“What do you mean, ‘get in’?” demanded one of the boys. “We’re already in.”
“No,” denied Connie firmly. “You have to pay. We’re trying to raise money for a Brownie camping trip.”
“We’ll not go on with the circus unless you pay five cents,” said Veve, walking over to the fence.
“Listen to the little girl prattle!” jeered the boy. “She calls this a circus! Just look at those mangy cats in boxes!”
“You’re trying to break up our circus!” Veve accused angrily. “Go away or we’ll call a policeman!”
“She’ll call a policeman,” mimicked one of the boys. “There isn’t one within ten blocks.”
“Oh, yes, there is,” cried Connie suddenly. “And he’s coming straight here now!”
At that moment she had caught sight of Captain James Bartley, who was walking toward the Williams’ yard. Now the older boys did not know that Connie had invited the police officer to see the circus. Instead, they thought he might be after them.
“Jiggers! Let’s get out of here!” called the leader of the boys, sliding down from the fence.
With his companions, he ran away as fast as his legs would carry him.