“A dozen boys wish to form a string orchestra, and half of the boys here are already interested in the Brass Band. With all the other talent I have discovered, I should say we might give an excellent circus—lacking only the wild animals and freaks.”
“If I agree to supply the freaks and wild animals will you promise to produce a good circus troupe for a show?” asked Uncle Ben, seriously, yet his eyes twinkled humorously.
Miss Martin looked steadfastly at him for a few moments before she said: “Are you serious?”
“Certainly I am. Don’t you think the Little Citizens ought to give an entertainment to all the friends who have worked so hard to make this camp a success?”
“There is nothing they’d rather do, I’m sure, than to give a circus. It will be the natural outlet of much pent up energy,” laughed Miss Martin.
“Then let us have a circus, by all means. We’ll get Richards to make an announcement of it to all the people who are interested in this venture.”
So it was decided to experiment with the talent at camp, and see if there would be anything to work on in giving a huge circus to which all friends and acquaintances would be invited.
CHAPTER XII
THE CIRCUS AT HAPPY HILLS
“Mister Uncle Ben, ain’t che goin’ to ask no money fer our circus?” asked Joe Brennan, when he heard of the entertainment.
“Why no, Joe, this is to be a treat given by us to the people who did so much for Little Citizens. It will cost them a lot of money just to get here, as it is.”