ingled with the desire to do some thrilling act high up on a
trapeze in a circus tent, while the crowd below held its breath, Joe
felt a desire to meet again pretty Helen Morton, whose bright smile and
laughing eyes he seemed to see in fancy now.

"It's a good offer," went on the professor, slowly, "and it seems to
come at the right time for both of us, Joe. We were talking about your
taking out my show. I really don't feel able to keep up with it--at
least for a time. Are you ready to give me an answer now, Joe, or
would you like to think it over a bit?"

"Perhaps I had better think of it a bit," the youth answered. "Though
I have pretty nearly made up my mind."

"Don't be in a hurry," urged Professor Rosello. "There is no great
rush, as far as I am concerned. One or two days will make no
difference to me. Though if you don't take up my offer I shall
probably lease the show to some professional. I want to keep my name
before the public, for probably I shall wish to go back into the
business again. And besides, it is a pity to let such a good outfit as
we now have go into storage. But think it over carefully. I suppose,
though, that you will have to let the circus people know soon."

"They seem to be in a hurry--wanting me to telegraph," responded Joe.
"I'll give them an answer in a few hours. I think I'll go out and walk
around town a bit. I can think better that way."

"Go ahead, Joe, and don't let me influence you. I want to help you,
and I'll do all I can for you. You know I owe much to you. Just
remember that you have the option on my show, such as it is, and if you
don't take my offer I won't feel at all offended. Do as you think
right."

"Thank you," said Joe, feelingly.

There was not much of interest to see in the town where they had come,
expecting to give a performance, but Joe did not really care for sights
just then. He had some hard thinking to do and he wanted to do it
carefully. Hardly conscious of where he was walking, he strolled on,
and presently found himself near the outskirts of the town, in a
section that was more country than town. A little stream flowed
through a green meadow, the banks bordered by trees.

"It looks just like Bedford," mused Joe. "I'm going to take a rest
there."

He sat down in the shade of a willow tree and in an instant there came
back to him the memory of that day, some months ago, when he had come
upon his chums sitting under the same sort of