"What does it all mean, Kit?" he asked. "Have you really and truly joined the circus?" "Come round this afternoon, and you'll see me perform. I am one of the Vincenti brothers, acrobats." "But what put it in your head? That's what I want to know?" "I thought I would like it better than being a blacksmith." "But who ever dreamed of your being a blacksmith?" "My uncle did. I'll tell you all about it." Kit told his story. Jack Dormer listened with sympathetic interest. "Do they pay you well?" he asked. "I get twenty-five dollars a week, and all expenses." "Can you get me a job?" asked Jack quite overcome by the magnificence of the salary. "As an acrobat, Jack?" asked Kit, laughing, for Jack had the reputation of being one of the clumsiest boys in school. "Well, no, I don't suppose I could do much in that way, but isn't there something I could do?" "Take my advice, Jack, and give it up. You've got a good home, and there is no need of your going into any such business even if you were qualified." "Don't you like it?" "I can't tell yet. Of course it is exciting, but those who have been in it a good while advise against it. I may not stay in it more than one season." "Shall I tell the fellows at school where you are?" "No, I would rather you wouldn't." "Does your cousin Ralph come back to school?" "Yes." "We could spare him a good deal better than you." "I am not fond of Ralph myself, but the world is wide enough for us both." Kit saw his schoolmate again after the afternoon performance, and received many compliments. "I couldn't believe it was you," he said. "You acted as if you were an old hand at the business." CHAPTER XXII. NEW ACQUAINTANCES. Sunday was of course a day of rest for the circus employees. Most of them observed it by lying in bed unusually late. Kit, however, rose in good season, and found himself first at breakfast. When the proper time arrived, he walked to the village, and selecting the first church he came to, entered. He had always been in the habit of attending church, and felt that there was no good reason why he should give up the practice now that he was away from home. He stood in the lobby, waiting for the sexton to appear, when a fine-looking man of middle age entered the church with a young girl of fourteen at his side. He glanced at Kit with interest, and after a moment's pause walked up to him. "Are you a stranger here?" he asked. "Yes, sir," answered Kit. "I shall be glad to have you accept a seat in my pew." "Thank you, sir," said Kit, politely; "I was waiting for the sexton, intending to ask him for a seat." "I have plenty of room in my pew, having only my daughter with me. Are you staying long in the town?" "Only as long as the circus does," answered Kit. The gentleman looked surprised. "Are you connected with the circus?" he asked, quickly. "Yes, sir." By this time the young girl was examining Kit with interest and attention. "Is it possible you are a performer?"