But once the circus-ground was reached, Joel found his tongue. He sprang out the first, and a volley of questions were fired, sometimes to the Peppers, and just as often as not, into the air. It made no difference, for Joel couldn’t wait to get the answers.
Mother Pepper kept her brood together, and waited while Simmons carried out the instructions of Miss Parrott, and bought the tickets, and got the big lunch-basket down. Then he considered his duties were all done, until after the performance he should pick the party up for the return trip.
“I’m going to carry the things to eat,” cried Joel, tugging at the big basket as it was set on the ground.
“You let that basket alone, Joe,” commanded Ben.
Joel dropped the handle as if it were hot, then he whirled around to make a bee-line for the string of red carts where the animals had been.
“See here,” Ben gave a dash, seized him and brought him back. “You stay here with us.”
“Now, children,” Mother Pepper smiled on the eager-eyed group, “there are two things to remember—we must all keep together, and we mustn’t crowd nor push other people.”
“I’m going to see things,” began Joel.
“We can see a great deal more if we don’t push,” said Mamsie, “and we can enjoy it better.”
“I’ll take care of Joel,” said Ben, his fingers holding the small calico sleeve, “so you won’t have to look out for him, Mamsie.”