r a landing net for the pet monkey.

It was two or three days after this, during which time the Curlytops had
taught their pets several new little tricks, that their mother called
Janet and Teddy to her one afternoon. Mrs. Martin held a letter in her
hand, the postman having just left it for her.

"Here is something I want to talk to you children about," said their
mother.

"Oh, is that a letter from Uncle Toby, and is he coming back to take his
pets away before we've had the show?" asked Janet.

"No, indeed," answered her mother, with a laugh. "We haven't heard from
Uncle Toby since he left for South America. I suppose, by this time, he
is sitting in the jungle, watching hundreds of parrots and monkeys."

"I wish he'd send some more to us!" said Teddy.

"Oh, gracious sakes! I don't!" laughed Mrs. Martin. "I think we have
quite enough as it is."

But of course the Curlytops did not think so.

"What I called you for," went on Mrs. Martin, "was to ask if you really
intend to go on with this circus of yours. Do you really intend holding
it?"

"Sure we do, Mother!" Teddy answered. "We're going to have a tent, and
seats and everything."

"Are you going to charge money for persons to come in?"

"Yes," said Janet. "It's to be five cents for big boys and girls, and
three cents for little ones like Trouble. Of course Trouble won't have to
pay, 'cause he's going to be part of the show. But what is your letter
about, Mother?"

"It's about your circus," was the answer. "At least now that I know you
are really going on with the performance this letter will have something
to do with it. This is a note from some ladies who, like me, belong to a
charitable society," said Mrs. Martin. "The secretary has just written
me, asking if I can not think up some plan to raise money so some poor
orphan children may be sent to the country to board for a few weeks this
summer."

"Oh, can't we help the orphan children, as we helped the crippled
children once?" asked Teddy.

"Just what I was going to say," went on his mother. "You may take in
quite a few dollars giving your animal show, and I can think of no
better way of spending it than to give it to the orphans. Besides, if it
is known that the circus is for charity, many more people will come than
would otherwise. So do you Curlytops want to help the orphans?"

"Of course!" said Janet.

"Sure!" cried Teddy.

"Me help, too! What is it?" asked Trouble, coming up just then.