Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/172

 alighted at the small town where the circus had its winter quarters.

Mr. Williams was at the station to meet the boy, and he greeted him with almost a father's affection.

"Well, Freckles, my son," said the old circus man, "I am mighty glad to see you. You are certainly looking fit. It was a close call you had, but both you and Sir Wilton came out all right. How is the little horse?"

"Oh, he's just fine! He gets brighter and brighter every day. I have been teaching him some new tricks. I am going to surprise you when we show again."

Mr. Williams led the way to the circus headquarters, where everybody was already settling down to the winter task of repairing the damage and wear of the season just passed. Some would go home or seek other jobs, but many would stay all winter. The girls and women, under the direction of the circus mother, would repair the costumes and trappings and at-