“Well, my boy, all ready?” asked Mr. Hunter, as he welcomed Will.
“Yes, sir.”
“If we ride to the meeting place where the expedition is we will have to wait for a stage. It’s barely ten miles. What do you say to a walk?”
Will expressed himself eminently satisfied with this arrangement, and the two set out at a brisk gait.
Watertown was soon left behind them. The morning was clear and frosty, and as they trudged along Mr. Hunter entered into numerous details regarding the expedition.
Will found him one of the most entertaining talkers he had ever met. He told of all the practical operations of museum, menagerie and circus life, and revealed to his companion the fact that under the artificial glitter and tinsel of circus experience existed hard realities, of which securing the collection of animals was one.
The caravan bound for the expedition was reached shortly after noon. Mr. Hunter pointed it out to Will as they reached the edge of the town where he was to meet it.
Will Bertram was amazed to find that there were nearly twenty wagons and as many men.
Mr. Hunter noticed his surprise.
“Are you going to use all those wagons?” inquired Will.