o the circus tent. You are to be one of us, and will board
there. I guess we can provide for your friend, too."

Never was invitation more gladly accepted. Both Kit and William felt as
if they had not broken their fast for a week.

CHAPTER XIII.

BREAKFAST IN THE CIRCUS TENT.

Achilles entered the circus inclosure--the "lot," as it is generally
called,--and made his way to a small tent situated not far from the one
devoted to the performances. An attendant was carrying in a plate of hot
steak and potatoes from the cook tent near by.

"Is breakfast ready?" asked Achilles.

"Yes; any time you want it."

"Is anybody inside?"

"Only Mademoiselle Louise."

"Well, I want three breakfasts--for myself and my two young friends
here."

"I didn't know you had sons," said Mike, the attendant, regarding Kit
and William with some curiosity.

"I haven't. One of these young men is an acrobat, who will be one of us.
The other is his friend. Bring along the grub as quick as possible--we
are all hungry."

"All right, sir."

Running the length of the tent, which was about twenty feet by ten, was
a long table surrounded by benches.

The giant took his seat and placed the boys one on each side of him.
Just opposite sat a woman of twenty-five or thereabouts, who was already
eating breakfast.

"Good morning, Mlle. Louise," said the giant.

"Good morning, Mr. Henderson," responded the lady. "Who are your young
companions?"

"I don't know their names, but this one," placing his hand on Kit's
shoulder, "has been engaged by Mr. Barlow as an acrobat."

"Indeed! He looks young."

"I am sixteen," volunteered Kit.

"What circus have you traveled with before this season?" asked Mlle.
Louise.

"I have never traveled with any, madam."

"But you are an acrobat?"

"I have had my practice in a gymnasium."

"How came Mr. Barlow to engage you?"

"At Smyrna I practiced a little with the Vincenti brothers."

"At Smyrna? Why, that's where the lion dashed into the arena!"

"Yes."

"Do you know the boy who had the courage to face him?"

Kit blushed.

"I am the boy," he said.

"You don't mean it!" exclaimed the lady, vivaciously. "Why, you're a
hero. I must shake hands with you," and she reached across the table and
gave Kit a hearty grasp of the hand.

"Is that so?" interposed Achilles. "Why, I didn't know you were the boy.
I was not present at the time, and only heard of it afterwards. Mlle.
Louise is right. Y