"Now, then," said Mrs. Pepper, "as it is quiet enough so I can
think, I'll hear the story. Ben, you may begin."

"Oh, let me--let me, Mamsie," begged Joel. "You said I might,
'cause I'm the oldest."

"That was because it was between you and David to tell it, and
you didn't take the chance," said Mother Pepper, coolly. "Now
Ben must do it."

"Why, there's a big yellow paper down to the store," began Ben,
slowly, and trying to make it as short as possible, "and--"

"It's got pictures of all the horses," interrupted Joel,
springing up from his seat, his black eyes dancing, "and--"

"Joel, sit down," said Mrs. Pepper, sternly, "and don't
interrupt. Go on, Ben."

Joel dropped, as if shot, back into his chair.

"And it's comin' to Hillsbury next week Wednesday," went on Ben,
unwillingly, "and that's all, Mamsie. Only Joe and David
shouldn't a-told."

"Tisn't all," declared Polly, defiantly, with very red cheeks;
"we must go! We've never seen a circus, and now it's goin' to be
in Hillsbury, we _must_ go!" She seemed unable to stop herself. Ben
stared at her in amazement.