"When I was left alone except for an elderly aunt, I did not know what to do. My aunt took good care of me, however, but when she died there was no one else, and she left no money. I tried to get work, but the stores and factories wanted experienced girls, and the only thing I had any experience with was a horse. "I got desperate, and decided to see if I couldn't make a living by what little talent I had. So one day, when a circus was showing in our town, I took my horse, Rosebud, rode out and did some stunts in the lots. The manager saw me and hired me. Oh, how happy I was! "That wasn't with this show. I only joined here about two years ago. Of course my friends--what few I had--thought it was dreadful for me to become a circus rider, but I've found that there are just as good men and women in circuses as anywhere else in this world," and her cheeks grew red, probably at the memory of something that had been said against circus folk. "I know," said Joe, quietly. "My mother was a circus rider." "So you have told me. But now about this letter, Joe. I wish Bill Watson were here--he might know what to do about it." "Well, I can't say that I do, in spite of my boast," Joe answered. "It may be a joke, and, again, it may be the real thing. You may be an heiress, Miss Morton," and Joe bowed teasingly. "I thought you were going to call me Helen--if I called you Joe," she said. "So I am. That was only in fun," for soon after their acquaintance began these two young persons had fallen into the habit of dropping the formal Miss and Mister. "Well, what would you do, Joe?" Helen asked. "I think I'd answer this letter seriously," replied the young performer. "If it is a joke you can't lose more than a two cent stamp, and, on the other hand, if it's serious they'll want to hear from you. You may be the very person they want. This letter head doesn't look much like a joke." The paper on which the letter was written was of excellent quality, and Joe could tell by passing his fingers over the names, addresses and other matter that it was engraved--not printed. "If it's a joke they went to a lot of work to get it up," he continued. "Have you any papers, to prove your identity?" "Yes, I have some birth and marriage certificates, and an old bible that was Grandfather Seth's. I wouldn't want to send them off to New York though." "It won't be necessary--at least not at first. I'll help you make copies of them, and if these lawyers want to see the real things let them send a man on. That's my advice." "And very good advice it is too, Joe," Helen said. "I don't believe Bill Watson could give any better. He's a real nice elderly man, and he's been almost a father to me. I often go to him when I have my little troubles. I wish he were here now. But you are very good to me, Joe. I'm going to take your advice." "I'll help you make the copies," Joe offered. "Did you ever have any idea that your grandfather left valuable property?"