While he was thus engaged, heeding nothing which passed around
him, he was startled by a cheery voice which cried: "Halloo! down
in the dumps again? What is the matter now, my bold equestrian?"
Looking up, he saw Ben standing before him, and he wiped his eyes
hastily, for here was another from whom he must part and to whom
a goodby must be spoken.
Looking around to make sure that no one was within hearing, he went
up very close to the old driver and said, in almost a whisper: "I
was feelin' bad 'cause I just come from Mr. and Mrs. Treat, an'
I've been sayin' goodby to them. I'm goin' to run away tonight."
Ben looked at him for a moment, as if he doubted whether the boy
knew exactly what he was talking about, and then said, "So you
still want to go home, do you?"
"Oh yes, Ben, so much," was the reply, in a tone which expressed
how dear to him was the thought of being in his old home once more.
"All right, my boy; I won't say one word ag'in' it, though it do
seem too bad, after you've turned out to be such a good rider,"
said the old man, thoughtfully. "It's better for you, I know; for
a circus hain't no place for a boy, even if he wants to stay, an'
I can't say but I'm glad you're still determined to go."
Toby felt relieved at the tone of this leave taking. He had feared
that Old Ben, who thought a circus rider was almost on the topmost
round of fortune's ladder, would have urged him to stay, since he
had made his debut in the ring, and he was almost afraid that he
might take some steps to prevent his going.
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