"Do you consider circus performers fit company for you?" asked Ronald, superciliously.
"Yes, if they behave themselves like gentlemen; and these two look as well bred as we are."
"Of course they do," said Frank Perry. "Let us have them here."
This seemed to be the general wish, and Ronald's protest went for nothing.
Sidney Grey left the group of boys and walked towards where Robert and Charlie were standing. He was a slender boy with a frank, pleasant face which prepossessed a stranger in his favor at first sight.
"Won't you join us?" he asked. "We are practising for the picnic next Saturday. There are to be some prizes offered for running, vaulting, and so on."
"Thank you," answered Robert. "I will join you with pleasure."
"So will I," said Charlie, "but I am afraid I might beat you all in jumping."
"We will take the risk," said Sydney, smiling.
"We are just going to have some leaping, and will give you a chance. Perhaps it is lucky you won't be at the picnic."
Sidney returned to his friends, followed by the two circus boys.
The trial about to commence was a standing jump. The two rivals for superiority were Sidney and Ronald. They were of about the same size, and seemed, so far as appearance went, very well matched. Probably there was nothing, save his family and position, of which Ronald was more proud than of his jumping, and he looked forward complacently to the trial which was now about to take place.
"Will you try first?" asked Sidney of Robert.
"Won't you?" he next asked of Charlie Davis.
"I don't mind," answered Charlie, readily.
Charlie was small of his age, and was not likely to be a very formidable competitor. He made a jump which proved to be a little less than five feet, and was not bad for a boy of his size who was not accustomed to this kind of exercise.
"There, boys, beat that if you can," he said, of course in fun.
It is unnecessary to chronicle each jump. Sidney Grey came up at last and jumped six feet and three inches.
"Very well, Sidney," said one of his friends. "I don't believe that will be beat."
"I do," said Ronald, emphatically. "I haven't tried yet."
"Take your turn, then," said Sidney, good-naturedly. "I shouldn't be surprised if you beat me."
Ronald appeared to be of the same opinion, and it turned out that his expectations were fulfilled. He gathered himself up for a tremendous effort, and cleared six feet four inches.