"'Cause," Jerry informed him gravely, "when I grow up I'm goin' to marry
Kathleen."

Jerry was somewhat dumfounded at the burst of laughter which followed
his announcement. They did not know, he thought, that Kathleen had given
him her old, adored rag dog of her own free will.

"The darling!" cried Mother 'Larkey, after she had stopped laughing.
"But there is plenty of time to change your mind yet."

"Then you must be very kind to Kathleen, always," said Jerry's mother.

"He has been," said Mrs. Mullarkey.

Kathleen looked up at Jerry and gurgled.

"Never mind, Celia Jane," consoled Nora. "He'll be in the family,
anyway."

Celia Jane was greatly cheered by that consolation and brightened
visibly, much to Jerry's relief. She kissed him good-by, throwing both
arms tightly about his neck in her impetuous fashion.

It was with a sad and yet singing heart that Jerry followed his father
and mother out to Sultana,--sad at leaving behind all that had made his
life and his world the past three years, and singing at the thought of
the new world and the new life he was about to enter into, with a father
and mother of his very own, a circus twice a day, every day in the week
but Sunday, and elephants to ride upon.