"Desperately. I'd be almost tempted to sell a half-interest in the chicken for a good square meal."
"You shall have one without any such sacrifice," declared Andy. "Come along."
They found the clown's tent empty.
"Billy Blow is probably giving Midget an airing," said Andy, half to himself.
"Who's Billy Blow?" inquired Luke.
"The clown."
"Do you know a real live clown? Say, that's great!" said Luke. "Must keep a fellow laughing all the time."
"I thought so until yesterday," answered Andy. "But no—they have their troubles, like other people. This poor, sorrowful fellow has his fill of it. He don't do much laughing outside of the ring, I can tell you. There, we'll enjoy the cook's gift together."
Andy drew up the bench and handed Luke fully three-quarters of the toothsome dainty. It pleased him to see the half-famished boy enjoy the feast. Luke poked a good-sized piece of the sake under the cage cover. There was a gladsome cluck.
"Two of us happy," announced Luke, with a smile that won Andy's heart.