"Tell it, Wildwood," spoke Marco. "We will be
glad to listen."

" Yes, indeed," assented Stella Starr. " I am inter-
ested in you, Andy. You have been of great service
to us. Let us help you, if we can."

Andy told his story. Stella Starr laughed merrily
at his mild escapades. Marco's big eyes opened
widely as Andy made plain the fact that he was a very
fair amateur acrobat.
" Why, the kid is up to the trained average, if he
can do all those things," he declared.
Stella Starr studied Andy silently for a few min-
utes. Then she said:

" Andy, I believe you are a good, truthful boy. I
am sorry for you. You deserve a better home. I
don't believe you will ever have it with your aunt."



A WARM RECEPTION 55



"Half-aunt," muttered Marco.
" I do not consider you owe her any particular duty.
You are not happy with her ? "

*' No, ma'am, never," said Andy.
" And I believe you would be happy with us."

" Yes, I would," said Andy, with emotion. " I love
the life here."

" Very well, go back to Fairview just as you have
planned. Arrange your affairs just as a clear con-
science dictates to you. If fate leads you back here,
come to me directly. I will speak to the manager and
ask him to take you on with the show."

Tears of longing and gratefulness came to Andy's
eyes. He could not stop them.
