ldn't miss it for anything. They've got a fellow
in it, according to the pictures, who can stand on his head, hold a man
in each hand, balance two others on his legs, hold one by a strap in
his mouth--and all the while he's on a trapeeze at the top of the tent.
It's great!"

"Well, maybe he can give you a few pointers," said Dick.

It was about an hour's run to Parkertown, and when the train reached the
circus grounds there was a general rush to the big tents. It lacked
about an hour to noon, and though the show had not opened yet there was
much of interest to see. Dick and Frank watched the men putting
finishing touches to the immense canvas shelters, while others were
feeding the animals, getting the big gilded wagons into place, and
arranging the sideshows.

In one tent hundreds of the performers and helpers were at dinner, while
a curious crowd looked on under the raised flaps. The two boys, in
company with scores of others, watched the cooks of the circus at work
over the portable ranges and soup kettles, where it seemed as though
enough food for an army was being prepared.

"Say, it's great, isn't it!" exclaimed Frank. "I can hardly wait until
it's time to begin. Let's go get a hot frankfurter sausage somewhere."

"I'm afraid I've got to leave you," replied Dick. "I have some business
on hand. I'll see you later. Maybe in the main tent."

"All right," assented Frank, a little disappointed, but he soon forgot
about that in watching the many scenes of interest.

"Where can I find the manager?" asked Dick, of a man who wore a uniform
and seemed to be some one in authority.

"In the ticket wagon," was the reply. "But you needn't think you can
deadhead in. The free list is suspended."

"I've no intention of asking for a pass," replied Dick, with a smile.
"Is the manager in?" he asked, a moment later, of the man who looked out
of the high ticket wagon.

"I guess so. What do you want?"

"I want to see him in regard to the next town where he is to play."

"Who is it?" inquired a voice from within the vehicle.

"Some lad from our next town. Maybe the mayor's sent to say he's going
to raise the license fee. I never see such a hold-up game as these
country mayors try to pull off," and the ticket seller looked disgusted.

"No, I'm not from the mayor," said Dick. "I want to see the manager on
my own account."

At this another man joined the one at the ticket window. He was large
and fat, and wore a red neckti