fit you. Though I am ten years
older than you we are about the same size."

Kit had occasion to remark that circus performers are short as a rule.
Many of them do not exceed five feet four inches in height, but
generally they are compactly built, with well developed muscles, and
possess unusual strength and agility.

The circus suit was brought out. It proved to be an excellent fit.

William Morris eyed Kit with admiration.

"You look like a regular circus chap, Kit!" he exclaimed. "I wish I was
in your shoes."

"Wait till you see whether I am a success, William," replied Kit.

"Now, if you are ready, we will have a little practice," said Alonzo
Vincenti.

"May I look on?" asked William.

"Oh, yes; we don't generally admit spectators, but you are a friend of
the boy."

They all entered the tent, and for an hour Kit was kept hard at work.

In the act devised by the Vincenti brothers, he stood on the shoulders
of the second, who in his turn stood on the shoulders of the first.
Various changes were gone through, in all of which Kit proved himself an
adept, and won high compliments from his new associates.

"Can you tumble?" asked Antonio.

Kit smiled.

"I was afraid I should when I first got on your shoulders," he answered.

"That was what I meant,--something like this," and he whirled across the
arena, rolling over and over on hands and feet in the manner of a cart
wheel.

Kit imitated Antonio rather slowly and awkwardly at first, but rapidly
showed improvement.

"You'll soon learn," said Antonio. "Now let me show you something else."

This something else was a succession of somersaults, made in the most
rapid manner.

Kit tried this also, slowly at first, as before, but proving a rapid
learner.

"In the course of three or four days you will be able to do it in
public," said Alonzo.

"When do you advise me to make my first appearance?" asked Kit.

"To-night, in our first act."

"But shall I be ready?"

"You'll do. We may as well make a beginning."

"I wish I could see you, Kit," said William.

"Can't you?"

"I was going to the afternoon performance. It would make me too late
home if I stayed in the evening."

"Won't there be some people over from Oakford that you can ride back
with?"

"I didn't think of that. Yes, John Woods told me that his father was
coming, and would bring him along. I could ride home with them."

"Good! then you'd better stay."

"Perhaps I'd better go over an