The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-07-09
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| them that, among other marvellous attrac-
tions, they would witness an extraordinary
| and unique feat of daring on the part oil
! the celebrated Sirnor Petro Farrelli. He so
workedupo their curiosity, there was scarce
ly man or woman in the assembly who did
not resolve to avail themselves of the oppor-
tunity, even il it cost them their last six
pence.
In the interval, after the animals had been
fed, Farrelli wandered into the deserted tent,
and again approached the cage OF the black
panther. Somehow, it seemed as if an ire
sistible impulse drew him to that spot. 1t
was growing dark now, and in the gloom he
could just distinguish the red glare of the
creatures eyes rs it crouched down in a
corner.
"Halloa! Signor Petro," cried someone
behind him. Taking stock Of that beauty,
eb?"
Farrelli turned round sharply, and found
himself face-tO-iace with the ring-master,
Mark Radford, the only member of the
whole troupe with whom he was upon any
sort of intimate terms.
You're not afraid of him, are you?" con-
tinued Radford, pointing to the dark recess
in which the panther lay.
Afraid? MOI" returned Petro, con-
temptuously. "i've got the mastery over
him already; 1 can quell him with my eye.
Besides" he went on, vehemently, IF he
cuts up rough, / could strangle the brute
before he had tune to get his claws into me.
Oh, no; it isn't the panther that l mind ::
but -
But wlat?"
81 I'm afraid Of that pomdn!"
What woman?"
Come outside, Mark, said Farrelli, taking
his friend by the arm, as if impelled to con-
fide in him. "Tll tell you the whole story
right off, and then you can judge whether
have cause to feel bit uneasy about the
panther"
They strolled out of the tent arm in arm.
Two or three aaring naptha lamps, suspend
ell from poles, threw n broad fringe OF light
around the entrance, ,glimmering family upon
row of intent, eager faces Ill the back
ground The two men turned aside, and
wandered off into the darkness. When they
came TO the low wall which bounded the
market-place, Farrelli stood still and listened.
Then, as if assured that they were alone, he
seated himself upon the edge Of the wall
and commenced his story.
" You remember that fellow Yaliard,
Mark?n he said, with seriousness that
disclosure coming.
Should think I do" replied Radford !;
Rowdy Vallard,' we used to call him.
A good bareback rider, but desperately
cantankerous, quarrelsome sort of fellow.
He lett us very suddenly, too; and no one
seemed to know what became of him"
Yes" muttered Farrelli, that's so.
Well, he went on, sfernly, you'll hear now
what befell Kim. When we were running the
show up in York last Winter, had the i'll
luck TO fall foul OF that man Vallard. 1t
was about girl. / had noticed her hanging
around the circus for two OF three days
wanted to become rider, or something of
the kind. i managed to strike up an ac-
qnaintance with her. She told me her name
was Florence Mayhem, and bit by bit it
came out that she had q sweetheart in the
show. But for the life of me, though / kept
nagglng at her about it. / couldn't get her
To say which of US itwas. j thought of you,
Mark; 1t struck me that q go0d-looking, six
foot chap like ycu WAS gust the sort of fellow
TO take a girls fancyS And, as / brooded
over this notion, / believe was almost be-
ginning TO hate you"
Stuff and nonsense old man " interposed
Radiord. i never set eyes upon this north
country lass of yours. to my knowledge"
Il know, know" Farrelli replied, hastily
was mistaken got on an entirely wrong
scent. One night, when the performance
was over, set out fer a quiet ramble through
the streets / wandered on through slums
and alleys, until l got down close to the
river.
1t was dismal and deserted spot As
looked around, saw a man and woman
on ahead. l knew at once who they were
Vallard and Florence Mayhew. Her secret
was out now; but l couldn't help wonder
ing what she saw i'll that brute to attract
her.
They seemed to be wransling about some
thing. Suddenly they stopped short, as if