Chapter 6 GETTING READY FOR CAMPING OUT
Dick and Julian were most interested to hear about Tinker and the Travelling Circus - and the old, olddocument.
'You made a bit of a fool of yourself,' said Julian, looking at Tinker. 'Still, there's no harm done,apparently. I vote we go and see where we can put up our tents. Personally, I shall be thrilled to see abit of circus life so close to me! I wonder how they'll manage to put on a show. I suppose they'veeverything with them, and can put up a circus ring and a marquee and anything else necessary.'
'There are a lot of big vans,' said Anne. 'I went down to have a look about half an hour ago. The fieldis almost full now, except for one corner near our hedge that I suppose they have left for our tents.'
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'I saw the posters about the circus as we cycled back,' said Dick. 'Dead-Shot Dick - Chimpanzee thatplays Cricket - the Boneless Man - Madelon and her Beautiful Horses - Monty and Winks² the clowns- the Dancing Donkey - Mr. Wooh, the Wonder Wizard - gosh, it sounded quite a circus. I'm glad wecan camp in the same field - we shall really see behind the scenes, then.'
'Don't forget there was Charlie the Chimp¹, and the Bonzo Band,' said Julian. 'What fun if the chimpgot loose and peeped in at the kitchen window!'
'It wouldn't be at all funny,' said Anne. 'Jenny would run for miles! So would Tinker's monkey!'
'What about putting up our own tents after tea?' said Dick. 'The carrier said he'd have them here bytea-time. It's hotter than ever today. I don't feel I can do much at the moment. I just want to laze.'
'Woof,' said Timmy, who was lying down with his head on his paws, panting.
'You feel the same, old chap, don't you?' said Julian, poking³ him with his toe. 'You're tired out withyour long run to Kirrin and back again, aren't you?'
'The roads were so dusty!' said Dick. 'He kept sneezing whenever a car passed us, because the dustgot up his nose. Poor old Tim. You really are tired out with that long, long run!'
'Woof!' said Tim, suddenly sitting up straight and pawing vigorously at George. Everyone laughed.
'He says he's not at all tired, he wants a walk,' chuckled⁴ Dick.
'Well, if he's not tired, I am,' said Julian. 'It really was a job sorting out all our things at Kirrin -and cycling there and back. No, Timmy - I am NOT going to take you for a walk!'
Timmy

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