Ralph explained that Kit had practiced acrobatic feats extensively at the gymnasium connected with the school.
"Did he ever talk of going off with a circus?" asked Mr. Watson.
"Never, though he enjoyed the exercise."
"I went after him and tried to get him back," said Mr. Bickford, "but he gave me the slip."
"He's done a very foolish and crazy thing. He can't get more than three or four dollars a week from the circus, and in the fall he'll be out of a job."
"Just as you say, sir. He'd have a good payin' trade if he stayed with me. What do you think it is best to do about it, Mr. Watson?"
"I shall do nothing. If the boy chooses to make a fool of himself, he may try it. Next fall, and possibly before, he'll be coming back in rags, and beg me to take him back."
"I hope you won't take him back," said Ralph, who was jealous of Kit.
"I shall not consider myself bound to do so, but if he consents to obey me, and learn a trade of Mr. Bickford, I will fit him, up and enable him to do so—out of charity, and because he is my nephew."
"Then you don't mean to do anything about it, sir?" asked Aaron Bickford, considerably disappointed, for he longed to get Kit into his power once more.