ing amazement.

"Kit Watson, by all that's wonderful!" were the words that fell on his
ears.

Looking to the right, his glance fell upon Jack Dormer, a schoolmate,
who had been attending the same academy with him for a year past.

Kit colored, feeling a little embarrassed.

"How are you, Jack?" he said.

"How came you in this circus procession, Kit?"

"I can't tell you now. Come round to the lot, after the parade is over,
and I'll tell you all about it."

Jack availed himself of the invitation and presented himself at the
circus grounds.

"What does it all mean, Kit?" he asked. "Have you really and truly
joined the circus?"

"Come round this afternoon, and you'll see me perform. I am one of the
Vincenti brothers, acrobats."

"But what put it in your head? That's what I want to know?"

"I thought I would like it better than being a blacksmith."

"But who ever dreamed of your being a blacksmith?"

"My uncle did. I'll tell you all about it."

Kit told his story. Jack Dormer listened with sympathetic interest.

"Do they pay you well?" he asked.

"I get twenty-five dollars a week, and all expenses."

"Can you get me a job?" asked Jack quite overcome by the magnificence of
the salary.

"As an acrobat, Jack?" asked Kit, laughing, for Jack had the reputation
of being one of the clumsiest boys in school.

"Well, no, I don't suppose I could do much in that way, but isn't there
something I could do?"

"Take my advice, Jack, and give it up. You've got a good home, and
there is no need of your going into any such business even if you were
qualified."

"Don't you like it?"

"I can't tell yet. Of course it is exciting, but those who have been in
it a good while advise against it. I may not stay in it more than one
season."

"Shall I tell the fellows at school where you are?"

"No, I would rather you wouldn't."

"Does your cousin Ralph come back to school?"

"Yes."

"We could spare him a good deal better than you."

"I am not fond of Ralph myself, but the world is wide enough for us
both."

Kit saw his schoolmate again after the afternoon performance, and
received many compliments.

"I couldn't believe it was you," he said. "You acted as if you were an
old hand at the business."

CHAPTER XXII.

NEW ACQUAINTANCES.

Sunday was of course a day of rest for the circus employees. Most of
them observed it by lying in bed unusually late. Kit, however, rose in
good season, and found himself