The speaker put himself in position. Kit gave a spring, and in an
instant was upon his shoulders.

There was an exclamation of surprise from the second acrobat.

"Christopher!" he exclaimed. "The boy's got something in him, after
all."

"Now what shall I do?" asked Kit, as with folded arms he stood on the
acrobat's shoulders.

"Keep your place while I walk round the arena."

Kit maintained his position while the acrobat ran round the circle,
increasing his pace on purpose to dislodge his young associate. But Kit
was too well used to this act to be embarrassed. He held himself erect,
and never swerved for an instant.

"Pretty good, kid!" said the acrobat. "Now reverse yourself and stand on
my hands with your feet in the air."

Kit made the change skillfully, and to the equal surprise of Dan and the
other acrobat, both of whom applauded without stint.

"Can you do anything else?" asked Alonzo Vincenti.

"Yes."

Kit went through a variety of other feats, and then descending from his
elevated perch, was about to resume his coat and vest, when the circus
performer asked him, "Can you tumble?"

Kit's answer was to roll over the arena in a succession of somersaults
and hand springs.

"Well, I'm beat!" said the acrobat. "You're the smartest kid I ever met
in my travels. Are you sure you're not a professional?"

"Quite sure," answered Kit, smiling.

"You never traveled with a show, then?"

Kit shook his head.

"Where on earth did you pick up all these acts?"

"I took lessons of Professor Donaldson."

"You did! Well, that explains it. I say, kid, you ought to join a
circus. You'd command a fine salary."

"Would I? How much could I get?" asked Kit, with interest.

"Ten or twelve dollars a week and all expenses paid. That's pretty good
pay for a kid, isn't it?"

"It's more than I ever earned yet," answered Kit, with a smile.

"I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Barlow would give you that now. If you ever
make up your mind to join a show, come round and see him."

"Thank you," said Kit.

Soon after the boys left the circus lot and went home.

"Would you really join a circus, Kit?" asked Dan.

"It isn't the life I would choose," answered Kit, seriously, "but I may
have to find some way of earning a living, and that very soon."

"I thought your father left you a fortune."

"So did I; but I hear that I am to be taken from boarding school, and
possibly set to work. Ralph has given me a hint of it. I shall s