"Don't see what your mother was about to let you come so far alone,
and you just over scarlet fever. We are as full as ever we can be, but
we'll tuck you in somehow," said the pleasant-faced woman, bundling up
her baby, and bidding the two little lads "keep close to father."

"I didn't come alone. Sam got a ride, and can't you tuck Ben and Bab
in too? They aint very big, either of them," whispered Billy, anxious
to serve his friends now that he was provided for himself.

"Can't do it, anyway. Got to pick up mother at the corner, and that
will be all I can carry. It's lifting a little; hurry along, Lizzie,
and let us get out of this as quick as possible," said Uncle Eben,
impatiently; for going to a circus with a young family is not an easy
task, as every one knows who has ever tried it.

"Ben, I'm real sorry there isn't room for you. I'll tell Bab's mother
where she is, and may be some one will come for you," said Billy,
hurriedly, as he tore himself away, feeling rather mean to desert the
others, though he could be of no use.

"Cut away and don't mind us. I'm all right, and Bab must do the best
she can," was all Ben had time to answer before his comrade was
hustled away by the crowd pressing round the entrance with much
clashing of umbrellas and scrambling of boys and men, who rather
enjoyed the flurry.

"No use for us to get knocked about in that scrimmage. We'll wait a
minute and then go out easy. It's a regular rouser, and you'll be as
wet as a sop before we get home. Hope you'll like that?" added Ben,
looking out at the heavy rain pouring down as if it never meant to