o the amusement of the young
spectators.

"He can't jump no more'n I can," said one small boy, contemptuously.

"I shouldn't think they'd let him try," said another.

Both boys were surprised when, in the next trial, where the task was to
jump over an elephant, the despised clown made a good spring and landed
fairly on his feet.

"I guess he was afraid before," said the first boy.

"No; he only pretended for fun. Do you see that boy? I wonder if he can
jump over the elephant."

The question was soon answered. Kit took his turn and sprang with
apparent ease over the great beast.

Next another elephant was driven in alongside of the first. Again the
leapers advanced to try their skill. But two held back, not feeling
competent for the task. The clown once more made a feint of jumping, but
only jumped up and retired apparently filled with confusion.

Evelyn gazed in intense excitement.

"It must be awfully hard to jump like that, papa," she said.

"I don't think I shall ever try it, Evelyn."

Another elephant was driven alongside the other two, making three in
all. The other contestants retired, for only Alonzo had succeeded
hitherto in executing this difficult feat. He expected to be the only
one now, but noticed with surprise that Kit seemed ready to follow him.

"You don't mean to try it, Kit?" he said, in amazement.

"Why not?"

"You will fail, and if you do, you may hurt yourself seriously."

"I shall not fail," said Kit, confidently.

Alonzo looked anxious, but there was no time to expostulate. He ran
swiftly to the board, made a vigorous spring, and landed handsomely on
the bedding which had been provided beyond. He had scarcely stepped
aside, when, to the astonishment of the other acrobats, Kit gathered
himself up, ran to the springboard, and exerting himself to the utmost,
made his leap, and landed a foot ahead of Alonzo.

Then the tent rang with applause, and there were many exclamations of
astonishment, not only among the spectators, but also among the circus
performers.

Kit's face flushed with pleasure, and bowing his acknowledgments, he
withdrew.

"He is certainly a wonderful boy," said the mayor.

CHAPTER XXIV.

KIT RECEIVES A LETTER.

Kit received compliments enough to spoil him, if he had not been
strong-minded and level-headed boy. Among others Mr. Barlow, who had
been present and witnessed his daring act, took the opportunity to
congratulate him.

"You seem to be bor