`` The fellows are having a circus out in the barn ; do n't you want to come and see it ? '' he asked , as they came down the wide steps on to the lawn . `` Are they big fellows ? '' said Dan . `` No ; the big ones are gone fishing . '' `` Fire away , then , '' said Dan . Nat led him to the great barn and introduced him to his set , who were disporting themselves among the half-empty lofts . A large circle was marked out with hay on the wide floor , and in the middle stood Demi with a long whip , while Tommy , mounted on the much-enduring Toby , pranced about the circle playing being a monkey . `` You must pay a pin apiece , or you ca n't see the show , '' said Stuffy , who stood by the wheelbarrow in which sat the band , consisting of a pocket-comb blown upon by Ned , and a toy drum beaten spasmodically by Rob . `` He 's company , so I 'll pay for both , '' said Nat , handsomely , as he stuck two crooked pins in the dried mushroom which served as money-box . With a nod to the company they seated themselves on a couple of boards , and the performance went on . After the monkey act , Ned gave them a fine specimen of his agility by jumping over an old chair , and running up and down ladders , sailor fashion . Then Demi danced a jig with a gravity beautiful to behold . Nat was called upon to wrestle with Stuffy , and speedily laid that stout youth upon the ground . After this , Tommy proudly advanced to turn a somersault , an accomplishment which he had acquired by painful perseverance , practising in private till every joint of his little frame was black and blue . His feats were received with great applause , and he was about to retire , flushed with pride and a rush of blood to the head , when a scornful voice in the audience was heard to say , `` Ho ! that ai n't any thing ! '' `` Say that again , will you ? '' and Tommy bristled up like an angry turkey-cock . `` Do you want to fight ? ''
XXXXX Dan , promptly descending from the barrel and doubling up his fists in a business-like manner .
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