at
a relief to the partners that the destruction of their tent was at last
averted.

After the excitement had nearly subsided, and Toby was reading his pet
a lesson on the sin of destructiveness, Reddy arrived with the materials
for making his circus poster--a sheet of brown paper, a bottle of ink,
and a brush made by chewing the end of a pine stick.

He began his work at once. It was a long task, but was at last
accomplished, and when the partners went to their respective homes that
night, the following placard adorned one side of the tent:

+-------------------------+
| BiG CiRCUS |
| |
| DOORS OpEn PuTTy SOOn |
| |
| PRiCe 3 CEnTS |
+-------------------------+

CHAPTER XV

STEALING DUCKS

After Toby had secured Mr. Stubbs's brother so that he could not
liberate himself, he ran into the house to inquire for Abner.

The news this time was more encouraging, for the sick boy had awakened
thoroughly after his long sleep, and had asked how the work on the tent
was getting on. Aunt Olive thought Toby could see him, and, after
promising that he would not remain very long, or allow Abner to talk
much, he went up-stairs.

The crippled boy was lying in the bed bolstered up with pillows, looking
out of the window that commanded a view of the tent, and evidently
puzzled to know whether the large sheet of brown paper which he saw on
one side was there as an ornament, or to serve some useful purpose.

Toby explained to him that it was the poster Reddy had made, and then
told him all that had been done that day towards getting ready for the
great exhibition which was to dazzle the good people of Guilford, as
well as to bring in a rich reward, in the way of money, to the managers.

Abner was so interested in the matter, and seemed so bright and cheerful
when he was talking about it, that Toby's fears regarding his illness
were entirely dispelled; he came to the conclusion that Abner had simply
been tired, as Aunt Olive had said, and that he would be better than
ever by morning.

This belief was strengthened by the doctor, who came while Toby was
still with his friend, and who, in answer to a question, said, cheerily:

"Of course he'll be all right; he may not be quite smart enough to go
out to-morrow, but before the week is ended I'll guarantee that you'll
have hard work to keep him in the house."