CHAPTER XXII.
ROBERT RUDD LEAVES THE CIRCUS.
A week passed, and Robert Rudd was still the guest of Dr. Grey. The circus had left town, and so the boy-rider was separated from his professional companions. Though he was not as much attached to circus life as some, it was his means of making a livelihood, and had been for some years, and yielded him a considerably larger income than a boy of his age was likely to earn in any other way. Now, it imparts a pleasant feeling of independence to earn one's living, and the pleasure is heightened when not only a living is earned, but there is a chance to lay up money besides.
When Robert was apprised of the approaching departure of the circus he went to Dr. Grey.
"Dr. Grey," he said, "don't you think it will be safe for me to go back to the circus?"
"Yes; it will be safe to go back to it, but not to ride."
"How soon can I ride, do you think?"
"Your ankle will be weak for some time to come; not too weak for ordinary exercise, but not strong enough for bareback riding."