"Look here, Wildwood," said Marco kindly, aris-



FACING THE ENEMY 171

ing' after a reflective pause, " you think this thing
over. You're a pretty smart young fellow, and you'll
disappoint me a good deal if you don't find some way
out of this dilemma."

Andy shook his head doubtfully. He sat dejected
and crestfallen for a full hour. Then he left the cir-
cus grounds, evading friends and acquaintances pur-
posely. He went away from the town, reached mea-
dows and woods, and finally threw himself down un-
der a great sheltering tree.
Andy thought hard. There was certainly a check
to his show career unless he secured the sanction and
cooperation of his aunt.
Judging from existing circumstances, Andy utterly
despaired of moving his unlovable, stubborn-minded
relative towards any action that would favor him.
Especially was this true after he had defied her au-
thority and run away from home.
" If Mr. Harding's circus won't take me without
this restriction, why should any other show ? " mused
Andy. " Oh, dear ! Just as things looked so bright
and hopeful, to have this happen — "

The boy gulped, trying hard to keep back the tears
of vexation and disappointment. Then he became in-
dignant. He got actually mad as he decided that he
was a victim of rank injustice.
He arose under the spur of violent varied emo-
tions, pacing the spot excitedly, wrestling with the
problem that threatened to destroy all his fond youth-
ful ambitions.
I7J ANDY THE ACROBAT

Gradually his mind deared. Graduallyy too, a bet-
ter balance came to his thoughts. He went logically
and seriously over the situation.
Daylight was just going as Andy arrived at a
heroic decision.
" There's only one way," he said slowly and firmly.
