Peter liked the new acts, the performers. He's been with A.P the longest.Īcts came and went, freaks disappeared all the time, but Peter stayed. The only show that made more, was A.P's freak show. He brought in more money than most other acts. Fire eating wasn't hard to pick up after that. That took longer for him to learn, but by 15, he was a natural at it. The two had taken Peter under their wings, letting him explore his interests and trained him.Īt 13, Peter had his own act as a contortionist, and dabbled in sword swallowing. The duo taught him their trade, and Peter became skilled in knife throwing within the year. The two took turns throwing sharp objects at him while he held complicated poses. Peter remembered the impalement arts duo had incorporated him into their act after seeing how flexible he was. A.P had taken him in, fed him, gave him a job as a props handler for the clown act. When A.P found him, he lied, saying he was orphaned and homeless. When Peter was 10 years old, he ran away from home to join the circus. The First of May- A rookie performer or worker in his first season at the circus.