Now the Brownies were so engrossed in their troubles that they had failed to observe a circus man walking toward them. Seeing Connie, he exclaimed in a hearty voice:
“Well, well, if here isn’t my little friend! Going the wrong direction, aren’t you? The big tent is the other way.”
Connie and the other Brownies turned quickly. The man who had addressed them in such a friendly way was Mr. Carsdale.
“Oh, hello, Mr. Animal Trainer,” Connie greeted him.
“You’ll be late for the circus unless you hustle into the big top,” warned the man. “The show’s starting now.”
“We can’t see it,” said Connie, and she explained how Miss Gordon’s billfold had been taken by the pickpocket.
“My wrist watch also,” added the Brownie leader.
Mr. Carsdale gazed from one girl to another as he heard the story. Without being told, he knew the Brownies were bitterly disappointed and trying to hide it.
“This will never do,” he said. “You really want to see the circus?”
“Oh, yes!” agreed the Brownies, scarcely daring to hope.