“All the same,” answered Tom, “it’s a lie, that picture.”
“As far as I can see,” responded Bob sadly, “circus posters are most all lies. I guess if they just showed what there really was to see no one would go.”
“Sure,” said Nelson. “Besides, they’re mighty interesting lies. I suppose a circus man’s got as much right to tell lies in his pictures as authors have to write them in books.”
“It isn’t the same,” objected Tom. “Authors don’t tell lies to get your money out of you, and circuses do.”
“No; authors get your money first,” laughed Bob.
“Besides,” Tom continued, “that poster says fifty feet, and Jerry says it’s only thirty.”
“Poetic license again, Tommy,” said Nelson soothingly.
“It isn’t right, though,” was the stubborn response.
“Well, don’t you care, old chap; it isn’t your fault.”
“Hunger is driving Tommy into a frightful condition of pessimism,” said Bob.
“Wish I had a fried egg,” said Tom gloomily.
“Yes, all kind of golden on top and brownish around the edges,” supplemented Bob with a grin.
“Oh, cut it out,” sighed Nelson. “You’re making me have spasms inside. I suppose we might go and stand around the cook until he offered us something to eat to get rid of us, but it would be pretty low down.”
“Couldn’t be any lower down than I feel right now,” said Tom.
“Oh, I guess Dan’ll get the money this time,” said Bob hopefully.
They found a comfortable place in the sun and stretched themselves out to wait. Nelson said he was going to try to go to sleep and forget it. But he didn’t succeed. It was long past noon when Barry pounced on them and heralded Dan’s approach. They sat up quickly and looked the question none dared to ask. Dan shook his head smilingly. Tom rolled over on the grass and muttered. Even Bob lost his temper for an instant.
“You needn’t look so thundering pleased about it,” he growled.
Dan laughed and tossed something at him. Bob snatched it up. It was a two-dollar bill.
“I didn’t,” answered Dan. “The money hasn’t come, nor any message either. But there’s enough for dinner.”
“You needn’t ask where it came from,” said Dan, “because I’m not going to tell you. But I got it honestly, and all you’ve got to do now is to find something to eat.”
“It sounds good to me,” said Nelson, jumping up. Bob and Tom joined him, eying Dan curiously.