"What is it?" demanded Freddie, toddling up just then. "Is there going to be a fire? Can I squirt with my engine?"
"Always thinking of that, little fat fireman!" laughed his father.
"No, it isn't a fire, Freddie."
"It's a circus coming!" cried Bert "Can't you take us, father?"
"I'm afraid not, son," he said. "I have just had a letter calling me back to Lakeport on business."
"Oh!" cried Nan and Bert in a chorus.
"Do we have to go back to the city, too?" asked Bert, after a pause.
"No, I am going to let you and mamma stay here," said Mr. Bobbsey, "but I have to go. I'll come back, of course, but not in time to take you to the circus, I'm afraid."
"Mamma can take us," said Freddie.
"Hardly," said Mrs. Bobbsey with a smile. "I want papa along when I have four children to take to a circus."
"My father will take us," said Harry. "He always goes to a circus when one comes around here."