Chapter VII

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

"Shall 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.

Jack 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.

When 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 [cap] as it fell.

The 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.

Then [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.

Just 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]

[JIMMY'S CIRCUS.]

JIMMY CROW.