"
"Avoid it, pass not by it." Oh yes, Tip knew; he heard the voice, yet on
he went; beginning to walk swiftly, only saying in answer, "I ain't going
in; I couldn't if I wanted to; and I don't want to."
By and by he came within sight of the tents and within sound of the
music, which, to his untaught ears, was wonderfully beautiful; came up
even to the very door of the large tent, bewitched to go just a step
nearer, though he didn't mean to go in, not he.
Yes, the people were crowding in. Mr. Douglass stood by the door. Tip
knew him very well; that is, he knew he lived in a large house and had
plenty of money; and he knew, when the men were trying to raise any
money, some one was sure to say, "Go to Mr. Douglass; he's always
ready to give."
Everybody liked Mr. Douglass. He turned around now from looking down the
road, and looked down at Tip.
"Well, Tip," he said, "going to the circus?"
Tip shook his head.
"What's the matter?--no money? Pity to get so near and not go in;
isn't it, pet?"
This last to the dainty little girl whose hand he held.
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