"They have to have a big crowd to make it pay. A circus will never come here." "No, I s'pose not," answered Dick. "Well, I wish I was going, but I've got to go down to dad's bank. I've got a little business on hand." "So long," called Frank. "I must hurry to catch the train." "I wish they'd have a circus here some time," continued Dick, as he walked along. "Hamilton Corners is too quiet. It needs stirring up." Just then he caught sight of a curious procession. It was composed of a number of boys and girls, mostly little tots, walking along the street, two by two, led by three matronly ladies. "The orphan asylum out for an airing," commented Dick. "Poor little kids! Poor little kids!" There was a county orphan asylum in Hamilton Corners, and it was usually well filled with small unfortunates. Twice a week they were taken for a walk by some of the matrons in charge. "Poor little kids!" repeated Dick. "I'll bet they never saw a circus in their lives. And they're not likely to. A circus will never come here. The place is too small. No, they'll never see a circus--unless----" He came to a sudden stop in his musings. Then a light broke over his face. "By Jimminy Crickets! I'll do it!" he exclaimed, so loudly that several persons in the street turned to look at him. "I'll do it! That's what I will!" He looked at his watch. "I've just got time to catch the train to Parkertown if I hustle," he added as he set off on a run. CHAPTER X DICK INVESTS IN HAPPINESS Dick managed to swing aboard the last car as the train for Parkertown was pulling out of the station at Hamilton Corners. There was quite a crowd on it, as many were going to the circus. "Hello!" exclaimed Frank Bender, as he caught sight of Dick walking up the aisle of the car in which he was. "I thought you weren't going." "I wasn't, but I changed my mind. This is a free country." "Of course," assented Frank, with a laugh. "We'll go together and have some fun." "Oh, I'm going on business." "That's too bad." "Well, it's business connected with fun," explained Dick. "Maybe I'll have a chance to see the show with you later." "See the show! Why, that's the main object of going to Parkertown," responded Frank. "I wouldn't miss it for anything. They've got a fellow in it, according to the pictures, who can stand on his head, hold a man in each hand, balance two others on his legs, hold one by a strap in his mouth--and all the while he's on a trapeeze at the top of the tent. It's great!" "Well, maybe he can give you a few pointers," said Dick. It was about an hour's run to Parkertown, and when the train reached the circus grounds there was a general rush to the big tents. It lacked about an hour to noon, and though the show had not opened yet there was much of interest to see. Dick and Frank watched the men putting finishing touches to the immense canvas shelters, while others were feeding the animals, getting the big gilded wagons into place, and arranging the sideshows.