There was much wailing
when Willie passed the tag to little Jennie, the smallest girl in
the crowd.
"I won't play no more," she sobbed; " 'cause I's always it."
To comfort her, Polly began to sing an old circus song that the
children had learned to love; and the little ones huddled about
her in a circle to hear of the wonderful "Van Amberg" who used to
"walk right into the lion's cage and put his head in the lion's
mouth." The children were in a state of nerves that did credit
to Polly as an entertainer, when Hasty broke in upon the song.
"When you get a minute I want ter tell yer somethin'."
"I have one right now." And turning to the eager mites at her
side, Polly told them to run along into the grove, and that she'd
come pretty soon to teach them a new game.
The youngsters went screaming and laughing on their way, and she
breathed a sigh of relief as she threw herself down on the rustic
seat that encircled the elm tree.
"What is it, Hasty?" she asked, suspecting that he was in trouble
with Mandy.
"It's 'bout de circus," Hasty informed her bluntly.
"The circus?" She rose and crossed to him quickly.
"It's in Wakefield--en' nex' month it's a-comin' here."
"Here?" Polly gasped.
"I thought you'd want ter know," said Hasty, little surprised at
her lack of enthusiasm.
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