The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1898-12-08

But II was enough. 1t encouraged
him to persevere In his work. In q
short time he had every animal In
the cage devoted to him. His in-
variable kindness aud patience had
won their hearts. while the harsher
methods Of Mr.. Tempster caused more
OF less sullen rebellion.
Outside Of the big animal tent. Drift
er knew little of what was going on
among the circus people. for they very
seldom ventured into his quarters. So
one day when he looked up from his
work Of putting the leopard through
new trick and saw a man standing
back of him. he did not know that
It was the manager Of the circus. But
he stopped instantly, intuitively guess
ing that the big stranger was a man
of authority.
"Go on, my lad; go on" he said, in
voice that was not unlHndly modu-
lated. "You are doing splendidly."
Thus encouraged. Drifter put the
leopard through all Of the tricks he
had taught it, directing the animal so
skillfully by gentle words and motions
Of the hand that its natural grace was
ten-fold enhanced.
"Bravo, my lad!> You do II well!
Will any Of the other animals perform
tricks for you?"
"Yes, sir; all Of them" Drifter re-
piled.
Bring them out, then, one by one.
and let me see them do IT,"
The boy was anxious to please the
stranger, and he exhibited his skill so
successfully that he was surprised at
his own accomplishments. After half
on hours hard work he stopped. The
stranger was looking intently nt him.
How old are you?" the man sudden
ly asked.
Eighteen" Drifter replied.
"Humph! Eighteen? Well, it's re-
markable. I never heard Tempster
speak of you before; but you must
have been with us for some time"
with the circus, you mean? Yes,
sir; I've been with II three years"
Then you ought to know our
needs" the man added. a moment later.
"I'm going to give you chance to ex-
hibit In public. Tomorrow night I'll
give you chance in the ring to put
these animals through their tricks.
Report to me at four, in person, and
III give you further instructions"
Mr.. Tempster was away that after
noon and did not appear until night.
He knew that his animals were In
safe keeping, and so he worried little
about them. Drifter could hardly con-
tain himself until then; he wanted TO
tell somebody Of his good fortune.
He dreamed Of all sorts Of successes,
and he mapped out his future life. He
would be introduced to the public, and
no was sure he would attain fame. He
would become the greatest animal
trainer Of the age, and win money and
applause. All he needed was chance
TO demonstrate his abilities before the
public, and hero was his opportunity
at last.
Then he fell TO picturlng the circus
ring, the sea Of faces that would sur
round him. the bright tinsel and appar-
el Of the performers, and the elegant
garbs OF the spectators. He wondered
II he would feel any stage fright.
1t is possible that he forgot some Of
his duties that afternoon In day
dreaming of his future success. Ger
tainly he was late in feeding the ami
mails, when Mr.. Tempster entered the
tent. The man walked unsteadily. and
;or moment Drifter thought that he
was under the influence Of liquor. But
when he caught sight Of his face he
knew that something was wrong. He
wns deathly white, and his brow was
dawn into a scowl.
Drifter looked at him in pity; his
state Of mind seemed so opposite to
his own. 1t was impossible to con-
vey his. glad tidings to man suffering
from some secret anxiety.
So he kept the matter to himself all
that night, and went through his rou-
tine work as usual. The trainer was
quiet and taciturn, and several times
he made mistakes in handling the AMI
mails that would have been decidedly
annoying had they been exhibiting In
the ring.
The following morning Drifter
sought out Mr.. Tempster, after feed
Ing the animals, and he was surprised
to find the man in a state OF utter col
lapse. He looked up at the boy for
moment and then said, in . trembling
voice:
I'm done for, Drifter; I'm done for"
The boy was 30 taken aback that he
could not speak.
1--WE brought 1t upon myself, too;
I've no one to blame" he continued,
burying his head into his hands. "I've
been neglecting my work, and leaving
everything for you to do. These ami
mails will do more for you now than
they will for me. don't own them
any more. BY rights you should be
their trainer. wouldn't mind it SO
much IL they were going to putyou in
my place; but to be fred for some
of her fellow that never had any of the