sentindo que mereciam seu desprezo.

Original English

But as soon as the Cat's-Meat-Man could be spared from nursing Hercules (he turned the job over to his wife) the Doctor put him on guard inside the stall to see that the animal was not molested by stupid visitors. The poor creature had a terrible time those first days. But when Jip told him how much money was being taken in, he determined to stick it out for John Dolittle's sake. And after a little while, although his opinion of the human race sank very low, he got sort of used to the silly, gaping faces of his audiences and gazed back at them — from both his heads — with fearless superiority and the scorn that they deserved.

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Português

Durante os espetáculos, o Doutor Dolittle sentava na entrada e recebia o dinheiro dos visitantes. Ele sorria para eles como se fossem velhos amigos. Encontrou muitas pessoas que conhecia do passado, incluindo uma senhora idosa com reumatismo e vizinhos de Puddleby.

Original English

During show hours the Doctor used to sit in a chair on the front platform, taking the sixpences and smiling on the people as they went in — for all the world as though every one of them were old friends visiting his home. And, in fact, he did in this way re-meet many folks who had known him in years gone by, including the old lady with rheumatism, Squire Jenkyns and neighbors from Puddleby.

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Português

Dab-Dab estava muito ocupada. Além do trabalho doméstico habitual, ela tinha que vigiar o Doutor Dolittle. Muitas vezes ela o repreendia porque ele às vezes deixava crianças entrarem de graça quando ela não estava olhando.

Original English

Poor Dab-Dab was busier than ever now. For in addition to the housekeeping duties she always had to keep one eye on the Doctor; and many were the scoldings she gave him because he would let the children in for nothing when she wasn't looking.

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Português

No final de cada dia, Blossom, o gerente, dividia o dinheiro. Too-Too, que era bom em matemática, sempre verificava o total. Ele garantia que o Doutor Dolittle recebesse sua parte correta dos lucros.

Original English

At the end of each day Blossom, the manager, came to divide up the money. And Too-Too, the mathematician, was always there when the adding was done, to see that the Doctor got his proper share.

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Português

O pushmi-pullyu era muito popular, mas o Doutor Dolittle sabia que precisava de muito dinheiro. Ele tinha que pagar o marinheiro pelo barco. Ele também precisava de dinheiro para sustentar a si mesmo e sua família. Isso levaria muito tempo.

Original English

Although the pushmi-pullyu was so popular, the Doctor saw very early in his new career that it would take quite a time to earn sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat — let alone to make enough for himself and his family to live on besides.

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Português

Too-Too estava sempre presente.

Original English

"Too-Too was always there"

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle não gostava de trabalhar no circo e queria sair. Embora seu próprio show fosse honesto, muitas outras partes do circo não eram. Ele se sentia desconfortável porque acreditava que o circo era desonesto. Muitos jogos eram preparados para que as pessoas perdessem seu dinheiro.

Original English

He was rather sorry about this; for there were a lot of things in the circus business that he did not like and he was anxious to leave it. While his own show was a perfectly honest affair, there were many features of the circus that were faked; and the Doctor, who always hated fake of any kind, had an uncomfortable feeling that he was part of an establishment not strictly honest. Most of the gambling games were arranged so that those who played them were bound to lose their money.

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Português

O Doutor estava mais preocupado com os animais. Ele sentia que eles não estavam felizes. Após seu primeiro dia, ele conversou com os animais em seu cercado. Eles reclamaram que suas gaiolas não estavam limpas, não tinham espaço ou exercício suficientes, e alguns não gostavam da comida.

Original English

But the thing that worried the Doctor most was the condition of the animals. Their life, he felt, was in most cases an unhappy one. At the end of his first day with the circus, after the crowds have gone home and all was quiet in the enclosure, he had gone back into the menagerie and talked to the animals there. They nearly all had complaints to make: their cages were not kept properly clean; they did not get exercise or room enough; with some the food served was not the kind they liked.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle ouviu todas as reclamações dos animais. Ele ficou muito irritado e foi imediatamente para a caravana do mestre de cerimônias. Ele disse claramente ao mestre de cerimônias todas as coisas que achava que precisavam mudar.

Original English

The Doctor heard them all and was so indignant he sought out the ringmaster in his private caravan right away and told him plainly of all the things he thought ought to be changed.

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Português

Blossom ouviu atentamente enquanto a outra pessoa falava. Depois que terminaram, Blossom riu.

Original English

Blossom listened patiently until he had finished and then he laughed.

