Edith Francis Foster

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

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

J ack put on his jacket and went into the garden. Jimmy Crow went too. Jimmy Crow ate beetles and a caterpillar, and then perched on the lawn mower and watched Jack work.

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

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

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

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