at way won't ruin you."

While the married pair were indulging in their little recriminations,
William had managed to slip out of the wagon in the rear, and he was now
a rod away.

"Good night, Mr. Bickford!" he shouted. "I'm much obliged to you for
bringing me home. It's saved me a long walk."

The blacksmith's reply was one that I do not care to record. He was
thoroughly angry and disgusted. If it hadn't been so late he would have
got out and tried to inflict punishment on William with his whip, but
the boy was too far away by this time to make this possible.

CHAPTER XIX.

STEPHEN WATSON VISITS OAKFORD.

On Monday as Mr. Bickford was about his work a carriage drove into the
yard, containing Stephen Watson and Ralph.

"Good morning, Mr. Bickford," said Stephen Watson. "I've called over to
inquire about Kit. I hope he is doing his duty by you."

The blacksmith looked at Mr. Watson with embarrassment, and did not
immediately reply.

Mr. Watson repeated his question.

"Kit isn't with me," answered Bickford, at length.

"Isn't with you!" repeated Stephen Watson, in surprise. "Where is he?"

"He's run away."

"Run away!" ejaculated Kit's uncle. "What is the meaning of that?"

"He said he didn't want to be a blacksmith, and that you had no
authority to make him."

"But where has he gone? Have you any idea?"

"He has gone off with Barlow's circus."

"But what object can he have in going off with a circus?" asked Mr.
Watson, no less bewildered.

"They've hired him to perform."

"Are you sure of this?"

"I ought to be," answered the blacksmith, grimly. "My wife and I saw him
jumpin' round last evenin' in the circus tent over at Grafton."

"But I don't see what he--a green hand--can do. Ralph, can you throw any
light on this mystery?"

Ralph explained that Kit had practiced acrobatic feats extensively at
the gymnasium connected with the school.

"Did he ever talk of going off with a circus?" asked Mr. Watson.

"Never, though he enjoyed the exercise."

"I went after him and tried to get him back," said Mr. Bickford, "but he
gave me the slip."

"He's done a very foolish and crazy thing. He can't get more than three
or four dollars a week from the circus, and in the fall he'll be out of
a job."

"Just as you say, sir. He'd have a good payin' trade if he stayed with
me. What do you think it is best to do about it, Mr. Watson?"

"I shall do nothing. If the boy chooses to make a fool of hi