“I sure hate to disappoint a kiddie,” he said. “Especially seven of ’em. Tell you what I’ll do, Miss. You leave your wrist watch here as security, and I’ll let you have the tickets.”
“But I have no watch either!” gasped Miss Gordon, gazing down at her left wrist. “That pickpocket must have taken it too.”
The Brownies were dismayed to learn that their leader’s watch also had been stolen. They knew Miss Gordon needed it every day in her work as teacher of the fourth grade. Her salary was not so large that she could afford to buy a new wrist watch and make up the Brownie camp money.
Upon hearing that Miss Gordon did not have a watch, the ticket seller appeared to lose patience.
“I’m afraid you’re out of luck, Miss,” he said. “A rule is a rule. We can’t take your check.”
Miss Gordon and the Brownies were compelled to move away from the ticket booth. From inside the big tent the band had struck up another tune.
“The show’s starting,” said Veve. “And we won’t see any of it.” A tear splashed down her cheek.
“I’m as sorry as I can be,” said Miss Gordon. “I might return home for more money, but the circus would be nearly over before I could get back.”
“It doesn’t matter,” declared Connie bravely. “Brownies have to learn to take disappointments.”
“You’re all being splendid about it,” said Miss Gordon. “But this is a bitter disappointment, I know. For all of us.”