Victor immediately launched forth into a vivid description of their experiences with the circus. He had a great deal to say, but the boys did not stand still while listening to it. Each was too anxious to see David Brandon in his new and astonishing rôle. They rapidly crossed the street, then made as straight a line as booths, stands and people would permit toward the entrance to the show.
All the sights and sounds peculiar to circuses were on every side. Their thoughts, however, were centered upon the boy with the red coat and tasseled cap who seemed to be talking as easily and naturally as though merely reciting in school.
In the midst of an impassioned argument Dave caught sight of his friends. He waved his arm, but that was all he could do in the way of greeting.
The end of Victor’s story fell on inattentive ears.
Tom felt his heart swell with pride—pride that Dave—their Dave—had again shown his versatility. Forgetting diffidence, he yelled:
“You didn’t know our automobile passed you on the road last night, eh, Dave?”
And a moment after these words were spoken he observed a small, thin man, who had been staring toward them, start forward. He also noticed, as the man approached, that he was scowling angrily.
“Say, boys,” he exclaimed, in a voice which the Ramblers had heard on the night before, “so it was your car that passed us on the road, eh? Well, I’ve got a word to say!”
CHAPTER XXII
DAVE RESIGNS
Mr. Peter Whiffin, straining his neck in an effort to look squarely into Tom Clifton’s eyes, also waved his finger threateningly in the air.