n for a circus performer, my young friend," he said.
"You have come to the front at once."

"Thank you, sir," said Kit. "I am glad that I succeeded, but such
success as that does not satisfy my ambition."

"You mean, perhaps, that you want to jump over four, perhaps five
elephants?" suggested the manager.

Kit smiled.

"No," he answered; "I don't think I shall venture beyond three. But I
don't expect to remain in the circus more than this season."

"That is almost a pity, when you are so well qualified to excel in it."

"Mr. Barlow," said Kit, seriously, "if I were a great manager like you,
I would not mind, but I don't care to go through life as a circus
performer."

"I don't know but you are right, my boy. In fact I know you are. I
shouldn't care to be a performer myself."

"I don't think you would excel in that line," said Kit, with a glance
at the portly form of the well-known showman.

"You wouldn't advise me to try jumping over elephants, I infer," said
Mr. Barlow, with an amused smile.

"No, sir."

"I will take your advice, my boy. Though your share of worldly
experience isn't great, you are certainly correct in that. I shall
relieve the fears of Mrs. Barlow at once by telling her that I have
decided not to enter the ring."

Kit also received the congratulations of the mayor and Evelyn, but the
former added: "Though your act was a daring one, I was almost sorry to
see it."

"Why, sir?"

"I feared it would confirm you in your love of your present business."

"No, sir, there is no danger," replied Kit. "I have a fair education
already, and prefer to qualify myself for something different."

"I am glad to hear you say so. You are undoubtedly right."

"I must say good-by now," said Kit; "for we get off at midnight."

"Shall you not return this way?"

"No, sir; we are to go West, I hear."

"I hope when the season is over, you will make us a visit. Come and stay
a week," said the mayor, hospitably.

"Do come," said Evelyn, earnestly.

"How can I thank you for your kindness to a stranger?" said Kit,
gratefully. "I shall certainly avail myself of your hospitality. There
are not many who would take such notice of a circus boy."

"You are something more than a circus boy," said the mayor, "or I might
not have been so drawn to you. Good-by, then, and if you ever need a
friend, don't forget that you are at liberty to call upon me."

It was a source of regret to Kit that he was obliged to part w