circus.

"I am pretty well qualified already," answered Kit, "I saw Mr. Barlow
yesterday morning, and he promised me an engagement at ten dollars a
week."

"Good!" said Achilles, heartily. "I am pleased to hear it. I took a
liking to you the other day, and I'm glad you're going to join us. But
do you think it wise to choose such a life?"

"You have chosen it," said Kit.

"Yes; but what could I do--a man of my size? I must earn more than a
common man. My board and clothes both cost more. What do you think I
paid for this suit I have on?"

"I couldn't tell, sir."

"Sixty dollars. The tailor only charges thirty dollars to a man of
ordinary size, but I am so absurdly large that I have to pay double
price."

"Why don't you buy your suits ready made?" asked Kit, smiling.

Achilles laughed heartily at the idea.

"Show me a place where I can get ready made clothes to fit me," he
answered, "and I will gladly accept your suggestion."

"That may be a little difficult, I admit."

"Why, you have no idea how inconvenient I find it to be so large. I
can't find a bed to suit me in any hotel. If I go to the theater I can't
crowd myself into an ordinary seat. I have to have all kinds of
clothing, inside and outside, made to order. My hats and shoes must also
be made expressly for me."

"I suppose you get very well paid," suggested Kit.

"Seventy-five dollars a week sounds pretty large, and would be if my
expenses were not so great. You wouldn't be a giant for that money,
would you?"

"I am not so ambitious," replied Kit, smiling. "But there was a moment
when I wished myself of your size."

"When was that?"

"When the blacksmith grasped me by the collar."

"You don't have to work very hard," said William Morris.

"My boy, it is pretty hard work to be stared at by a crowd of people. I
get tired of it often, but I see no other way of making a living."

"You would make a pretty good blacksmith."

"I couldn't earn more than a man of average strength, and that wouldn't
be enough, as I have explained."

"Were your parents very tall?" asked Kit.

"My father was six feet in height, but my mother was a small woman. I
don't know what put it into me to grow so big. But here we are at the
lot. Will you come in?"

"When can I see Mr. Barlow?" asked Kit, anxiously.

"He is at the hotel. He won't be round till half-past nine. Have you two
boys had breakfast?"

"No," answered Kit; "I'm nearly famished."

"Come round t