is mother's many sacrifices, and because he found it
very hard to take Jim's place, a lump lodged in his throat, and gave
him so much trouble that he forgot for a while how cold he was.

About this time he came within sight of the Opera House, and
tantalizing posters appeared of the "Greatest Extravaganza of the
Century." He pulled Cuba into a walk, and sat there absorbing the
wonders depicted; among the marvels were crowds of children dressed
as butterflies, beautiful ladies marching in line, a man balancing a
barrel on his feet, and--yes, there was the man in "skin-tights"
walking on the rope!

A keen puff of wind brought Billy back to his senses, and as his
longing eyes turned from the gorgeous show-bills they encountered
the amused look of a gentleman who had just come out from the Opera
House. He was so tall and fine-looking that Billy thought he must
own the show.

"Some kindlin', sir?"

The gentleman shook his head. The posters still danced before
Billy's eyes; if his mother could only see the show! The last chance
seemed slipping away. Suddenly a bold idea presented itself. He got
out of the wagon, and came up on the step.

"Couldn't you use a whole load, if I was to take it out in
tickets?"

The man looked puzzled. "Take it out in tickets?" he repeated.

"Yes, sir," said Billy, "theayter tickets. Don't you own the show?"

The gentleman laughed. "Well, hardly," he said. "What do you want
with more than one ticket?"

There was a certain sympathy in his voice, in spite of the fact that
he was still laughing, and before Billy knew it he had told him all
about it.

"How many tickets could yer gimme fer the load?" he asked, in
conclusion.

The gentleman made a hurried calculation. "You say you have three
sisters?" he asked.

"Yep," said Billy.

"Well, I should say that load was worth about five tickets."

"Gee whiz!" cried the boy; "that 'ud take us all!"

He followed the gentleman back to the ticket-office, and eagerly
watched the man behind the little window count out five tickets and
put them in a pink envelope.

"One for you, one for your mother, and three for the kids," said his
friend, as Billy buttoned the treasure in the inside pocket of his
ragged coat.

He was so excited that he almost forgot his part of the bargain, but
as the gentleman was turning away he remembered.

"Say, mister, where must I take the kindlin' to?"

"Oh, that's all right; you can sell it to-morrow," answered t