Harper's Young People, April 4, 1882 An Illustrated Weekly

In this spirited tale, two mischievous boys—Reddy, the red‑haired dreamer, and Toby, fresh from a brief escape to circus life—conspire to launch an amateur circus in their sleepy hometown. Their conversation crackles with humor as they debate the essentials: a tent, a troupe, and the practicalities of borrowing cows for transport. The story captures the earnest optimism and innocent scheming of late‑19th‑century rural youth.

Guided by the eccentric neighbor Bob Atwood, the boys sketch out a plan that blends imagination with the modest resources of a farmyard. Along the way they juggle errands, strawberry picking, and memories of a beloved pet monkey, adding warmth and a touch of melancholy to their adventure. Listeners are drawn into a world where simple ideas blossom into grand possibilities, all told with lively dialogue and gentle nostalgia.