Putnam patriot., 1913-08-01
CHAPTER XIII.
The ConQueror.


 reflection was impossible. One could not even escape recognition. one could not even detaeh oneself from a Simon Jefferson.
 Got back to town again, hey?" said Simon. That was enough about Alb bolt; Simon passed at once to a more interesting theme: Taken in the Lion Show, yet?"
 I'm just waiting for nine-thirty. I have an engagement" Flu tile words, indeed. since it was now only eight o'clock.
 You come with me, then, know all the ropes. Hey? Oh, yes. know mother thinks me in bed-for good ness sake don't tell on me, she'd be scared to death But actually, old man, this carnival Is good for my heart. 'Tisn't like going to church, one bit. Preaching makes me feel op- pressed, and that's what scares me feeling oppressed" He rubbed his griz- zled hair nervously. Just for fear somebody'd go tell, I've had to sneak into all these shows like I'd been a thief in the night"
 Simon urged Abbott along in the di- rection taken, but few minutes be- fore, by Hamilton Gregory and Grace Noir. You see," Simon panted, when the girl fell off the trapeze- heard about that, hey? Mother was oyerjoyed, thinking I'd missed the sickening sight But bless your souli -I was right at the front, hanging on to the railing. and l saw it all. Why, she pretty near fell on me. Her foot slipped just so--" Simon extended his leg with some agility.
 Was she killed?" Abbott asked, .eoncealing his astonishment over Si- mons evident acquaintance with the black tent before which they had paused.
 Well" Simon reluctantly conceded. 'tn-n-no, she wasn't to say killed-but dreadfully bruised up, Abbott, very painful I saw it all; this carnival has put new life into me-here, Get your ticket in a jiffy, or all the seats'll be taken. You can't stand there like that give me your quarter, I know how to jump in and get first place. That ticket agent knows me; I've been in five times"
 From a high platform before the black tent, a voice came through a megaphone: "The Big Show. The Big Show. See those enormous lions riding in baby carriages while La Con izetti makes other lions dance the fandango to her violin See those"
 Here, Abbott. foilowa7 called the breathless Simon Jefferson. "Of course we'll see what's there-no use listen ing to him, like an introduction in a novel of Scott's telling it all first. You follow me"
 Abbott laughed aloud at Simon's ability as they pushed their way un- der the tent.
 "Uh-huh, now see thati" groaned Simon eproachfully, as he looked about Every seat taken. I tell you. you've got to lift your. feet to get into this show. Well, hang on to the rope don't let anybody geuge you out of standing room"
 At least two-thirds of the space un- der the tent was taken up by tiers of seats formed of thin, and apparently fragile, blue blanks, springy to the foot and deafening to the ear. From hardened ground to fringed tent-ceil- ing, these overlapping rows of narrow boards were brimming with men. wom- en and children wh0, tenacious of their holdings, seemed each to con tain in his pockets the feet of him who sat immediately behind
 The seats faced an immense cage which rose almost to the roof As yet it was empty, but smaller adjoining cages promised an animated arena when the signal should be given.
 Gregory and Grace Noir had sought refuge on the highest seat, where they might overlook the crowd; here, with heads bent forward as if to avoid the canvas, they hoped to escape observa- tion. Thanks to the influx of country folk, Littleburg citizens were rarely to be seen at such shows until later and more fashionable hour. Gregory was relieved to find his topnost plank filled with strangers.
 "All goes we'll" he said, pressing Grace's hand. Nobody will find out that we have been in here"
 Watch for MT. Clinton" Grace counseled cautiously. If he comes in, stoop lower"
 They're all strangers. Grace. Provi- dence is with us-there's Simon Jeffer- sons" He was too amazed to think of concealment
 Hush! Yes-and Abbott Ashton"
 Gregory pulled his hat over his eyes.
 Into the tent streamed a fresh body of sight-seers. Simon, swinging to the rope that was stretched in front of the big cage, grumbled at being elbowed by weary mothers and broad-chested farmers.
 The band entered and squatted upon blue boxes in one corner. Snowy red coats were removed in deference to sweltering heat. and melody presided in undress Three bears. two clowns and a bicycle sharpened interest in what was to come. whetting the mind upon jokes blunter than the intelli- gence of the audience. Even the band ceased playing though that had not seemed possible; its depressing an dantinos had not only subdued the