s complete. The stern
grandparent was forgotten and the only fact they knew was this
marvelous ride on a marvelous steed, and most marvelous of all, in the
friendly grasp of the tri-colored person behind them.

Mr. Winters turned from them for a moment, at the sound of a scuffle
near by. An instant's glance showed him that the poor fanatic was
being roughly handled by some employees of the circus, and he stepped
forward protesting:

"Don't do that! He'll go quietly enough if you just ask him. He's a
feeble old man--be gentle!"

"But we want no 'cranks' in here creating a disturbance! Enough has
happened this performance, already!"

[Illustration: THE TWINS AND CLOWN ON THE SHETLAND PONY.
_Dorothy's House Party._]

"Jim! James Barlow! Herbert Montaigne!" These two were the only ones
left still in the ring of the lot who had pursued the runaway twins,
the others having shamefacedly retreated as soon as they saw the
children were safe. They looked toward the Master yet lingered to
receive the twins whom their captor was now willing to resign; they
struggling to remain and a mixed array of flying legs and arms
resulting.

However, neither screams nor obstreperous kicks availed to prolong
that delectable ride, and presently the little ones found themselves
back in the grasp of a bevy of girls who made a human fence about
them, and so hedged them in to safety.

"Lads, I must leave you to see our girls safe home. Do so immediately
the performance is over and it must be nearly now. This poor old chap
is ill and bemused by his rough handling. I'm going to take him to a
hospital I know and have him cared for. I'll go down to Deerhurst as
soon as I can but don't wait for me. Come, friend. Let us go;" and
linking his strong arm within the weak one of the man, scarce older
yet so much frailer than he, he walked quietly away, the fanatic
unresisting and obedient.

With the Master's departure the glamour faded from the "Show"; and at
Helena's suggestion the whole party promptly made their exit.

"It's a wise move, too, Helena. We can catch the five o'clock train
down and it won't be crowded, as the later one will be. I fancy we've
all had about all the circus we want--this time. Anybody got a rope?"
said Herbert.

"What in the world do you want of a rope?" asked his sister.

"I think if we could tie these irrepressibles together we could better
keep track of them."

There were some regretful looks backward to that f