"Course we were! He's a nice boy and we are fond of him, and he likes
us," said Bab, heartily.

"'Specially me," put in Betty, quite at ease now, for the black eyes had
softened wonderfully, and the brown face was smiling all over.

"Don't wonder a mite. You are the nicest pair of little girls I've seen
this long time," and the man put a hand on either side of them, as if he
wanted to hug the chubby children. But he didn't do it; he merely rubbed
his hands and stood there asking questions till the two chatter-boxes
had told him everything there was to tell, in the most confiding manner,
for he very soon ceased to seem like a stranger, and looked so familiar
that Bab, growing inquisitive in her turn, suddenly said:

"Haven't you ever been here before? It seems as if I'd seen you."

"Never in my life. Guess you've seen somebody that looks like me," and
the black eyes twinkled for a minute as they looked into the puzzled
little faces before him. Then he said, soberly:

"I'm looking round for a likely boy; don't you think this Ben would suit
me? I want just such a lively sort of chap."

"Are you a circus man?" asked Bab, quickly.

"Well, no, not now. I'm in better business."

"I'm glad of it--_we_ don't approve of 'em; but I do think they're
splendid!"