scheme, while a vision of his Uncle Ezra came to him like the memory of a bad dream.
It was several days after this that Dick met Frank Bender on the street. Frank was attired in his "Sunday clothes" and seemed in a hurry.
"Where you going?" asked Dick.
"Circus."
"Where is it?"
"Over to Parkertown. They have some good acrobats in it, and I want to get a few points."
"I wonder why a circus never comes here," mused Dick, half to himself. "It's quite a trip to Parkertown."
"This place is too small," replied Frank. "They have to have a big crowd to make it pay. A circus will never come here."
"No, I s'pose not," answered Dick. "Well, I wish I was going, but I've got to go down to dad's bank. I've got a little business on hand."
"So long," called Frank. "I must hurry to catch the train."
"I wish they'd have a circus here some time," continued Dick, as he walked along. "Hamilton Corners is too quiet. It needs stirring up."
Just then he caught sight of a curious procession. It was composed of a number of boys and girls, mostly little tots, walking along the street, two by two, led by three matronly ladies.
"The orphan asylum out for an airing," commented Dick. "Poor little kids! Poor little kids!"
