Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-26

AIIoOc VI dONSTl not zone
Farnum figured that it was simply an
outburst Of wonder and enthusiasm, gen.
Grated by Yaple and the Twins, which.
flying from mouth to mouth, was going
to flood the tent. He did not like to
think just what disappointment-the
non-appearance Of Yaple-would mean
to that throng.
It was about time for the perform
ance to begin when Farnum got back
to menagerie quarters. He strained his
gaze for Yaple. and felt a great relief
at finding him. already rugged for his
turn, standing beside the Twins cage.
He was talking to them as he had the
night before, only there was a different
touch and meaning to his words. Far
mum realized suddenly that the good bys
were being said and that he was an in
truder. But it was too late to get away,
when Yaple turned and spoke to him.
Farnum came nearer then, his eyes go
Ing from the Twins to Yaple, and from
Yaple to the Twins. finally resting on
the mans face and staying there
lovers. or something. you three. that
hated to disturb you." he began. hesi-
tatingly, and with an odd little laugh
that was meant to cover his embarrass-
ment. I'm going to be mighty busy
later, and I wanted to say a word to
you while there was time"
He cleared his throat, supposedly from
the dust. 1t was queer place to speak
what he had in mind-there in the midst
OF the dirt-choked tent, in that strange.
stealthy movements, suggested rather
than heard Or seen; the voices of the
keepers, monotonous, tired; the distant
blaring Of bands. the suffering lights
casting shadows athwart the cages.
one like you. thought knew you seven
years ago. I didn't. And those seven
years have made you seven times what
you were. I'm glad I've known you, but
I wish"-with a sudden explosion Of pent-
were! What do you think of all this
finance tommyrot now-now that you We
had another taste of this? Can you shake
1t of without fight?"
Fight! Yaple ground 1t out almost
between his teeth. I've been fighting
myself these two days" Farnum saw his
face and believed. What do you know
about fight?-yes you know. l see 1t in
your eyes!'' Yaple turned slowly and
looked at the Twins, so that his face was
choice, Farnum. and I've got to abide by
it.'
Eyes, you've made your choice" Far
mum said, and choked.
X
They stood there in silence. feeling that
silence was better than words. After a
while they walked over and watched the
crowds jam the main canvas. Stettiner
came up In a furry presently. saying
something about Jerry, the half-grown
elephant which Yaple used in his last
trick with the Twins, and dragged them
OF to conduct an examination. The keep
er was complaining of Jerry's actions,
and Stettiner, nervous and fearful. de-
manded whether Yaple considered the
animal safe.
II think there will be no trouble" said
Yaple, looking Jerry. over.
Afterward Farnum rallied inwardly at
restraint that had held him back from en-
tering q protest then and there. He had
kept silence against his own convictions.
Work piled in upon him. but he made
desperate effort to clear 1t up in time to
witness Yaple's act, which came along
near the end. In spite Of his hurry. Yaple
had been in the cage several minutes and
was coming to the final trick in which
Jerry juggled skill with the Twins. when
Farnum entered.
One of the presentiments which come TO
those who must look danger squarely IN
the face and know 1t came to Farnum as
he watched them let Jerry IN at the cage
door. In reality, it was with him long
before. He knew then that his PRESENT.
ment did not rest against the lions, but
against the awkward, shambling-gaited
elephant. And yet Jerry's appearance
was everything to discourage suspicion:
It was not until YaDle's first command
rang, clear-cut, that Farnum stopped
cropping In darkness and faced the
truth.
At Yaple's first word Jerry obeyed
sullenly: at the second he hung back:
the third brought him to open defiance.
Yaple stood quite cool and fearless. call
Ing out the order to him. Sudden rage
seemed to possess the brute. and with
snort and q below he charged straight
for Yaple, The man held his ground up
to the last instant: then stepped quickly
and lightly. aside. Farnum breathed
again. He tried to move. to do some
thing, but his limbs were numb and