VII.

The circus was coming! Jack wanted to go, but he had spent all his for and a .

hall I give you twenty-five cents now," asked as she took out her , "or will you earn it?" "I'll earn it, with my own ," said . "It's more fun to spend money you have worked for." "Then you may weed the and for me," said Mama.

ack put on his and went into the garden. Jimmy Crow went too. ate and a , and then perched on the and watched work.

hen the job was done Mama paid him his quarter. First he sat on the and spun the coin like a . Then he began to toss it up in the air, and catch it in his as it fell.

he second time he didn't catch it—but did, and flew off with it. ran after him, shouting, "Stop thief!" He chased him through the -bushes and across the -bed, to the orchard . There Jimmy sat till Jack came up, then he dropped the quarter into a between the stones. Jack heard it rattle down to the ground.

en had to work hard! He pulled away the till he could see it, between two big rocks, but couldn't get his in. So he took a and poked. At last, out rolled the quarter—and out hopped a ! Jack laughed, but was so surprised he flapped his and croaked.

ust then Bob came up. "Did your mother give you that?" he asked. "No," said , "I earned it, for the circus—and made me earn it over again!"

JIMMY'S CIRCUS.