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Português

Blossom disse ao Doutor que não podia fazer tudo o que ele queria porque isso arruinaria o circo. Explicou que não mudaria a forma como administrava o circo. Blossom disse que o Doutor podia administrar sua parte, mas que ele administraria o resto. Não queria nenhuma interferência e não gastaria dinheiro com as ideias do Doutor.

Original English

"Why, Doc," said he, "if I was to do all the things you want me to I might as well leave the business! I'd be ruined. What, pension off the horses? Send the hurri-gurri back to his home? Keep the men cleaning out the cages all day? Buy special foods? Have the animals took out for walks every day, like a young lady's academy? Man, you must be crazy! Now, look here: You don't know anything about this game — nothing, see? I've given in to you in all you asked. I'm letting you run your part of the show your own way. But I'm going to run the rest of it my way. Understand? I don' want no interference. It's bad enough to have the strong man on the sick list. I ain't going to go broke just to please your Sunday school ideas. And that's flat."

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Português

O Doutor estava triste e saiu do escritório do gerente para ir até sua caravana. Nos degraus, viu Matthew fumando seu cachimbo. Perto dali, o velho cavalo Beppo comia grama ao luar.

Original English

Sad at heart, the Doctor left the manager's quarters and made his way across to his own caravan. On the steps of his wagon, he found the Cat's-Meat-Man smoking his evening pipe. Close by, Beppo, the old horse, was cropping the scrubby grass of the enclosure by the light of the moon.

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Português

Matthew comentou que a noite estava agradável. Ele notou que o Doutor parecia preocupado e perguntou se algo estava errado.

Original English

"Nice night," said Matthew. "You look kind of worried, Doctor. Anything wrong?"

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Português

O Doutor sentou-se tristemente ao lado de Matthew. Explicou que tudo estava errado porque Blossom se recusou a fazer qualquer melhoria que ele sugerisse para os animais. O Doutor sentiu que talvez tivesse que deixar o circo.

Original English

"Yes," said John Dolittle, sitting down miserably on the steps beside him. "Everything's wrong. I've just been talking to Blossom about improving conditions in the menagerie. He won't do a single thing I ask. I think I'll leave the circus."

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Português

Matthew encorajou o Doutor Dolittle a não desistir. Ele disse que o Doutor ainda não tinha começado e que Blossom não sabia que ele podia falar com os animais. Matthew explicou que circos podem ser bons e sugeriu que o Doutor Dolittle poderia criar um circo novo, limpo e especial, que muitas pessoas gostariam de ver. Ele também mencionou que o Doutor precisava de dinheiro antes de começar.

Original English

"Oh, come now," said Matthew. 'Why, you ain't hardly begun, Doctor! Blossom doesn't know yet that you can talk animal language even! Circuses don't have to be bad. You could run one that would be a new kind; clean, honest, special — one that everybody in the world come to see. But you got to get money first. Don't give up so easy."

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle disse a Matthew que sentia que não estava ajudando ninguém. Ele disse que não podia ficar porque os animais estavam infelizes. Ele pensou que não deveria ter começado a trabalhar no circo.

Original English

"No, it's no use, Matthew. I'm doing no good here and I can't stay and see animals unhappy. I never should have gone into the business."

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Português

Naquele momento, o velho cavalo Beppo ouviu a voz de seu amigo. Ele se aproximou e gentilmente enfiou o nariz na orelha do Doutor.

Original English

At this moment the old horse, Beppo, hearing his friend's voice, drew near and pushed his muzzle affectionately into the Doctor's ear.

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Português

John Dolittle cumprimentou Beppo. Ele disse ao cavalo que lamentava, mas não podia ajudá-lo. Ele explicou que ia deixar o circo.

Original English

"Hulloa," said John Dolittle. "Beppo, I'm afraid I can be of no help to you. I'm sorry — but I am going to leave the circus."

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Português

O velho cavalo disse ao Doutor que ele era a única esperança deles. Ele mencionou que o elefante e o Cavalo Falante estavam felizes por o Doutor ter chegado. Beppo pediu ao Doutor que fosse paciente, explicando que as mudanças levam tempo. Ele disse que, se o Doutor fosse embora, eles não conseguiriam o que queriam. No entanto, se ele ficasse, acabaria por administrar o circo corretamente. Os animais se sentiam seguros com o Doutor e acreditavam que um dia 'O Circo Dolittle' se tornaria o maior da Terra.

