Part 4 (1/2)
”Well, I'm beat!” said the acrobat. ”You're the smartest kid I ever met in my travels. Are you sure you're not a professional?”
”Quite sure,” answered Kit, smiling.
”You never traveled with a show, then?”
Kit shook his head.
”Where on earth did you pick up all these acts?”
”I took lessons of Professor Donaldson.”
”You did! Well, that explains it. I say, kid, you ought to join a circus. You'd command a fine salary.”
”Would I? How much could I get?” asked Kit, with interest.
”Ten or twelve dollars a week and all expenses paid. That's pretty good pay for a kid, isn't it?”
”It's more than I ever earned yet,” answered Kit, with a smile.
”I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Barlow would give you that now. If you ever make up your mind to join a show, come round and see him.”
”Thank you,” said Kit.
Soon after the boys left the circus lot and went home.
”Would you really join a circus, Kit?” asked Dan.
”It isn't the life I would choose,” answered Kit, seriously, ”but I may have to find some way of earning a living, and that very soon.”
”I thought your father left you a fortune.”
”So did I; but I hear that I am to be taken from boarding school, and possibly set to work. Ralph has given me a hint of it. I shall soon know, as my uncle intimates that he has a communication to make me.”
”I hope it isn't as bad as you think, Kit.”
”I hope so too, but I can tell you better to-morrow. We will meet to-night at the show.”
CHAPTER IV.
A SCENE NOT DOWN ON THE BILLS.
Just before supper Kit was asked to an interview with his uncle.
”You wish to speak to me, Uncle Stephen?” he said.
”Yes; I have decided not to postpone the explanation for which you asked yesterday.”
”I shall be glad to hear it, sir.”