Charlevoix county herald., 1909-04-24

them.
What are we comm to now, Si?"
she asked.
That's the lions" said Silas. Ever
seen any,"
She frightened her grip on his arm
and giggled nervously.
NO, | amt" she said, Amt you
frightened OF them?"
"Who?-me?" asked Silas, con-
temptuously. mo, | amt scared.
They're safe enough; they's stout iron
bars to his cage. There's a Teller gifts
in his cage and makes him act. Well
see him in the big tent. l seen it on
the show bills
"Ain't you maxim fun of me, SIP
she asked. My sakes! l wouldn't git
in that cage fer nawthin'."
"Pshaw! it's easy when you know
how to do it" said Silas. He does it
with his eye. Hypnertizes en-"
What's that?" she asked. How
kin anybody hypnertize lion, Si?"
We'll, he jlst looks him plum in the
eye, steady. read all about it once
When he looks hard enough the lions
got ter do what he wants him ter do"
Amt that funny, now!" giggled
Sally. Il bet you couldn't do It,"
Il bet | kim" he boasted; Il got a
mighty steady eye"
They had edged their way up to the
lions cage, and as the lion lowered
his gaze il fell on the scarlet of
Sllas' tie.
We'll, my dear" said the lion, II
may be getting stout, but III show you
my eye has lost none OF it's cunning.
| See that man with the red spot en-
his breast? l will hold him spell
bound as did the OK and the English
! man until you are convinced
The lion arose and walked to the
/ front of the cage, his eyes fastened on
Silas' face.
Sally screamed and drew back in
terror, but Silas laughed.
Don't be scared he said; list
hang onto me. III show you kin
hypnertize him"
What you goin' Ter make him do?'
asked Sally, TREMENDOUSLY
I'm a-goin' ter make him go back
an lay down" said Silas. He braced
his feet firmly and gazed straight into
I the lions eyes, repeating slowly under
his breath go an lay down! Go an
lay down." and the lion leaned his
nose against bar and glared at
Silas.
The crowd edged close to Silas
What's he doin'?" they asked in
whispers.
Sally giggled.
He's hypnertiZin' the lion,' she
whispered. proudly. and the word
passed from one TO another, and all
stood eagerly watching Silas and the
lion by truns.
The pupils OF the lions eyes con-
tracted and expanded. Flashes Of gel
low fire flew from them. His tail
swung slowly to and fro. coiling and
uncoiling like an angry serpent.
Silas wrinkled his brow and frowned
steadily at the lion. He clsnched his
fists and drew every muscle tense. He
breathed quickly, and dug his toes into
the insolss OF his boots and tried to
concentrate his whole beiag into the
words: Go an lay down." that ran
through his brain, End the minutes
slipped by.
The crowd wearied and passed on,
but Silas and the lion stood motion
less
The lion swung his tail more rapid
ly, and his nostrilF quvered with ex-
element, and Sias set his teeth on
his tongue and lowered his eyelids
until his eyes cleaned narrow and
snake-like.
The lioness raised her khaki-colored
head and gazed on the affair with in.
terest, and Sally glanced proudly at
Slias' face and hen anxiously at the
emptying tent.
Silas grew warm ard uncomfortable
and shifted his weight from foot 10
foot. The veins swelled into great
cords on his neck and hands, and he
threw his chin upward and lent his
head forward. GO an lay down." he
almost Missed, but the lion swung
his tail and gaZed steadily with un.
winking eyes.
In the big tent the band began play.
ing Sally and SIlas were left alone
with the lioness and her mate. Silas
longsd to turn and fly, but the repu-
tation OF his eye was at stake The
lion too was weary. He seldom stood
so long, for he lad grown fat in cap.
tivity.
A burst or applause in the big tent
told that the grand triumphsl entry
and pageant of all nations" had begun.
and Sally pulled gently at Silas' arm.
The lioness stretched herself and
yawnsd.
We'll, dear" she said, 81 admit your
eye has lost none Of its cunning. Come
! and lie down now, or you will be too
tired to sleep tonight"
The lion gave Sias a parting glance.
turned slowly and lay down beside his
mate. and Slas Strengthened his
cram2ed back and wiped his hot face
"fou done II. didn't your" said Sally