Original English

"But, Doctor," said the old horse, "you're our one hope. Why, only to-day I heard the elephant and the Talking Horse — the cob who performs in the big show — they were saying how glad they were that you had come. Be patient. You can't change everything in a minute. If you go, then we'll never get anything we want. But we know that if you stay, before long you will be running the whole show the way it should be run. We're not worried as long as you're with us. Only stay. And mark my words, the day will come when the new circus, 'The Dolittle Circus,' will be the greatest on earth."

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Português

O Doutor ficou em silêncio por um curto período. Matthew não entendeu sobre o que o Doutor e o cavalo haviam conversado. Ele estava esperando o Doutor dizer algo.

Original English

For a moment the Doctor was silent. And Matthew, who had not understood the conversation with the horse, waited impatiently for him to speak.

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Português

Finalmente, o Doutor se levantou e foi em direção à caravana.

Original English

At last he arose and turned to go into the caravan.

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Português

O Vendedor de Carne de Gato perguntou ao Doutor, com preocupação, se ele iria ficar.

Original English

"Well," said the Cat's-Meat-Man anxiously, "are you going to stay?"

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Português

O Doutor disse a Matthew que ele tinha que ficar ali. Ele então disse boa noite.

Original English

"Yes, Matthew," said the Doctor. "It seems I've got to. Good night."

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Português

Depois que a feira terminou, o circo precisou se mudar para uma nova cidade. Empacotar o grande espetáculo para uma longa viagem foi um grande trabalho. No domingo, muitos homens estavam ocupados desmontando as tendas e empilhando as arquibancadas em carroças. A área rapidamente ficou bagunçada. Os animais de estimação do Doutor acharam essa nova experiência emocionante. Enquanto Dab-Dab ajudava com a embalagem, os outros animais aproveitaram a atividade e as novas paisagens.

Original English

At the end of that week the Grimbledon Fair was over and the circus had to move on to the next town. It was a big job, this packing up a large show for a long journey by road. And all day Sunday the enclosure was a very busy place. Men ran around everywhere shouting orders. The big tent and the little tents were pulled down and rolled up. The stands were taken apart and piled into wagons. The large space that had looked so gay was quickly changed into a drab, untidy mess. It was all very new to the Doctor's pets; and though Dab-Dab joined in the general hustle of packing, the rest of them enjoyed the excitement and the newness of it no end.

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Português

Os artistas do circo pareciam muito diferentes quando tiraram suas fantasias para viajar. Gub-Gub achou difícil reconhecê-los. O palhaço lavou a pintura do rosto. A Princesa Fatima trocou suas roupas elegantes por roupas simples, parecendo uma mulher comum. O Homem Selvagem de Bornéu usou roupas normais, como colarinho e gravata, e falou normalmente. A Mulher Barbuda removeu a barba e a guardou em uma caixa.

Original English

One thing that amused them very much was the change in the appearance of the performers when they got out of their circus dress to travel. Gub-Gub was very confused, because he couldn't recognize anybody any more. The clown took the white paint off his face. The Princess Fatima laid aside her gorgeous garments and appeared like a respectable charwoman ready for a holiday. The Wild Man of Borneo put on a collar and tie and talked quite naturally. And the Bearded Lady took off her beard, folded it up and packed it in a trunk.

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Português

O circo começou sua jornada em muitas caravanas. A próxima cidade ficava a cinquenta milhas de distância, então a viagem levou mais de um dia. Eles planejaram acampar à beira da estrada à noite. Os animais gostaram de ver o campo de suas casas sobre rodas e de dormir ao ar livre como ciganos. Jip se divertiu perseguindo ratos e raposas. O ritmo lento do circo permitiu-lhe muitas pequenas aventuras. A parte favorita de Gub-Gub era adivinhar onde eles parariam para passar a noite.

Original English

Then in a long procession of caravans the circus set out upon the road. The next town to be visited was fifty miles off. This journey could not, of course, be covered in a single day, going at a walk. The nights were to be spent camping out by the roadside or in whatever convenient clear spaces could be found. So, beside the new amusement of seeing the country by day from a home on wheels, the animals had the thrill of spending the nights gypsy-fashion, wherever darkness found them. Jip got lots of fun chasing the rats out of the ditches along the road and often going off across a meadow on the scent of a fox. The slowness of the circus's pace gave him time for all sorts of small adventures; and he could always catch up. But Gub-Gub's chief delight was guessing where they would spend the night.

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Português

Jip gostava de seguir o cheiro de uma raposa.

