"It'll be just as heavy for you as for me."
"Never mind! He isn't after me."
"Well, if you don't mind carrying it a little while."
The advantage of the change was soon apparent. Kit increased his speed, and William, whose arms were not tired, was not materially retarded by his burden.
"If I had no valise I would climb a tree," said Kit, while running. "I don't believe Mr. Bickford is good at climbing."
"We haven't got far to go to reach the circus tents," returned William.
But though the boys held out well, Aaron Bickford gradually gained upon them. Many years at the anvil had given him plenty of wind and endurance. Besides, he was entirely fresh, not having taken a long walk already, as the boys had done.
"You'd better give up!" he cried out, in the tone of one who was sure of victory. "It takes more than a boy like you to get the best of Aaron Bickford."
It did indeed seem as if the boys must surrender. Within a few rods Bickford would be even with them.
Kit came to a sudden determination.