The Port Gibson reveille., 1913-12-11
cHAPTER xxnI.


After the extinguishment Of the
Fran-beam, Abbott wanted to be alone,
to mediate on stellar and solar bright
ness, but In this vociferous wilderness,
reflection was impossible. One could
not even escape recognition, one could
not even detach oneself from q Simon
Jefferson.
Got back to town again. hey?" said
Simon. That was enough about ABB
bott; Simon passed at once to a more
interesting theme: Taken in the
Lion Show, yet?'
"I'm just waiting for nine-thirty.
~. / have an engagement Flu
tile words, indeed. since it was now
only eight o'clock.
You come with me, then, ! know
all the ropes. Hey7 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 q
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 painted,
when the girl fell of the trapeze-
heard about that hey? Mother was
overjoyed, thinking I'd missed the
sickening sight. But bless your soul!
II was right at the front, hanging on
to the railing, and ] saw 1t 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.
concealing his establishment over 81
mons evident acquaintance with the
black tent before which they had
paused
well. Simon reluctantly conceded.
'n-n-no, she wasn't to say killed-but
dreadfully bruised Up. Abbott, very
painful. saw It all; this carnival has
put new life into me -herel Get yomr
ticket in jifSy, or all the seaks'il be
taken. You can't stand there like that
give me your quarter, / know how
to jump in and get first place. That
ticket agent knows me: I've been In
Ave times"
From a high platform before the
black tent, a voice came through q
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, folIowl" called the
breathless Simon Jefferson. "Of course
wen see what's there no use listen.
ing to him, like an introduction in q
novel OF Scott's telling It all first You
follow me-"
Abbott laughed aloud at Simon's
ability as they pushed their way nm
der the tent.
ssUh-huh, now see that!" groaned
Simon reproachfully, as he looked
about. Every seat taken. tell you.
you've got to lift your fest to get into
this show. Well, hang on to the rope
don't let anybody gouge 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 planks, 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. WON.
en- and children who. tenacious oi
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 II to avoid the
canvas, they hoped to escape observa'
ton. Thanks to the influx Of country