"When do you wish me to join?"

"At once."

"Now?"

"You may start as soon as you are ready."

"I am ready, now," replied the lad promptly.

"I did not mean for you to leave in quite such a hurry as that,"
laughed Mr. Sparling. "Besides, this is rather a bad night to
make a change. Take your time, get your things in shape, and
leave when you get ready."

"Does Mr. Snowden know I am to join him?"

"Yes; I have already written him to that effect--that is, I told
him you probably would join at an early day."

"Where is Car Three now?"

Mr. Sparling consulted his route card.

"It is in Madison, Wisconsin, today. This car keeps about
four weeks ahead of the show, you know. We are in Flint,
Michigan, today. Do you think you can get away tomorrow?"

"Certainly. Where do we show tomorrow?"