"We'll come home as soon as the show is over."

"Well, if it gets too late I'll put the key out for you---under the
front-door mat," said Mrs. Carson. "I fancy you can find your way
to your rooms."

"Certainly," answered Snap.

"You needn't stay up for us, Aunt Jennie," said Shep, who knew his
relative was in the habit of retiring early.

"I am not going to bed so very early, Shep. I am afraid some of
those tramps who follow the circus will come and rob me. I heard
the town was full of the good-for-nothings."

"You had better lock up good after we are gone," said Giant.

"No fear but what I'll do that," answered Mrs. Carson.

"We'll try not to wake you up when we come in, aunty."

"I'll hear you, never fear. And, Shep, if you are hungry when you
get back, you'll find a jar of cookies in the pantry, and a pitcher
of milk in the icebox."

"Good for you!" cried the doctor's son, and he ran around the table
and gave his aunt a hug and a kiss. "You know what boys like, don't
you?"

The four chums were soon on their way to the circus grounds, located