breast.

Of course, Whopper and Giant were surprised to see the circus boy
and glad to know the boat had been found. How the craft had gotten
loose was a mystery nobody was able to solve.

A substantial breakfast was prepared for the circus boy, and while
he was eating he told his story in detail---how his parents had
died years before, and how his sister Grace had been taken by some
friends in the Middle West.

"I sold papers and blacked boots for a living, and I learned to do
handsprings and the like," said Tommy. "Then the circus came along
and I went with it, taking Wags. Some of the circus men were kind
to me, but most of them were rough, and Jones and Casso were cruel.
When I ran away I made up my mind I'd never go back, but would try
to get work in some city and also try to find my sister Grace. But
I ran short of money and then I came out here, thinking I could get
work on some farm, or go with some sportsmen to carry their traps
for 'em. But I didn't find any farms out here, and the only
sportsmen I met were some well-dressed young fellows who jeered
me and called me a scarecrow---I suppose on account of my shabby
clothes." The circus boy still wore the big suit of rags the
young hunters had noticed before.

"Must have been Ham Spink and his crowd," murmured Whopper. "It
would be just like them to do that."

In spite of the color in his cheeks the young hunters could see
that the circus lad was far from strong. He was nervous, and
evidently needed plenty of food and a rest.

Having heard the runaway's tale, Snap and the others told something
about themselves. Tommy listened with keen interest, and presently
his eyes showed considerable enthusiasm.

"I wish I was going with you," he said. "Such an outing would suit
me down to the ground. I can cook some, and I could wash the
dishes and cut wood and keep the camp in order, and all that.
But I don't suppose you'd want me along in these old duds."
And he looked sadly at his torn and faded suit, so much too big
for him.

"Oh, we might fit you out with a sweater and a cap," said Snap. The
more he saw of the circus boy the better he liked the young fellow.
"But I don't know," he added hastily, looking at his chums.

"We didn't expect to take anybody," said the doctor's son slowly.
"But you might stay with us for a day or two, anyway---and we can
talk it over. We ought to be better acquainted before we make a
bargain."

"He could help us tak