"
"I wish it wasn't for Uncle Dan'l an' the rest of the folks at home,
an' there wasn't any such men as Mr. Lord an' Mr. Castle, an' then
I don't know but I might want to stay with the circus, 'cause I
like you awful much."
And as he spoke Toby's heart grew very tender toward the only girl
friend he had ever known.
By this time they had reached the door of the tent, and as they
stepped outside one of the drivers told them that Mr. Treat and
his wife were very anxious to see both of them in their tent.
"I don't believe I can go," said Toby, doubtfully, as he glanced
toward the booth, where Mr. Lord was busy in attending to customers,
and evidently waiting for Toby to relieve him, so that he could go
to his dinner; "I don't believe Mr. Lord will let me."
"Go and ask him," said Ella, eagerly. "We won't be gone but a
minute."
Toby approached his employer with fear and trembling. He had never
before asked leave to be away from his work, even for a moment, and
be had no doubt but that his request would be refused with blows.
"Mr. Treat wants me to come in his tent for a minute. Can I go?"
he asked, in a timid voice, and in such a low tone as to render it
almost inaudible.
Mr. Lord looked at him for an instant, and Toby was sure that he was
making up his mind whether to kick him or catch him by the collar
and use the rubber cane on him.
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