't it a respectable business?"

"Yes; but there are many temptations connected with it, and most circus
performers never rise any higher."

Evelyn was not inclined to discuss the question, though there is no
doubt that she took a more favorable view of the circus profession than
her father. The procession had just begun to move round the inner ring
of the circus, including the elephants, the riders, the clowns, and
performers of all kinds. Kit appeared, as in the public procession,
driving a span of ponies.

This was the introduction. Then the various parts of the programme
succeeded. Soon Kit performed his act in the ring. He had a new act
to-night. Standing on the shoulders of one of the Vincenti brothers, he
turned a somersault and landed on the shoulders of the other, standing
six to eight feet away.

"I don't see how he does it, papa," said Evelyn. "He must be very
smart."

"I see you are determined to make a hero of this young man, Evelyn."

"Don't you admire him yourself, papa?"

"Admire is rather a strong word, daughter. I will admit, however, that I
like him, and hope he will soon change his business."

After the act was over, Kit came round and received congratulations.
Evelyn repeated what her father said.

"I agree with you, sir," said Kit, "I haven't selected this as my life
business, but shall keep my engagement till the end of the season."

"How, on the whole, do you like your new associates? I don't need to be
told that they are very different from those to whom you are
accustomed."

"They are very kind to me, and generous to each other when there is
need. They will divide their last dollar with a friend."

"They often come to their last dollar, don't they?"

"Yes; they can't keep money. They are always in debt when the new season
opens, no matter how much they brought home with them at the end of the
last."

"Are there no exceptions?"

"Yes, a few. I have heard of one circus manager who commenced as a candy
butcher, and now is proprietor of a very fair-sized show. Of course he
had to save up money or he would never have succeeded so well."

Kit had to cut short his visit, for the new act, already referred to,
was near at hand.

In the list of leapers Kit came last. First of all, there was a simple
somersault from the springboard. This was easy. Just after Kit came the
clown, who, though really a clever acrobat, stopped short when he came
to the board and merely jumped up and down t