ouldn't do it, Kit," he replied. "It always makes me dizzy when I
have my head down. I don't believe I could ever do anything in a
circus."

"Well, William, I won't forget you. If I save money, as I am sure to do,
I'll see if I can't do something for you by and by. By the way, did you
see Mr. and Mrs. Bickford?"

"No, you don't mean to say they are here?"

"Look over there!"

William followed the direction of Kit's finger, and he easily discovered
the blacksmith and his wife.

"By gracious! You're right!" he said. "It's the first money I've known
old Bickford to pay for any amusement for years."

"They came after me, William."

"You won't go back with them?"

"Not much. I don't care to give up twenty-five dollars a week for the
privilege of learning the trade of a blacksmith."

"Suppose they try to carry you off?"

"That gives me an idea. With your help I'll try to play a trick on them.
It'll be capital fun."

"Go ahead and tell me what it is, Kit. I'm with you!"

"My plan is that you should ride home with Mr. Bickford," said Kit.

"I don't understand," said William, looking puzzled.

"I'll tell you my idea. Bickford has come here with the intention of
taking me back with him to Oakford."

"But you don't mean to go?"

"Of course not, but when the show is over I shall put myself in his way,
and after a little objection agree to go. I will ask for five minutes to
get ready. In that time I will change hats with you, and as it is dark
you can easily pass yourself off for me."

"Capital!" exclaimed William, laughing. "Won't the old man look foolish
when he finds out who is with him?"

"Don't let him know till you arrive, or he would force you to leave the
carriage, and walk home alone, and a six mile walk is no joke."

"All right Kit! I understand, and I think I can carry out your idea. I
haven't much love for the old man or his wife either, and I am glad of a
chance to get even with them."

The performance continued till ten o'clock. The blacksmith and his wife
enjoyed it beyond their anticipations. Amusements of any kind were new
to them, and their pleasure was like that of children.

"I begin to think, Sarah, we shall get our money's worth," said Aaron
cautiously, as the entertainment neared its end; "this is a great show."

"So it is, Aaron. I don't begrudge the money myself, though fifty cents
is a pretty high price to pay. Then, besides, you'll have a chance to
carry the boy home."

"That'