Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-02-25

warily with the white Of his eye for
Mr.. Martin and determined not TO sit
within Il hundred yards Of him; here
rolled in the orbit of habit the town
bacchnnal, Mr.. Wllkerson, who politely
answered in kind all the uncouth roar
ings and cultural CALCULATIONS of jun
gle and fen that came from the animal
tent--in brief, here came with llghtest
hcnrt the population Of Carlow and
part of Ano.
Helen had found true word; it was
, big family. jim Bardlock, broadly
smiling and rciuvenatcd, shorn of de-
preston, paused in front Of the re
scrve" seats. with Mrs. Bardlock on
his arm, and called loudly to gentle
man on tier about the level of Jim's
head. How are We? reckon we were
leetle too smart fer 'cm this morning.
huh?' Five or six hundred people, cv-
cry one within hearing. turned TO look
nj Jim, but the gentleman addressed
was engaged in conversation with
lady and did not notice.
Hi. Hi. therel Say! Mr.. Harkless!"
beloved jim informally. The people
turned TO look at IIarkless. His atten-
ton was arrested, and his cheek grew
red.
what is it, he asked, little con-
fused and n good deal annoyed.
Il don't hear what We say" shouted
Jim, putting his hand to his ear.
What is it," repeated the young
man. "I'll kill that fellow tonight" he
added to Lige Wilietts. Some one
ought to have done it long ago."
WHAT"
81 said, What ls IT."
II jest wanted TO say me and you
certainly did fool these here Hoosiers
this morning. Hustled them two fell
lers through the courthouse. and no
body thought to slip round TO the other
door and head us off. Ha, ha. We
were jest leetle too many fer 'em,
huh?"
From an upper tier of seats the rusty
length Of Mr.. Martin erected itself
Joint by Joint like an extension ladder.
and he peercd down over the gaping
faces Mt the town marshal. Excuse
me-" he said sadly to those behind him,
but his dry voice penetrated every
where. Il got up to hear Jim say we
again"
Mr.. Bardlock Joined in the laugh
against himself and proceeded with
his wife to some seats forty or fifty
feet distant. when he had settled him
self comfortably he shouted over cheer
fully TO the unhappy editor, 'rhcm
shell men got it in fer you, Mr.. Hank
Less
"Hain't that fool shet up vita" snarl-
"a the aged Mr.. Bodeffcr Indignantly.
He was sitting near the young couple.
and the expression of his sympathy
was distinctly audible to them and
many others. Got no more regards
than a brazing calf-disturbin' Teller
with his sweetheart"
''The both OF 'eD says they're going
TO do fer ye.' beated Mr.. Bardlock
"swears they'll kctch their evens with
yc."
Mr.. Martin rose again. Don't git
scared and leave town, Mr.. Harkless."
he called out Jim II protect you"
Vastly to the young mans relief the
band began 10 play and the equcstrians
and equestriennes capered out from
The dressing tent for the grand en-
trance aud the performance COM
menccd. Through the long summer
afternoon it went on-wonders Of
Workmanship and of horscwomanshlp.
hair raising exploits on wires tight
and slack. @iddy tricks on the high
trapeze, feats Of leaping and tum-
bling in the rings. while the tireless
musicians blatted inspiringly through
1t all, only pausing long enough to
allow that riotous Jester, the clown.
70 ask the ringmaster what he would
10 if o young lady came up and kissed
him on the street, and 90 explode his
witticsms during short intervals of
rest for the athletes.
When it was over, John and Helen
Found themselves in the midst of a
lcnsclv packed crowd and separated
from Miss Briscoe and I.ige. People
Ccre pushing and showing, and he saw
her face grow pale. lie realized with
pang of sympathy how helpless h
would feel If he We're as small as sh
md at his utmost height could onl,
See big, suifocating backs and hug
upNH liplH dptNt
He was keeping them from crowdin
heavily upon her with all his strength
and q royal feeling Of protectivenes
came over him, She was so little. AM
yet, without the remotest hint of hard
ness she gave him such a distinct iIn
preston of poisc and equilibrium. Sh
| seemed SO able to meet anything tina
might come, 10 understand it-cvcn t
laugh at it-so Americanly capable am
sure Of the event that, in spite of he
pale cheek, he could not feel quite 8
protective as he wished to feel.
lie managed TO get her to one of til
tent poles and placed her with her bac
to it, Then he set one of his ow
hands against it, over her head, braC
cd himself ana stood keeping litti
space about her and ruggedly lettin
the crowd surge against him as i
would. No one should touch her II
rough carelcssness.
THANK you. II was rather trying il
there" she said and looked up into hi
eyes with Il divine gratitude.
please don't do that" he answered
In a low voice.
do what?'
"Look like that"
She not only looked like that, bu
more So young man. Young man,