Merry Go Round Puzzle

While enjoying a giddy ride at the carousel Sammy propounded a puzzle which reflects much credit to his mental abilities.

"One third of the number of kids riding ahead of me, added to three-quarter of those riding behind me gives the correct number of children on this Merry-Go-Round" is the way he puts it; but it will puzzle you quite a little to tell just how many riders there were at this whirling circus.