At last he had reached the goal of his fondest wishes. Andy Wildwood had "joined the circus."
CHAPTER XVI
THE REGISTERED MAIL
Andy hurried back to the circus grounds the happiest boy on earth. He went straight to the clown's tent.
Billy Blow was making up for the morning parade. Dressed up as a way-back farmer, he was to drive a hay wagon, breaking into the procession here and there along the line of march. Finally, when he had created a sensation, he was to drop his disguise and emerge in his usual popular ring character.
While Billy was putting the finishing touches to his toilet he conversed with Andy, congratulating him on his success in getting a job with the show.
"Wait about half-an-hour till the parade gets off the grounds," he advised Andy. "Scripps, the manager, will be busy till then. You'll find him in the paper tent."
Andy knew what that was—the structure containing the programmes and general advertising and posting outfits of the show. He had noticed it earlier in the day. A wagon inside the tent, with steps and windows, comprised the manager's private office.
Little Midge was sitting up playing with some show children who had brought in a lot of toys. Andy went outside with Billy.
"See here," said the clown, as he hurried off to join the parade. "Tell
Scripps that you bunk with me. Any objection?"