When the performance was over, Carden left the tent stealthily. He had work to do that night. He bent his steps towards the house of Mr. Tarbox. CHAPTER XX. THE AMATEUR DETECTIVES. When it was found that Robert was not seriously hurt there was a general feeling of relief among his circus friends, for the boy rider was a great favorite. Though he was somewhat reserved he was always polite, affable, and ready to be of assistance to any of his associates. He was sometimes called "the little gentleman," and was generally supposed to have sprung from a good family, though even to himself his birth was a secret. Among those who inquired anxiously for him were Charlie Davis and the Norwegian giant. "He has sprained his ankle slightly," said Dr. Grey. "It will require a week or two of perfect rest, perhaps more. Indeed it will not do for him to ride again this season." "Are you sure of that, doctor?" asked the manager. "I am positive that it would be most imprudent." "I asked because it cuts off the boy from earning money." "There need be no trouble on that score. He can stay at my house as long as he likes, and it will cost him nothing." "You are very kind, Dr. Grey. However, the boy is not without funds. I have two hundred dollars of his in my possession, and before I leave town I will hand it to him or you, as this accident will part us for the remainder of the season." "Give it to him, then. I am glad he has been so provident." Dr. Grey and Sidney obtained a carriage, and Robert was taken home to the doctor's comfortable and even luxurious dwelling, for, besides having had an extensive practice for years, he had married a lady with a fortune. Leaving Robert there in good hands, we return to the circus. As soon as the entertainment was over, Charlie and Anak, remembering their engagement, bent their steps towards the house of Mr. Tarbox. They were detained, however, for fifteen minutes or more before being able to depart, and this gave Carden an opportunity to get at work. "Have you seen Carden this evening, Charlie?" asked Anak. "Yes; he was at the circus." "I wonder whether it was he that threw the rock?" said Anak, suddenly. "I shouldn't wonder. I didn't think of it before." "He could have no other object in coming to the show. He had seen it plenty of times. Besides, his money must have been low." "Perhaps he got in for nothing," suggested Charlie. "Go and ask." Charlie, upon inquiring at the ticket-office, found that Carden had tried to obtain a pass on the score of his former connection with the circus, but without success, as the manager had left orders that he was not to be admitted, except on the same footing with others. "He grumbled some, but finally bought a ticket," added the ticket-seller. "I wondered at it, for there was nothing new to him." "He must have been the one who fired the rock at poor Robert's horse—the villain!" said Anak, gravely. "We know he had a spite against the boy."