The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-07-16
is there not one daring enough to fol.

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 diate cry, and the shouts and clapping of hands and stamping served to cx.
 cite the lion, who walked up and down
 his cage and lashed his tail, stopping | ever and anon to look menacingly
 through the bars.
 'IIave a red-hot iron ready" whis-
 pered Hans to a tall and powerfulnegro,
 who was one of his staff. regarded this "aside" as test for my nerves, but learned afterwards that
 Derrick was not joking, the Generals" temper being often extremely uncer. | tain.
 Hans now entered the long caravan, desiring me to follow and close the door behind me; to keep my eye stead.
 fly on Taylor" and when I retired, to walk slowly backwards while he (Derrick) covered my retreat. He then gave the general Q smart cut or two with his whip-for which playful piece of chastisement was certainly not able to appreciate the exact necessity at this critical moment. The people in the circus nearly all leaped to their feet as word went round that the General" had been the deatk of two of his valets-de-chnmbre, and SC. verely bitten and clapper-clawed an. other, who was only rescued from his clutch by the application of kitchen poker at n white heat thrust into his flank.
 l held up my hand to beg for quiet, but it was of no use; some of the men scrambled over the benches and strode forward boisterously.
 l did not feel encouraged by this impudent display of interest in the proceedings, but knew that it was best to put a bold front on matters: and walking steadily forward, I placet. my hand upon the gigantic beasts shoulder, smoothing down his mane at the same time in a way that I intended to be friendly. "So, ho, General! So ho, old boy"
 This was the easiest part of the bus. ness, and my reception (not having been honored with an invite) was more gracious than I had any right or reason to expect.
 Flow do you feel, sir?" inquired Hans. Pretty calm and collected?"
 "Oh, quite, thank you"
 "Ever presented before?"
 "Only once that am able to recol- lect."
 ''There's a claw for you!" holding it up with an air of pride. Mind you don't frnoI o1, handsomer apology than you could offer to atone for the ofrense"
 "I will endeavor not to offend"
 "Would you like to put your head in the Generals mouth?"
 "Decidedly not. being unprovided with spare one."
 "Will you get on his back?'
 q should prefer taking few riding lessons first. Will you oblige me by keeping that whip of yours quiet"
 Well, yes. Open your jaws, General. and show the gentleman your box of worries. Not bad set of masticators, sir, are they?"
 "Nery fine. indeed; and all his own, presume?"
 Just so," laughing; Che has not troubled the dentist much that am aware of"
 The lion at this juncture of the dia- logue gave me a most malignant look. Was he hurt at what was insinuating about his teeth? And there was a SUD- pressed dventriloquialr roarand rumbling, like thunder dying away among dis tant hills.
 "I was wrong," muttered Derrick, with slight hesitation in his manner, ''our friend is not in the best of tenn pers tonight. l would rather you didn't stay longer. He is displeased at something. Retire steadily, with your face toward us-steadily, mark you; any sudden rush or show of haste, and you are lost! He is forcing me back, and means mischief. Ha! dare you, you brute!"
 This angry remonstrance was offered | to the lion, and not to myself, for the beast was glaring fiercely at me over Hans arm and shoulder, and describ- ing unpleasant hieroglypics with the Zip of his tail Then came another series of those internal rumblings that had startled me before. I felt sorry that l had made that disparaging remark about the animals teeth; but it was too late to withdraw it now. Preached the loor. and opened it. Derrick, gradually yielding ground, forced nearly off his legs, and appearing to have lost all his presence of mind, could not do what he intended, and saw that every instant was precious. Making rapid, undigni- lied exit, therefore, I dragged him after ne with one hand, half by the hair and half by the coat-collar, and with the other slammed the gate, which fastened with spring. I had acted quite OH the impulse of the moment, and without knowing much what did; but it was the right thing, I was told The charge If the infuriated general followed, and he shock nearly sent the bars flying rom their sockets. Then Hans and both sat down and laughed.
 "Not bad!" creid he, wringing my 'and. "Phew! it was warm work. Let IS go and take drink" I hone I am not doipo tho rood ,,oop1o l