Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/78

 So the three started on the run for the grounds.

To their great surprise, when they reached the lot, the dining-tent was already up, as well as the restaurant and the barber's tent, complete even to its painted pole.

"You see, the dining-tent goes up first; they call it a top," explained Pickles, drawing upon his superior knowledge. "These circus fellers can eat like Annie Conda, my uncle says."

His companions did not know what sort of young lady Annie Conda might be, but they did not dare display their ignorance by asking questions.

"See that guy with the steel tape, measuring and driving down small stakes. He is laying out one of the big tops. I guess it is the menagerie tent. Pretty soon the stake-and-chain wagon will come along. There it is."

Hundreds of feet of large rope and countless stakes were soon tumbled out on