Ben spoke very decidedly, and, taking Billy’s arm, away they went, leaving poor Bab and Sanch to watch them out of sight, one sobbing, the other whining dismally.

Somehow those two figures seemed to go before Ben all along the pleasant road, and half spoilt his fun, for though he laughed and talked, cut canes, and seemed as merry as a grig, he could not help feeling that he ought to have asked leave to go, and been kinder to Bab.

“Perhaps Mrs. Moss would have planned somehow so we could all go, if I’d told her.  I’d like to show her round, and she’s been real good to me.  No use now.  I’ll take the girls a lot of candy and make it all right.”

He tried to settle it in that way and trudged gayly on, hoping Sancho wouldn’t feel hurt at being left, wondering if any of “Smither’s lot” would be round, and planning to do the honors handsomely to the boys.

It was very warm, and just outside of the town they passed by a wayside watering-trough to wash their dusty faces and cool off before plunging into the excitements of the afternoon.  As they stood refreshing themselves, a baker’s cart came jingling by, and Sam proposed a hasty lunch while they rested.  A supply of gingerbread was soon bought, and, climbing the green bank above, they lay on the grass under a wild cherry-tree, munching luxuriously while they feasted their eyes at the same time on the splendors awaiting them, for the great tent, with all its flags flying, was visible from the hill.

[Illustration:  “THERE STOOD BAB WAITING FOR SANCHO TO LAP HIS FILL OUT OF THE OVERFLOWING TROUGH.”]

“We’ll cut across those fields,—­it’s shorter than going by the road,—­and then we can look round outside till it’s time to go in.  I want to have a good go at everything, especially the lions,” said Sam, beginning on his last cookie.

“I heard ’em roar just now;” and Billy stood up to gaze with big eyes at the flapping canvas which hid the king of beasts from his longing sight.

“That was a cow mooing.  Don’t you be a donkey, Bill.  When you hear a real roar, you’ll shake in your boots,” said Ben, holding up his handkerchief to dry after it had done double duty as towel and napkin.

“I wish you’d hurry up, Sam.  Folks are going in now.  I see ’em;” and Billy pranced with impatience for this was his first circus, and he firmly believed that he was going to behold all that the pictures promised.

“Hold on a minute while I get one more drink.  Buns are dry fodder,” said Sam, rolling over to the edge of the bank and preparing to descend with as little trouble as possible.

He nearly went down head first, however, for, as he looked before he leaped, he beheld a sight which caused him to stare with all his might for an instant, then turn and beckon, saying in an eager whisper:  “Look here, boys—­quick!”

Ben and Billy peered over, and both suppressed an astonished “Hullo!” for there stood Bab waiting for Sancho to lap his fill out of the overflowing trough.