Original English

"On the scent of a fox"

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Português

Todos pareciam gostar da parte da jornada em que paravam para dormir. Quando uma fogueira era feita para cozinhar, as pessoas ficavam mais felizes e conversavam mais. Os amigos de Jip, o cachorro do palhaço e Toby, sempre se juntavam ao grupo do Doutor Dolittle quando paravam para a noite. Eles concordavam que o Doutor Dolittle administrar seu próprio circo seria uma ideia perfeita. Eles frequentemente diziam a ele que um "Circo Dolittle" seria uma coisa maravilhosa.

Original English

This part of the life, the halting for sleep, seemed to be enjoyed by all. When the kettle was put on to boil over the roadside fire every one cheered up and got talkative. Jip's two friends, the clown's dog and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, always came around as soon as the procession stopped for the night, and joined the Doctor's party. They, too, seemed to be much in favor of John Dolittle's taking charge of the show or running a circus of his own. And when they weren't amusing the family circle with wonderful stories of a show-dog's life they kept telling the Doctor that a real Dolittle Circus would, to their way of thinking, be a perfect institution.

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Português

O Doutor John Dolittle acreditava que os cães tinham tantas personalidades diferentes quanto as pessoas, talvez até mais. Ele escreveu um livro sobre isso chamado "Psicologia Canina". Alguns especialistas descartaram seu livro, dizendo que era sobre um assunto tolo. No entanto, o autor sugere que eles fizeram isso para esconder o fato de que não entendiam suas ideias.

Original English

John Dolittle had always said that there were just as many different characters and types among dogs as there were among people — in fact, more. He had written a book to prove this. He called it Dog Psychology. Most metaphysicians had pooh-poohed it, saying that no one but a hair-brain would write on such a subject. But this was only to hide the fact that they couldn't understand it.

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Português

Swizzle, o cachorro do palhaço, era um cão de aparência comum, mas tinha um ótimo senso de humor. Sempre fazia piadas e acreditava que nada na vida deveria ser levado muito a sério. Ele era um bom artista e conseguia entender até piadas feitas sobre ele mesmo.

Original English

Certainly these two, Swizzle, the clown's dog, and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, had very different personalities. Swizzle (to look at, he was nothing but a common mongrel) had a great sense of humor. He made a joke out of everything. This may have been partly on account of his profession — helping a clown make people laugh. But it was also part of his philosophy. He told both the Doctor and Jip more than once that when he was still a puppy he had decided that nothing in this world was worth taking seriously. He was a great artist, nevertheless, and could always see the most difficult jokes — even when they were made at his own expense.

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Português

Por causa do humor de Swizzle, o Doutor Dolittle teve uma ideia. Mais tarde, ele fundou o Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos e criou revistas em quadrinhos para animais. Essas revistas, chamadas "Cellar Life" e "Basement Humor", eram destinadas a entreter animais que vivem em lugares escuros.

Original English

It was Swizzle's sense of humor that gave the Doctor the idea for the first comic papers printed for animals — when later he founded the Rat-and-Mouse Club. They were called Cellar Life and Basement Humor and were intended to bring light entertainment to those who live in dark places.

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Português

Toby, um pequeno poodle branco, era muito diferente de Swizzle. Ele levava a si mesmo e a vida a sério. Toby sempre tentava conseguir o que achava que merecia, mas não era egoísta. O Doutor acreditava que cães pequenos muitas vezes precisavam ser espertos e ousados. Quando Toby visitou pela primeira vez, ele se acomodou na cama do Doutor. Mesmo que outro cão tentasse tirá-lo, Toby ficou, dizendo que o Doutor não se importava. Ele sempre ocupava seu lugar favorito na caravana quando visitava, tendo conquistado isso por ser confiante e pedir o que queria.

Original English

Toby, the other, was as different from his friend Swizzle as it is possible to be. He was a small dog, a dwarf white poodle. And he took himself and life quite seriously. The most noticeable thing about his character was his determination to get everything which he thought he ought to get. Yet he was not selfish, not at all. The Doctor always said that this shrewd business-like quality was to be found in most little dogs — who had to make up for their small size by an extra share of cheek. The very first time Toby came visiting to John Dolittle's caravan he got on the Doctor's bed and made himself comfortable. Dab-Dab, highly scandalized, tried to put him off. But he wouldn't move. He said the Doctor didn't seem to mind and he was the owner of the bed. And from that time on he always occupied this place in the caravan's evening circle when he came to visit. He had won a special privilege for himself by sheer cheek. He was always demanding privileges, and he usually got them.

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Português

Apesar de suas diferenças, Toby e Swizzle compartilhavam uma coisa: ambos tinham muito orgulho de sua amizade com o Doutor Dolittle. Eles acreditavam que ele era o homem mais importante do mundo.

