Putnam patriot., 1909-07-23

wait Pm not coming back. I'm not
 honestly fm going on with the show
 tonight, and I'm going this time for ever"
 You are going to stay here with me- cried Douglas.
 No. no. Mir John. I've made up nay mind. and won't be to blame for your unhappiness." She faced him firmly now. '1 don't belong to your world,
 and don't want to try any more. I'm
 what he called me-Im circus riding girl. I was born in the circus. and I'll
 never change. That's my work-riding
 -and It's yours to preach. You must
 do your work, and m do mine." She started toward the ring Eloise
 and Barbarian were already waiting at
 the entrance.
 her, then stopped at the sound of Bar. kers voice.
 Ladies and gentlemen" he called, although we are obliged to announce that our star rider. Miss Polly. will not appear tonight. we offer you In her
 place an able substitute. Mile. Eloise.
 on her black, untsmed horse Barba-
 rian."
 Eloise put her hands on the horses back to mount.
 "No, nol'' cried Polly. The other girl turned in astonish-
 ment at the agony in her voice. "Pollyw
 "Wait. Eloise! I'm going to rider
 "You can't. not Barbarianl He don't
 know your turn"
 .Se much the betterr' She seized the
 "Pelly@ shouted Douglas. He had followed her to the entrance. .I must l willl' She flew into the ring before he could stop her He took one step to follow her.
 You'd better let her alone and get out of here" said Strong. His voice was like a firebrand to Douglas. He turned upon him. white with rage. You drove her to this" Ills fists were clinched. He drew back to strike. Jim came from behind the wagons just in time to catch the upiifted arm. Leave him to me. This ain't no par
 sons job" The pastor lowered his
 arm. but kept his threatening eyes on the deacon's face. "where's Poll7" asked Jim. "In thereF Douglas pointed toward the main tent without turning his head He was still glaring at the dea- con and breathing hard. "whatr" cried Jim in alarm He faced about and saw Eloise. He guess ed the truth. A few quick strides He threw them back and looked into the ring.
 My God! Why don't Barker stop herr"
 What is itY' called Douglas. He forgot the deacon in his terror at Jim's behavior. and Strong was able to slip away unnoticed.
 She's goin' to ridel She's goin' to ride Barbarianr' Douglas crossed to his side and looked
 Polly was springing on to the back of Barbarian. He was poorly trained horse. used by the other girl for more showy but jess dangerous feats than Polly's.
 She's goin' through her regular turn
 with him. She's trying to break her neck" said Jim. "She wants to do it It's your fault" he cried. turning upon Douglas with bloodshot eyes. He was half insane He cared little whom he wounded.
 .Why can't we stop herr" cried Douglas. unable 10 endure the strain He took one step inside the entrance. "No. DO: not that Jim dragged him back roughly If she sees you now it will be the end" They watch
 ed in silence "She's over the first part" Jim whispered at last. Douglas drew back. his muscles tense. as he watched the scene inside the ring. Eleise stood at the pastors side horror stricken at Polly's reckless behavior She knew Barbarian. It was easy 10 guess the end. .She's cemin 10 the hoops" Jim whispered hoarsely. Barbarian don't know that part. l never trained him.. the other girl said Polly made the first leap toward the hoops The horse was not at fault: it was Polly She plunged wildly. The audience started. She caught her foot ing with an effort One. two, three hoops were passed She threw herself across the back of the horse and hung head downward as he galloped around the ring. The band was playing loud ly; the people were cheering. She rose to meet the last two hoops "sLs's swayin'r' Jim shrieked in agony. "she's goin' to fallw He coy- cred his face with bis hands. Polly reeled and fell at the horse's side She mounted and fell again She rose and staggered in pursuit 'I can't bear itr' groaned Douglas. He rushed Into the ring. unconscious of the thousands of eyes bent upon his black ministerial garb. and caught the slip of a girl fin his arms just as she
 was about to sink fainting beneath the horses hoofs. Barker brought the performance to halt with a crack of his whip. The audience was on fipfoe. White faced clowns and gayly atfired acrobats
 crowded around Polly and the pastor. Douglas did not see them He had
 come into his own
 Hes tringin' her out whispered
 EIoise. sho sffEl watched at the en-
 trance Jim dared not look up. His Ri. f.-s
 sIs it overYs he groaDed-