I think so. There are some people who aren't here any more: Miss Elsa and Mister Novak, for example--as well as Lars, my roommate. But I don't think it's because they were left behind. The Ringmaster wouldn't do that.

[ From Strange's tone of voice, he has 100% faith in the Ringmaster. ]

It's probably a trick of the carnival. Sometimes it sends people home for a while only to pull them back later.