Original English

But there was one thing, in which Toby and Swizzle were alike; and that was the pride they took in their personal friendship with John Dolittle, whom they considered the greatest man on earth.

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Português

Este capítulo é sobre os cães Toby e Swizzle.

Original English

"Toby and Swizzle"

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Português

Uma noite, durante sua primeira viagem entre as cidades, o circo parou na estrada. Gub-Gub foi a uma fazenda próxima procurar por porcos. O resto do grupo do Doutor estava lá. Toby e Swizzle chegaram logo depois. Como a noite estava fria, Dab-Dab usou o fogão dentro da caravana, e todos se sentaram ao redor dele conversando.

Original English

One night on the first trip between towns the procession had stopped by the side of the road as usual. There was a nice old-fashioned farm quite near and Gub-Gub had gone off to see if there were any pigs in the stye. Otherwise the Doctor's family circle was complete. And soon after the kettle had been put on to boil along came Toby and Swizzle. The night was cool; so, instead of making a fire outside, Dab-Dab was using the stove in the caravan, and everybody was sitting around it chatting.

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Português

Toby perguntou ao Doutor Dolittle se ele tinha ouvido as notícias.

Original English

"Have you heard the news, Doctor?" said Toby, jumping up on the bed.

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Português

O Doutor respondeu que não tinha ouvido nenhuma notícia e perguntou o que era.

Original English

"No," said John Dolittle. "What is it?"

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Português

Toby explicou que eles iam buscar alguém chamado Sophie na próxima cidade, que era um lugar grande chamado Ashby.

Original English

"At the next town — Ashby, you know, quite a large place — we are to pick up Sophie."

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Português

O Doutor perguntou quem era Sophie enquanto pegava seus chinelos.

Original English

"Who in the world is Sophie?" asked the Doctor, getting out his slippers from behind the stove.

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Português

Swizzle explicou que Sophie, a foca artista, não estava com eles. Sophie faz truques como equilibrar bolas e nadar. Ela ficou doente há cerca de um mês, então Blossom teve que deixá-la para trás. Sophie está saudável novamente agora. Seu tratador se encontraria com eles em Ashby para que ela pudesse se juntar ao circo novamente. Swizzle mencionou que Sophie era um pouco sensível, mas uma foca de bom coração que as pessoas gostariam.

Original English

"She left us before you joined," said Swizzle. "Sophie's the performing seal — balances balls on her nose and does tricks in the water. She fell sick and Blossom had to leave her behind about a month ago. She's all right now, though, and her keeper is meeting us at Ashby so she can join us again. She's rather a sentimental sort of girl, is Sophie. But she's a good sport, and I'm sure you will like her."

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Português

John Dolittle saiu da cama lentamente. Ele estava cansado porque não havia dormido bem.

Original English

"Climbed wearily from his sleepless bed"

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Português

O circo chegou a Ashby na noite de quarta-feira. Na manhã seguinte, o circo estava programado para abrir. Durante toda a noite, os trabalhadores estavam ocupados montando tendas e barracas. Eles trabalharam até o amanhecer. O chão tremia com os martelos, e havia muitos gritos. De manhã, uma grande cidade feita de tendas havia sido construída.

Original English

The circus reached Ashby about nine o'clock on a Wednesday evening. It was to open to the public the first thing the following morning. So all through that night, by the light of flares, the men were busy hoisting tents, setting up booths, and spreading tanbark. Even after the pushmi-pullyu's stand was put together and the Doctor's family retired to rest, no one got any sleep; for the ground still shook with the hammers driving pegs; and the air was full of shouts and the spirits of work, till the dusk of dawn crept over the roofs of Ashby and showed the city of canvas that had been built in a night.

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Português

John Dolittle sentiu que a vida no circo era difícil de se acostumar. Ele saiu da cama, sentindo-se cansado por não ter dormido. Após o café da manhã, ele deixou Matthew responsável pela barraca deles e foi conhecer a foca artista.

Original English

John Dolittle decided, as he climbed wearily from his sleepless bed that circus life took a lot of getting used to. After breakfast, leaving Matthew in charge of his stand, he set out to make the acquaintance of the performing seal.

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SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

Português

O tratador de Sophie havia preparado sua parte do circo para o público. A foca geralmente se apresentava duas vezes ao dia na tenda principal, após os acrobatas e um cavalo falante. Em outros momentos, ela era uma atração lateral. Em um tanque especial, ela mergulhava atrás de peixes, e as pessoas pagavam um pequeno valor para vê-la.

