The Ely miner., 1913-12-26

whispering sound Of the silken mask.
as 1t struck the plank floor OF the
cage, was distinctly audible
"Grace!" Gregory whispered in hor-
ror-"it's Franz"
Grace started from his embrace at
the name and glared down upon the
stage. She sat erect, unsupported,
petrified
Gregory's brow was moistened with
chilled dew. It's Fran" he. mum
bled, its Fran! Grace-pray for her!"
Fran looked Samson steadily in the
eyes, and Samson glared back fixedly.
For few moments, this culver be-
tween life and death remained at the
breaking point. Had a stranger at
that moment looked under the tent
entrance, he might have thought every
body asleep. There was neither sound
nor movement. ...
Grace whispered-"It is the hand of
God!"
Her tone was almost inaudible, but
Gregory shrank as from mortal
blow; it's sinister meaning was unmis-
taxable. Swiftly he turned 10 stare at
her.
In Grace's eyes was wild and ON
inous glare akin to that of the threat
ening lion. 1t was a savage conviction
that Fran was at last confronted by
the justice Of heaven.
Suddenly Fran crouched forward till
1, cJr
her waist, in so much that it was a
physical exertion to hold her face up
lifted. In this sinuous position she
was the embodiment OF power. If she
felt misgivings concerning this last
resource, there was no look to betray
it. Straight toward Samson she
rushed, her body 1.-THE and serpentine,
her direction unerring.
To the beast, Fran had become one
of those mysterious flying serpents
which bite from afar. He felt the
sting of her terrible eyes and his gaze
grew shifty 1t wandered away. and,
on returning, found her teeth barred,
as II feeling for his heart.
Rushing up to his very face-"Sam-
son!" she cried, impellingly.
Again he seemed to feel the lash
upon his tawny skin.
Samson. Up, Samson. up. Samson
up!
Suddenly Samson wheeled about.
and leaped upon the table.
Fran stamped her foot at the ether
Hon. go to your place, Hercules"
she cried, with something like con-
tempt. .... ....
Hercules slowly rose, stretched him.
self, then marched TO his box. He
looked from Fran to the immovable
Samson waiting upon the table, then
mounted to his place, and seemed to
fall asleep.
And now. at last, Fran looked AT the
spectators. Stepping lightly to the
bars, she threw kisses this way and
that, smiling radiantly. Obi" she
cried, with vibrating earnestness,
you people out there-you can't think
how | love you: You've saved my life.
You are perfect heroes. Now make all
the noise you please"
May we mover" called a cautious
voice from a few feet away. II was
Abbott Ashton. with eyes like stars.
Fran looked at him. wondering at
his thoughts. She answered by al up
ward movement of her hand
AS though by carefully rehearsed
arrangement, the audience rose TO its
feet, band boys and all. Such a shout
Such waving of hats and handker
chiefs! Such unabashed sobs! Such
acknowledgements graspings OF
neighboring hands! The spectators
had gone mad with joyful relief
Fran leaped upon the table. and
mounted Samson.
Now, I'm rough rider!' she
shouted, burying her hands in the
name. and lying along the lions back
in true cowboy fashion. She plunged
she shouted loudly, but Samson only
closed his eyes and seemed to sleep.
After that, making the lions return
to their cramped side cages was &
mere detail. The show was ended.
Fran. remaining in the empty cage
! stood at the front, projecting her hant
through the bars to receive the greet
ings of the crowd Almost every one
wanted to shake hands with her.
Look. look!" Simon Jefferson sud
denly grasped Robert Clinton's hand
and pointed toward the tent-roof
There they are."