Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-04-05

I'll say that, though. 1t is your regula
right down sane chaps like you, mister
who do the cranky thing, once snC
again. But times come; what's YOU
mind upon it Which way will you 'av,
shine at 'em? slow or sudden-which i.
the wordF
took my time to answer. Sudden
That is what | feel myself most equal to
And mono of your war paint. Whir
and pistol-snd just as ! stand at thi,
moment I'll try it; and another ten for
you Oh the five. and twenty il. l come
safe out of it,
And ten for Henderson 1.-THE pro
prietor). remember, mister, if be make,
a botbery about (which he's booked
to do risking his valuable property,
and all that. Msy as well have the
money ready
Should not wonder. Mr. Vaggass,
that if he be not sharp enough to do il
of it himself. you will be considerable
enough to give him hint
Mr.. Vaggass took my sarcasm most
kindly; it rather agreed with him than
not.
Once that we knew each his role, both
Vaggass and | understood that we were
better apart. l went and seated myself
at the opening in the side of the tent by
which the performers came into the ring.
Vsggsss went aud, | should Imagine,
imbibed certain artificial aids to courage.
From my place among waiting pSform-
ers, grooms, carpenters, assistants Of all
kinds and grades, myself unseen, could
see the whole Mapetof, and Gosywick
party; The benches to which they had
been conducted were at a comfqable
distance from the orchestra, and 50 not
very near the passage up into the ring
by which stood the hons van.
The performance commenced. Eors-
es we're ridden, while all sorts of fatas
tic tricks were played on their beks;
elephants and csmels came on, did heir
part; tiny fairy children circed fromout
a bespangled flower pot; the unriyiled
Siguor Mazeppa Tantiico rode sigle
handed his sixteen bare backed steds
round the ring, and did bis wondrful
somersaut trick afterward-and thrugh
most of this noble gentleman in Een
ing costume stood in the center d the
ring, whip in hand; took the irresrent
clowns rude mouthed ,sts scornfuy. as
il were; flung them lightly from hin, so
to speak; was infinitely, Delightfully."- pc
lite to the performing ladies of thi troupe
showing us plainly in his bearing what
princesses incognita these were condes-
ending to our amusement. Afer which
a little Abvssinian war business, and
then all settled themsenIves expctant 10
their seats to see the spectacle d the H.
ons.
Vaggass as he came by gaze me a
swift glance, not free from doubt. He
himself said nothing to me then, lat he
sent MainstroDg bis assistant. back to
whisper me last caution Nainstrong
had to be in the affair; Vaggass. Main
strong, and THAT was the sum of the
initiated ones. Vaggass WAS in full fig
in character Of Lion Hing. | supply
took the precaution TO wear a thicker
wooden suit than should otherwise have
worn, recalling certain experience to that
end narrated of himself by d.. Living
ston.
Next Vaggass was within the very
cage: they put on the llue fire and red,
until all look filly ghaltly and demon
ical; the whole cage was in terrible
motion the lions roar becsme heavy and
frequent; their quick, strong, continuous,
silent movements took us strangely
and the one man 70 col and wary in
the midst of them. From pit to roof
arose one general eager murmur, that
said far more than the most vehement
cheering. But all the while up in one
corner lay that big brute of all-sullen,
watchful. And to night for the frat
time, whether wisely or not, Vsggass
did not compel him to bis work. sup
pose did not dare.
Some minutes had thus gone on: the
time give me WAS come. Il walked
quickly up to the back of the van, the
fsme and glare shielding me from notice
Mainstrong was ready, gave me whip
and pistol-snd then if the fellow ed
not shake hands, as though had been
going to execution
Well, Whatever l had supposed it
would be, the moment | was face to
face with, in the midst of the lions, it
was quite a new sensation that 1 bad
The fierce breathing. Ieaping creatures
came newly on me: ! forgot oil about
the spectators: almost too strongly the
animal rage within me, too, seemed
spriIging up to meet the animal rage
within these; with difficulty restrained
myself. | suppose Vaggsss knew from
experience what it WAS that possessed
me; by almost passionate gesture he re.
covered me to my part. They said af-
terward how marvelously cool | was
through it all; but. there was this mo-
ment nevertheless. With a short laugh
| answered Vaggass's appeal. He had
fallen back as entered, in order that /
should come the more sharply on the Ii
ons: it was effectual so far; each one
ceased from his frightful noiseless play,
and they were all crouched 10 an instant
on either hand of me--wild beasts again
at once, if | only let it be. My one
chance to hold them to the bonds of their
habitual obedience. fired my pistol, |
swung up my whip with ali my might
and brought it down heavily on them.