I take up so much time eatin' that it kinder tires me out. I s'pose
you go into the circus whenever you want to, don't you?"

"Oh yes; I'm there at every performance, for I keep the stand under
the big canvas as well as this one out here."

There was a great big sigh from out Toby's little round stomach,
as he thought what bliss it must be to own all those good things
and to see the circus wherever it went.

"It must be nice," he said, as he faced the booth and its hard
visaged proprietor once more.

"How would you like it?" asked Mr. Lord, patronizingly, as he
looked Toby over in a business way, very much as if he contemplated
purchasing him.

"Like it!" echoed Toby. "Why, I'd grow fat on it!"

"I don't know as that would be any advantage," continued Mr. Lord,
reflectively, "for it strikes me that you're about as fat now as
a boy of your age ought to be. But I've a great mind to give you
a chance."

"What!" cried Toby, in amazement, and his eyes opened to their
widest extent as this possible opportunity of leading a delightful
life presented itself.

"Yes, I've a great mind to give you the chance. You see," and now
it was Mr. Lord's turn to grow confidential, "I've had a boy with