nd may I wide horses?" asked Diana.

"Surely, my dear, and perhaps other animals as well. Oh, never fear!
you'll be taught all kinds of queer things. You'll have quite a nice
time if you keep on the buttered side of Uncle Ben."

"The buttered side! That must be g'easy," said Diana.

"Well, you keep on it, miss. If he's kind to you, why, all will be
right, and, for my part, I'll see you want for nothing."

"I do believe," said Diana, her eyes sparkling; she turned as she
spoke and clasped one of Orion's hands--"I do weally b'lieve this is
better nor aunt's. Do come 'long, Orion; I always did love circuses."

Aunt Sarah led the children down a long, narrow passage, and then
across an open court, until presently they found themselves inside the
entrance of a huge circular tent. Here seats were arranged for a crowd
of people, all of which were, of course, empty at present; but the
whole of the center of the tent was occupied by a wide arena covered
with sand. In the middle of this space stood Uncle Ben. He had a big
whip in his hand, and looked very fierce and terrible.

"There you are at last, Sarah!" he called out. "Oh, and there are the
kids!" He stepped forward as he spoke. "Now, little missy," he said,
looking full at Diana, "what would you say if I was to put you on top
of a horse's back? You wouldn't be frightened, would you?"

"No," replied Diana.

"I don't believe you would. I believe you are a plucky little girl.
Well, I'd just as lief give you a lesson straight away, for you'll
have to take your part in the show in a week from now. We'll let her
ride round the arena on Greased Lightning; eh, Sarah?"

"Oh, I wouldn't! Not on that 'orse," said the woman. She clasped her
hands imploringly together. "Remember, Ben," she continued, speaking
in a timorous voice, and her color coming and going, "remember that
Greased Lightning is a very wicious sort of 'orse, and this is only a
little child. Has you ever been on a 'orse's back afore, little love?"

"Sometimes," replied Diana. "And my faver said when I got older he
would give me a horse of my own to wide. He said I was too young yet,
you know; but I aren't fwightened," she added. "I don't mind a bit
sitting on the back of G'eased Lightning. But what a funny name!"

"Right you are!" said the man. "You shall have your ride. I can see
that you have plenty of pluck, young 'un. Come along, then, little
missy. Tom, you go and bring out Greased Lightning this minute.