Following the instructions of a deputy, an unnamed mechanic arrives at the home of the new boy working for the carnival. The mechanic introduces himself to the boy’s father but is interrupted by the man’s wife, who accuses her husband for having their son’s blood on his head. For a moment, the mechanic thinks that the man is going to act violently toward his wife, but he does nothing. The mechanic sees the boy’s belongings — Tom Swift books, old baby shoes, baby pictures, and more — throughout the house and imagines him living in the house before excusing himself. The mechanic returns to the fairgrounds, where he argues about debt with a man named Carney. The men cannot decide who owes who and how much money is involved, but Carney eventually tosses the mechanic forty dollars, as if to emphasize that he is a more fatherly figure.  Two days ago, the mechanic remembers speaking with the new boy, who is really twenty-three. The mechanic explained to the boy how to safely do the jumping trick that he has to perform, wondering if he could really do it. During the actual performance, the boy commands for the net to be lowered to give people a “real show,” despite the risk. While doing the trick, the boy falls to the ground, completely missing the net, and the mechanic remembers only dust and a policeman running toward the boy.  A new boy soon arrives to offer himself to the fairgrounds, saying he saw an ad. Carney tells him that “jumping is finished” and they are no longer looking for anyone, but he thinks to himself that the boy’s charisma would surely invigorate an audience. At night, the mechanic leaves, planning to drive as far as he can.