"Don't worry about me, my boy. I'll take care of myself."

"Your seat will be right next to mine, and we can talk while we
are watching the performers."

"Yes; you run along now. Here's a quarter for spending money.
Never mind thanking me. Just take it and have a good time.
Where's your friend?"

"Teddy?"

"Yes."

"Over on the lot."

"He going in with you, too?"

"Oh, no. Teddy is too proud to go in that way. He crawls in
under the tent," laughed Phil, running down the steps and setting
off for the circus grounds with all speed.

When he arrived there he saw at once that something was going on.
The tents were all in place, the little white city erected with
as much care and attention to detail as if the show expected to
remain in Edmeston all summer. The lad could scarcely make
himself believe that, only a few hours before, this very lot had
been occupied by the birds alone. It was a marvel to him, even
in after years, when he had become as thoroughly conversant with
the details of a great show as any man in America.