Original English

S OPHIE ' S KEEPER, LIKE the rest of the showmen, had by this time got his part of the circus in readiness to open to the public. The seal was accustomed to perform in the big tent twice a day, following the Pinto Brothers (trapeze acrobats) and the Talking Horse. But during the rest of the day she was a side-show like the pushmi-pullyu. Here in an enclosed tank she dived after fish for the amusement of anyone who paid threepence to come and see her.

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Português

Era de manhã cedo e o tratador de Sophie estava tomando café da manhã do lado de fora. O Doutor Dolittle chegou e entrou. Havia um grande tanque no chão, com uma plataforma ao redor para os visitantes assistirem. Sophie, uma foca do Alasca de um metro e meio, com pele lisa e olhos inteligentes, estava tristemente na água. Quando o Doutor falou com ela na própria língua dela, ela entendeu quem ele era e começou a chorar muito.

Original English

This morning — it was still quite early — Sophie's keeper was eating his breakfast outside on the steps when the Doctor entered the stand. Inside, a tank about twelve feet across had been let into the ground; and around it was a platform with a railing where visitors stood to watch the performance. Sophie, a fine five-foot Alaskan seal, with sleek skin and intelligent eyes, was wallowing moodily in the water of the tank. When the Doctor spoke to her in her own language, and she realized who her visitor was, she burst into a flood of tears.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle perguntou a Sophie o que estava errado.

Original English

"What is the matter?" asked John Dolittle.

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Português

A foca ainda estava chorando e não respondeu.

Original English

The seal, still weeping, did not answer.

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Português

O Doutor disse a ela para se acalmar e não ficar chateada. Ele perguntou se ela ainda estava doente, pois tinha ouvido que ela tinha se recuperado.

Original English

"Calm yourself," said the Doctor. "Don't be hysterical. Tell me, are you still sick? I understood you had recovered."

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Português

Entre lágrimas, Sophie disse que estava melhor e que seu estômago tinha apenas ficado irritado. Ela mencionou que estavam sendo alimentadas com peixe velho e estragado.

Original English

"Oh, yes, I got over that," said Sophie through her tears. "It was only an upset stomach. They will feed us this stale fish, you know."

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Português

O Doutor perguntou o que estava errado e por que ela estava chorando.

Original English

"Then what's the matter?" asked the Doctor. "Why are you crying?"

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Português

Sophie explicou que estava chorando lágrimas de felicidade. Ela estava pensando que John Dolittle era a única pessoa que poderia ajudá-la. Ela sabia sobre ele porque tinha ouvido falar dele e lido sua revista, o Arctic Monthly. Ela até havia escrito para ele e contribuído com artigos sobre natação, como "The Alaskan Wiggle". Ela ficou triste quando ele parou de publicar a revista porque era muito popular entre as focas.

Original English

"I was weeping for joy," said Sophie. "I was just thinking as you came in that the only person in the world who could help me in my trouble was John Dolittle. Of course, I had heard all about you through the Post Office and the Arctic Monthly. In fact, I had written to you. It was I who contributed those articles on under-water swimming — you remember? — The Alaskan Wiggle, you know — double overhand stroke. It was printed in the August number of your magazine. We were awfully sorry when you had to give up the Arctic Monthly. It was tremendously popular among the seals."

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Português

O Doutor pediu a Sophie que explicasse o problema que ela havia mencionado.

Original English

"But what was this trouble you were speaking of?" asked the Doctor.

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Português

Sophie disse que estava tão feliz que havia esquecido seu problema por um momento. Ela explicou que quando o Doutor chegou, pensou que ele era apenas um visitante normal. Mas quando ele falou em língua de foca, ela imediatamente soube que ele era John Dolittle, a pessoa que ela mais queria ver.

Original English

"Oh, yes," said Sophie, bursting into tears again. "That just shows you how glad I am; I had forgotten all about it for the moment. You know, when you first came in I thought you were an ordinary visitor. But the very first word of sealish that you spoke — and Alaskan sealish at that — I knew who you were; John Dolittle, the one man in the world I wanted to see! It was too much, I—"

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Português

O Doutor disse a Sophie para se acalmar e pediu que ela contasse qual era o seu problema.

Original English

"Come, come!" said the Doctor. "Don't break down again. Tell me what your trouble is."

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Português

Sophie começou a explicar que queria falar sobre algo que aconteceu enquanto ela estava fazendo alguma coisa.

