LAST AND WORST, 75

are out of sight, make the best of our way to the village.
One of us must try to keep an eye to the time, and just
before four we must leave; and if we are fifteen minutes
too late, Mr. Harding will think we did not know the
hour, or that we wandered farther than we intended.”

“Well, that is what we will conclude upon,” said
Dick. “How many of us are there? Bob Newton
joins us at the tent. He is to buy our tickets and have
all ready, so that there will be no delay. Why, Maurice,
I did not observe you were here, I did not mean you
should know our secret, as I thought there would be
no use in inviting you ; you are so fearful of disobey-
ing Mr. Harding. Come, now, do be somebody for
once! Join our party, and see the most delightful circus
in the world.”

“You must, Maurice,” said Bob Newton, “as you
have overheard the whole plan, you cannot help it.
You are so fond of horses, and ride so well yourself,
you will enjoy it; and you may learn something useful
too in the way of managing a horse—eh !” |

“Oh, say nothing more to me about it,” answered
Maurice. “You all know very well that I will. not
join you; but I fear you will all get into trouble, so
you had better give it up. I am sure the pleasant
entertainment Mr. Harding gives us on Wednesday
ought to be sufficient amusement for us; and suppose
yon were detained, or did not know the hour, how
mortified you would all feel to be discovered at such a