"You remember the chicken?"
"That walked backwards. I'll never forget it."
"Well, sir," asserted Luke, "it took. When we left you, we struck a brisk show. Big business and the chicken a winner from the start. Another side showman offered me a big salary, and my boss got worried. He agreed to pay me ten per cent gross receipts for Bolivar. I knew he had a brother who was chief animal trainer with the Big Show. I took him up on condition that he got me a place there. He wrote to his brother, and I'm his assistant. On my way to Baltimore now. The show is on its way through Delaware."
"Wait here a minute," spoke Andy, and he went back to his friends.
Andy told them of meeting Luke, and the whereabouts of the Big Show. Just then the conductor came into the car, and they had to make a rapid decision.
"Let us get to Baltimore, anyway," suggested the clown. "It's nearer home—and my wife."
Andy paid their fares. Miss Starr briefly told the conductor of their mishaps at Lacon. Her eloquent, sympathetic eyes won Midget a free ride.
Andy got pillows for his three friends, and some coffee and pie from the adjoining buffet car.
He saw them comfortably disposed of for the night; and then went back to
Luke.
They sat down close together, two pleased, jolly friends. Andy interested Luke immensely by reciting his vivid experiences since they had parted.