Original English

"Well," said Sophie, "it's this: While I—"

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Português

Naquele momento, eles ouviram um barulho lá fora, que parecia o chocalhar de um balde.

Original English

At that moment there was a noise outside, the rattling of a bucket.

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Português

O Doutor rapidamente disse a Sophie para ficar quieta porque o guarda estava vindo. Ele pediu que ela continuasse com seus truques e se certificasse de que o guarda não soubesse que ele podia falar com os animais.

Original English

"Sh! It's the keeper coming," whispered the Doctor quickly. "Just carry on with your tricks. I'm not letting them know I can talk to the animals."

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Português

Quando o guarda entrou para limpar o chão, Sophie estava fazendo truques para um homem. Esse homem tinha um chapéu surrado na cabeça. O guarda olhou para o homem e pensou que ele era apenas uma pessoa comum.

Original English

When the keeper entered to swab the floor, Sophie was frisking and diving for an audience of one: a quite little fat man with a battered high hat on the back of his head. The keeper just glanced at him, before setting to work, and decided that he was quite an ordinary person, nobody in particular at all.

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Português

Assim que o homem terminou de limpar e saiu, Sophie continuou sua explicação.

Original English

As soon as the man had finished his mopping and disappeared again, Sophie continued:

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Português

Sophie explicou que, quando ficou doente, o circo estava se apresentando em Hatley-on-Sea. Ela e seu tratador, Higgins, ficaram lá. Um pequeno zoológico em Hatley tinha focas, e Higgins conversou com o tratador do zoológico. Eles colocaram Sophie no lago do zoológico com outras focas para ajudá-la a melhorar. Uma foca mais velha, que vinha do mesmo lugar que Sophie, deu a ela más notícias sobre seu marido. Ele estava infeliz e não comia desde que ela foi capturada. Ele costumava ser o líder do grupo, mas depois que ela partiu, ele ficou magro e preocupado, e outra foca tomou seu lugar. Não se esperava que ele sobrevivesse. Sophie chorou e disse que seu marido era forte, mas estava perdido e como um bebê sem ela. Ela se sentia terrível porque ele dependia dela para tudo.

Original English

"You know," said the seal, "when I fell sick we were performing at Hatley-on-Sea, and I and my keeper — Higgins is his name — stayed there two weeks while the circus went on without us. Now, there's a zoo at Hatley — only a small one — near the esplanade. They have artificial ponds there with seals and otters in them. Well, Higgins got talking to the keeper of these seals one day, and told him about my being sick. And they decided I needed company. So they put me in the pond with the other seals till I should recover. Among them there was an older one who came from the same part of the Behring Straits as I did. He gave me some very bad news about my husband. It seems that ever since I was captured he has been unhappy and refused to eat. He used to be leader of the herd. But after I was taken away he had worried and grown thin and finally another seal was elected leader in his place. Now he wasn't expected to live." (Quietly Sophie began to weep again.) "I can quite understand it. We were devoted to one another. And although he was so big and strong and no other seal in the herd ever dared to argue with him, without me, well, he was just lost, you know — a mere baby. He relied on me for everything. And now — I don't know what's happening to him. It's just terrible — terrible!"

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle disse a Sophie para não chorar. Ele perguntou o que ela achava que deveria ser feito.

Original English

"Well, wait a minute," said the Doctor. "Don't cry. What do you think ought to be done?"

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Português

Sophie disse que precisava ir para o marido. Ela explicou que ele era o verdadeiro líder do grupo e precisava dela ao seu lado. Ela mencionou que esperava escapar em Hatley, mas não teve chance.

Original English

"I ought to go to him," said Sophie, raising herself in the water and spreading out her flippers. "I ought to be by his side. He is the proper leader of the herd and he needs me. I hoped I might escape at Hatley, but not a chance did I get."

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle achou que o Estreito de Bering era muito distante. Ele perguntou a Sophie como ela viajaria até lá.

Original English

"Humph!" muttered the Doctor. "It's an awful long way to the Behring Straits. How on earth would you get there?"

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Português

Sophie disse ao Doutor que queria falar com ele sobre seus planos de viagem. Ela disse que se movia muito devagar em terra. Ela acrescentou que, se tivesse conseguido escapar em Hatley, estaria bem, porque uma vez que chegasse ao mar, poderia viajar para o Alasca muito rapidamente.

Original English

"That's just what I wanted to see you about," said Sophie. "Overland, of course, my rate of travel is very slow. If I could only have got away at Hatley I'd have been all right. Because, of course," she added with a powerful swish of her tail that slopped half the water out of the tank, "once I reached the sea I'd be up to Alaska in no time."

