Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-26
BY GEORGE GIBBS


tured from the forests of Sibera contest that thrills
the Blood for spite of the great strength of the Sgnor
which has been compared to that of Samson, who
fought and conquered single handed lion (smiles Of
approval from Ceofonte the eloquence of this com
parison lin spite of the great strength of the Sgnor
say the danger of his destruction is present as
anyone who has the contest can testify! Come
one, come all, Messienrs! Only in lifetime does
one have chance to the Signorina Stella Faban
the child wonder Queen of the Mat and Queen of the
Air. IN her extraordinary acts of flight and conoron!'
During this harangue Phidor had felt rather than
seen the figure that had slowly wedged through the
crowd at one side and now stood beside him. He knew
that it was Olga Tcherny; but he had not dared look
at her, thoughhe quite sure that her head was
perched side in the birdlike pose she found e
fect1ve and that her eyes, hooking and mschievous
were searching him intenty. But he went on extrava-
ganty, searching his wits for Barnum-lke adjectives
"Entres MesseurS, and the beautiful female Jug
ger of Naples who losses ten sharp knives and burning
brands into the air at and the time nor lets
of them touch the ground who losses cannonball
an apple and piece of paper, who spins two dishes
the end of stick with hand while she rolls hoop
with the other, lady who has acted before all the
crowned heads of Europe There will never again be
such great artists performance unsurpassed and
unequaed in history!'
Phidors adjectives had given out as had his breath
and he paused. AS he did so he heard Olgas voice
beside him single but curiousy expressive syllable
@Well?" it asked.
His eyes met hers without other token of recognition
than slight twinkle of amusement.
"Mademoiselle wishes to enter? Ten sous if YOU
please" and then with loud voice directed over her
head, Enes, Messienrs ct Danes and the hand to
hand struggle between and savage beast! A
contest at magnificent and appalling you will
remember to the end of days. spectacle to describe
to your children and to your children's children
1John Markham" Olga's voice sounded shrilly in
English. stop bowling at once and listen to mel"
@Oni, Mademoisee, ten sous, if you please. The per-
Torrance is about to begin, and"
3This performance has been going on quite long
enough! What earth you doing here in Aencon?
Barking said Markham with grin; @also doing
crayon portraits at two francs fifty head and he
pointed to the sign beside the poster of Ceofonte break
ing the chains which advertised the of his talents
in glowing terms "My is Philidor, Mademoi-
sel1e,' bowling, 3itnerant portrait painter-at your
service
ooh, do stop that nonsense and explain!"
3There's nothing to explain. Here am That's all
allow did you get hereto Alencon?'
3Walked-it's my custom
@From Rouen?'
He nodded. "I'm member of the Troupe Fabian
of Strollng Acrobats," he laughed. "Im learning the
gentle art of bear batting. Won't you come IMP
G e searched his face keenly, and accepted his inv-
tation, first handing him her ffty-centime piece
which he dropped without comment into his pocket
The Enclosure already filed so he closed the en-
trance flap and mounted guard over itand Olga stood
beside him, her glance passing swiftly from object
to another. C1eofontes bout with Tomasso was more
than usually draatic but her eyes roved toward the
dressing tent, eyng the signora when she appeared
with uncommon interest.
"Your troupe is not large, she remarked when the
program had been explained to her.
"No, few, my dear Olga, but quite select You
have yet to see Luigi perform and the Child Wonder.
and the Femme Orchestra, a remarkable person who
plays five instruments at the same time
Olga watched the show for awhile with an distracted
air. "You surely can't that you enjoy this sort