"How did it happen?" asked Joe.
"Oh, I had an accident riding this machine. I wish I'd never bought it. I could use the money now to good advantage."
"That's too bad," said Joe, sympathetically.
"I wonder if there's any chance to get on here," went on Babson. "I could help in an animal act—I know something about the cats."
"You might try," Joe said. "I saw Jim Tracy around a while ago."
"What are you doing?" Babson asked. "Same trapeze work?"
"Oh, no; I've got a new act—Turton's tank. He gave out, you know. Come on in and watch. It makes quite a hit. I've put in a lot of new stuff, and I'm thinking of adding more." Then, in a sudden burst of confidence, Joe told about the seal, though it was the first time he had mentioned his new idea to any one.
"I'm going to see about it now, as soon as I finish," Joe said. "Getting back from Elmwood is all that bothers me, though. The train connections are pretty close. I was just going to see about hiring an auto. Know where I can get one in this town?"
"What do you want with an auto when I have my little jitney?" asked Babson, indicating the motor-cycle. "She's a good machine, but I haven't cleaned her lately. She'll carry double, too. Hop up behind me and I'll have you at Elmwood in no time. I'll bring you back, too, though I won't promise to carry the seal. Time is no object to me—now," and he laughed rather grimly.
"Say, I believe I'll take you up," Joe said. "That is, if you'll allow me to pay you as I would have to pay a chauffeur."