Part 9 (1/2)

The lad hitched his trousers, took a critical squint at the canvas that was slowlyropes, groaning tackle and confused shouting

”They're getting theto be a dandy show,” he vouchsafed ”How'd you get the tickets?”

”Manager gave them to me”

”What for?”

”I did a little work for hihtened up How about it--are you going in on et o in on a pass I'd rather sneak in under the tent when the boss isn't looking”

CHAPTER V

WHEN THE BANDS PLAYED

Phil started for the Widow Cahill's on the run after having procured his tickets ”Here's a ticket for the circus, Mrs

Cahill,” he shouted, bursting into the room, with excited, flushed face

”What's this you say--the circus? Land sakes, I haven't seen one since I ell, since I was a girl I don't know”

”You'll go, won't you?” urged Phil

”Of course, I'll go,” shethe disappointment in his face over her hesitation ”And thank you very et you, Mrs Cahill, or can you get over to the circus grounds alone?”

”Don't worry about me, my boy I'll take care of ht next tothe perfor now Here's a quarter for spending ood time

Where's your friend?”

”Teddy?”

”Yes”

”Over on the lot”

”He going in with you, too?”

”Oh, no Teddy is too proud to go in that way He crawls in under the tent,” laughed Phil, running down the steps and setting off for the circus grounds with all speed

When he arrived there he saw at once that so on

The tents were all in place, the little white city erected with as much care and attention to detail as if the show expected to remain in Edmeston all summer The lad could scarcely make himself believe that, only a few hours before, this very lot had been occupied by the birds alone It was a marvel to hihly conversant with the details of a great show as any man in Arounds Men in gaudy unifor trains, glittering with spangles fro the horses with bright blankets and fancy headdress