The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1877-10-31

and mother, as nDr husband entered
that you have dpnsented to so foolish
performance a the one advertised
for to-day"
/ why Mary?f and no looked most
earnestly at her.
because the ordinary performance
is hazardous enongh.n
"Then you thihk this more 30 ?p
IL don't knowsthat it is," she re.
piled, having the utmost confidence
in her husbands ability; "but some.
how | don't altogether fancy having
inez taken into the cage
"You know my reason for consent.
ing and that never would have been
given had your assent not been first
obtained.n
Certainly, AID that was very
good of you, Joef'
That it was promised on account
o. my salary being raised"
Yes"
~And that ittwas to secure the
raise of salary, soss the sooner to ac-
cumulate enough 20 buy little home
against the rainy days that may
come"
Yes, my dear Joe; but"-with
smile-"hadn't pride something to
do with it? Thai is the curse of the
profession. Backbone always trying
to outdo the Understanding risks on
that account they would not other
wise attempt"
"Well, Mary. / only gave the
promise to do the act once, bat even
now will give it up if you say the
word. would rather disappoint all
the managers and be called coward
by all the rabble ia the world, than
cause your heart to beat with fear, or
to bring tears into your eyesn
NO, no, Joe. Don't think | have
lost confidence and pride in you No,
don't think of giving it up | sup
pose | am foolishly nervous. But
you will be careful not to run any uu-
necessary risks 2"
my own heart would have to be
torn out before anything should hap
pen to our darling,p aud he stopped,
raised the child, tossed her up,
caught, kissed her and Rugged her to
his bosom. ~
But yourself, Joe ~
90, I'll look out for number one"
The conversation did not tend to
ease his mind, and before dressing
be went out and held another conver-
sation with his particular attendant,
and took another look into the per.
forming cage.
The animals were more quiet than
when he had seen them previously :;
the lioness especially appeared in
playful mood, and, with something of
load lifted from his heart, be return
ed, with but little time remaining be-
fore he would be called upon to prove
his right to The title of the Lion
Tanner
And every inch be looked one as
he stepped in view of the densly
crowded assembly. Gorgeous in his
new costume, and with o look of
calmness and determination upon his
face, be looked, with his tall and sim
envy fOrm, fit to grapple with and
overcome the fercest beasts that
ever prowled amid the jungles of
Asia and Africa, and made night ter
rib.e with their roaring
4 hurst OF applause--a perfec, tem-
pest Of hazzas and clapping of hands
him es he swung bis little
girl, dressed in silver tissue, and with
the gossamer wings and tiara of
sparkling jewels around her golden
curls, that represent the traditional
fairy, upon his shoulders. While
looking at his stalwart proportions
the men thought what a dangerous
antagonist be would be, and the
young mothers shuddered at so
beautiful child being taken into a
den of savage animals.
With graceful bow aad the dig
nifty OF a Roman conqueror, the Lion
Tanner strobe through the circle, dis
behind the cage, with such |
rapidity as to astonish the audience.
stood within the compartment where !
the huge lion was lying and the ag-
lie leopards leaping about, and had
placed his child between the claws of
the great brute, and she was toying
with its shaggy name.
For time be made the leopards |
leap about him as kittens jumping
from corner to corner, resting upon
his broad shoulders, bounding light
ly over the extended whip. Then be |
gave his attention to the monster |
lion. opened its immense jaws, placed
his head and thrust his arm between
them. raised his fairy=like child upon
its back and made it march around |
with her. Then be prepared to
throw the two cages into one.
let Inea come out now" Whis-
pered the attendant uneasily. "You
have done enough already to keep
your promise and the audience won't
know the difference"
"No; / viii go through. Mind
what told you and have things
ready in case there should be trouble;
.hougb don't fancy any," Then be
continued aloud SO as to be plainly
heard by every one, Hand me the
pail of blood"
A cold shiver, q supernatural awe
appeared to pass through the frame Of
Ill as the vessel, dripping with crim-
'on drops, was given to him, and
more than one asked himself if the
nan was mad to thus not only risk
lis own life but that OF bis beautiful
,hild, end when be loosened and
hrust aside the partition the fierce
ioness aud sleek Tiger came bounding
o, their breath was absolutely sus.
,ended and their hearts momentarily
eased to beat
Down !"
The tiger oheyed. end the foot Of
he Lion Tamer was upon his neck" {
"Up"
And the leop, rds were purring