The Opelousas courier., 1897-04-10

l don't altogether fancy having 1nez
taken into the cage"
"You know my reason for consent.
ing, and that it would never have been
given had your assent not been first
obtained"
"Certainly, and it was very good Of
you, Joe."
s. That it was promised on account
of my salary being raised"
Eyes"
"And that it was to secure the rise
of salary, SO as the sooner to &C.
cumulate enough to buy a little home
against the rainy days that might
come"
"Yss, ny dear Joe; bnt"-with a
smile-''had not pride something to
do with it? That's the curse Of the
profession. Each one is always try
ing to Guido the other-running risks
on that account they would not other"
wise attempt"
"WelI, May, I only gave my
promise to DO the act cnce, but even
now will give it up il you say the
word. l had rather disappoint all the
managers and be called a coward by
allithe rabble in the world, than cause
your heart to beat with fear
or to bring tears into your eyes"
mo, no, Joe. Don't think l have
lost confidence and pride i'll you. No,
don't think of giving it up. l sup
pose I am foolishly nervou But you
will be careful, and not run any un-
necessary risk?"
"My own heart would have to be
torn out before anything should hap
pen to our darling;" and he stopped,
raj, ed the child, tossed her up, caught,
kissed her, and Rugged her to his
bosom.
The conversation did not tend to
ease his mind, and before dressing be
went out and held another CONVERSE
ton with his particular attendant,
and took another look into the per-
forming cage.
The animals were more qniet than
when he had seen them previously
the lioness especially seemed in play
full mood, and with something OF the
load lifted from his heart he returned,
with but little time remaining be-
fore he would be called upon to prove
his right to the proud title of Lion
Tanner.
And every inch he looked one as he
stepped in view of the densely crowd
ed assembly. Gorgeous in his new
costume, and with q look of calmness
and determination upon his face
looked, with his tall, sinewy form,
tit to grapple with ana overcome the
fercest beasts that ever prowled
amid the jungles Df Asia and Africa,
and made night terrible with their
roaring.
A burst of applause-a perfect tenn
pest of huzzas and clapping of hands
greeted him as he swung his little
girl, dressed in silver tissue, and with
the gossamer wings and tiara OF spark
ling jewels around her golden curls,
that represent the traditional fairy,
upon his shoulders
With a graceful bow and the Dig
nifty of a Roman conquerer, the lion
tanner strobe through the circle, dis
appeared behind the cage, and with
such rapidity as to astonisa the au-
stood within the compartment
where the huge lion was lying and the
agile leopards leaping about, and had
his child between the claws of
the greater brute, and she was play
fully toying with its shaggy name.
For a time he made the leopards
leap about him as kittens, jumping
from corner to corner, resting upon
MS broad shoulders, bounding lightly
the extended whip. Then he
gave his attention to the mother lion,
her immense jaws, placed his
arm and thrust his head between
hem, raised his fairy-like child upon
is back, and made it march around
With her. Then he prepared to throw
he two cages into one.
"Let Inez come ont now" whis-
'ered the attendant, uneasily. "You
AVE saeaugh already to keep your
abr the audience won't know
: difference.
mo. I villE,7so through. Mind
shat I told yo4GPand have things ready
Il case there should be trouble, though
don't fancy any" Ehen he %contin-
led aloud, and SC as to be plainly
'eard by everyone: "Hand me the
'ail OF blood"
a cold SILVER appeared to pass
hrough the frame of all as the vessel,
with crimson drops. was
'iven to him /; and when he loosened