BY JAMES OTIS,
Author of "Toby Tyler," "Tim and Tip," etc.
Chapter VIII.
THE DINNER PARTY.
But the time was passing rapidly, and as there were many persons outside waiting for an opportunity to pay their money to see the various attractions of the show, Mrs. Treat gave the signal for the snake-charmer to begin. The entertainment, the skeleton explained, was given as a mark of respect to their friend Toby Tyler.
This private exhibition lasted about fifteen minutes; and when, at its close, the doors were thrown open to the public, the boys were not at all anxious to leave.
"Let them stay as long as they want to, Toby," said the skeleton, indulgently.
The boys were only too glad to avail themselves of this permission, and Toby said to Abner:
"I want to see if I can find Ella, an' you stay here till I come back."
"I'll keep him right here by me," said Mrs. Treat, "and he'll he safe enough."