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Português

O médico sentiu que deveria ir até a pessoa.

Original English

"'I ought to go to him'"

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Português

O médico concordou. Ele tirou a água das botas e perguntou a que distância estava a costa.

Original English

"Ah, yes," the Doctor agreed, as he shook the water out of his boots. "I see you are a powerful swimmer. How far are we from the coast here?"

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Português

Sophie respondeu que estavam a cerca de cem milhas da costa. Ela estava muito preocupada com Slushy.

Original English

"About a hundred miles," said Sophie. "Oh dear! Poor Slushy! My poor, poor Slushy!"

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Português

O médico perguntou com quem Sophie estava preocupada.

Original English

"Poor who?" asked the Doctor.

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Português

A foca explicou que Slushy era seu marido. Ela disse que ele era uma pessoa simples que dependia dela e perguntou o que deveria fazer.

Original English

"Slushy," said the seal. "That's my husband's name. He relied on me in everything, poor, simple Slushy. What shall I do? What shall I do?"

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Português

John Dolittle explicou que era difícil ajudar ela a escapar para o mar. Ele disse que enviaria uma mensagem ao marido dela usando um pássaro. O pássaro diria ao marido que ela estava segura e traria notícias. Ele também disse a ela para ficar feliz porque visitantes estavam chegando para assistir ao show dela.

Original English

"Well, now listen," said John Dolittle. "This is no easy matter, to smuggle you to the sea. I don't say it's impossible. But it needs thinking out. Perhaps I can get you free some other way — openly. In the meantime I'll send word up to your husband by bird messenger and tell him to stop worrying, because you are all right. And the same messenger can bring us back news of how he is getting on. Now, cheer up. Here come some people to see you perform."

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Português

Uma professora chegou com algumas crianças e Higgins. As crianças estavam muito felizes assistindo ao animal na água. Higgins percebeu que Sophie parecia animada e de bom humor, então ele acreditou que ela estava se sentindo muito melhor.

Original English

A school mistress with a band of children entered, accompanied by Higgins, the keeper. As they came in a little fat man went out, smiling to himself. Soon the children were laughing with delight at the antics of the big animal in the tank. And Higgins decided that Sophie must now be feeling entirely recovered, for he had never seen her so sprightly or so full of good spirits before.

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THE MESSENGER FROM THE NORTH

Português

Mais tarde naquela noite, o Doutor Dolittle e uma coruja chamada Too-Too visitaram a foca. O Doutor pediu a Sophie que dissesse a Too-Too a localização exata do marido dela no Alasca. Ele explicou que Too-Too voaria para a costa e passaria a mensagem para gaivotas que estavam viajando para noroeste. Ele apresentou Sophie a Too-Too, mencionando que a coruja era muito inteligente e boa em matemática.

Original English

L ATE THAT NIGHT the Doctor took Too-Too with him and went to visit the seal again. "Now, Sophie," said he when they had reached the side of the tank, "this owl is a friend of mine, and I want you to describe to him just where in Alaska your husband can be found. Then we'll send him off to the seashore, and he will hand on your message to the gulls who are going northwestward. Let me introduce you: Sophie, this is Too-Too, one of the cleverest birds I know. He is particularly good at mathematics."

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Português

A coruja sentou na borda do tanque enquanto Sophie contava a ele precisamente onde seu marido, Slushy, poderia ser encontrado. Ela também deu a ele uma longa e amorosa mensagem para ele. Quando ela terminou de falar, a coruja respondeu.

Original English

The owl sat on the rail while Sophie told him exactly how Slushy could be reached and reeled off a long and loving message for her husband. When she had ended he said:

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Português

A coruja disse ao Doutor que voaria para Bristol, pois era a cidade costeira mais próxima. Ele mencionou que sempre havia muitas gaivotas no porto lá. Ele planejava dar a mensagem a uma das gaivotas para entregar a Slushy.

Original English

"I think I'll make for Bristol, Doctor. It is about the nearest coast town. There are always plenty of gulls to be found in the harbor. I'll get one to take this and pass it on to its destination."

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Português

O Doutor disse a Too-Too que ele fez um bom trabalho. Ele explicou que eles precisavam se mover rapidamente. Ele pediu a Too-Too que encontrasse uma ave marinha que estivesse disposta a carregar algo todo o caminho como um favor especial.

Original English

"Very good, Too-Too," said the Doctor. "But we want to hurry it all we can. If you can find some sea-bird who is willing to take it the whole way as a special favor to me, it would be better."

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