"Have you any directions to give, sir?" "You may report to my manager, Mr. Bryant. First, however, it may be well for you to see the Vincenti brothers, and arrange for a joint act." "When do you wish me to appear, sir?" "Whenever you are ready. You may take a week to rehearse, if necessary. Your pay will commence at once." "Thank you, Mr. Barlow; you are very kind and considerate." Mr. Barlow smiled, and, waving his hand, passed on. He was very popular with all who were in his employ, and had a high reputation for kindness and strict integrity. "I'd like to work for him," said William Morris, who had listened to the conversation between Kit and the circus proprietor. "I should like to have you along with me," replied Kit, "but from what Mr. Henderson says there is no good opening." It was not till eleven o'clock that Kit met his future partners, the Vincenti brothers. "Good!" said Alonzo, in a tone of satisfaction. "We must get up a joint act. I suppose you haven't got a suit of tights?" "No. I never expected to need one." "I have an extra one which I think will fit you. Though I am ten years older than you we are about the same size." Kit had occasion to remark that circus performers are short as a rule. Many of them do not exceed five feet four inches in height, but generally they are compactly built, with well developed muscles, and possess unusual strength and agility. The circus suit was brought out. It proved to be an excellent fit. William Morris eyed Kit with admiration. "You look like a regular circus chap, Kit!" he exclaimed. "I wish I was in your shoes." "Wait till you see whether I am a success, William," replied Kit. "Now, if you are ready, we will have a little practice," said Alonzo Vincenti. "May I look on?" asked William. "Oh, yes; we don't generally admit spectators, but you are a friend of the boy." They all entered the tent, and for an hour Kit was kept hard at work. In the act devised by the Vincenti brothers, he stood on the shoulders of the second, who in his turn stood on the shoulders of the first. Various changes were gone through, in all of which Kit proved himself an adept, and won high compliments from his new associates. "Can you tumble?" asked Antonio. Kit smiled. "I was afraid I should when I first got on your shoulders," he answered. "That was what I meant,--something like this," and he whirled across the arena, rolling over and over on hands and feet in the manner of a cart wheel. Kit imitated Antonio rather slowly and awkwardly at first, but rapidly showed improvement. "You'll soon learn," said Antonio. "Now let me show you something else." This something else was a succession of somersaults, made in the most rapid manner. Kit tried this also, slowly at first, as before, but proving a rapid learner. "In the course of three or four days you will be able to do it in public," said Alonzo. "When do you advise me to make my first appearance?" asked Kit.