, Joe
had gotten a number of free admission tickets from the press agent, who
was always well supplied with them. Willie's eyes glistened as he took
the slip of pasteboard.

"Geewillikens!" he exclaimed. "Say, you're all right, Joe! I'm going
to the circus! I wish I could run away and join one."

"Don't you dare try it!" Joe warned him. "You're too small."

He went on, meeting many former acquaintances, who turned to stare at
the boy whose story had created such a stir in the town. Joe was
looked upon by some as a hero, and by others as a "lost sheep." It is
needless to say that Deacon Blackford was one who held the latter
opinion.

Joe called on his former foster-father, but did not find him at the
house. Mrs. Blackford was in, however, and was greatly surprised to
see Joe. She welcomed and kissed him, and there were traces of tears
in her eyes.

"Oh, Joe!" she exclaimed. "I am so sorry you left us, but perhaps it
was all for the best, for you must live your own life, I suppose. I
never really believed you took the money," she added, referring to an
incident which was related in the book previous to this.

"I'm glad to hear that," Joe said. "I want to thank you for all your
care of me. I didn't like to run away, but it seemed the only thing to
do. And, as you say, I think it has turned out for the best. The
circus life appeals to me, and I'm getting on in the business."

Mrs. Blackford was really glad to see Joe. She had a real liking for
him, in spite of the fact that she had a poor opinion of circus folk
and magicians, and she did not believe all the deacon believed of Joe.
She could not forget the days when, while he was a little lad, she had
often sung him to sleep. But these days were over now.

Joe found the deacon at the feed store. The lad's former foster-father
was not very cordial in his greeting, and, in fact, seemed rather
embarrassed than otherwise. Perhaps he regretted his accusation
against our hero.

"Would you like to see the circus?" Joe inquired, as he was leaving the
office. "I have some free tickets and----"

"What! Me go to a circus?" cried the deacon, with upraised hands.
"Never! Never! Circuses and theatres are the invention of the Evil
One. I am surprised at your asking me!"

Joe did it for a joke, more than for anything else, as he knew the
deacon would not take a ticket. Bidding him good-bye, Joe went out to
find his former chums.

They, as may well be