Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-06-05
CHAPTER XIII.
The canauaroe.

The Conqueror.
After the extinguishment Of the
Fran.beam, Abbott wanted to be alone,
! mediate on stellar and solar bright
ness. but in this vociferous wilderness,
reflection was impossible. One could
not even escape recognition, one could
Jefferson.
Got back to town again. hey?" said
Simon. That was enough about Alb
bolt; Simon passed at once to more
interesting theme: Taken in the
Lion Show. YETI"
I'm just waiting for nine-thirty.
/. ;. have an engagement" Fu-
tile words, indeed, since it was now
OILY eight O'Clock.
You come with me, then, know
s.; 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 OPP
pressed. and that's what scares me-
feeling oppressed" He rubbed his griz-
Led hair neryously. Just for fear
somebody'd 60 tell. I've had 70 sneak
into all these shows like I'd been a
thief in the night"
Simon urged Abbott along in the di.
rection taken. but q few minutes be-
fore, by Hamilton Gregory and Grace
Noir. You see." Simon painted,
when the girl fell off the trapeze-
heard about that, hey? Mother was
overjoyed, thinking Id missed the
sickening sight But bless your soul!
i 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." Abbot, asked,
concealiIg his establishment over ST.
lions evident acquaintano, with the
black tent before which they had
paused.
Well" Simon reluctantly conceded.
n-n-no. she wasn't to say kiiied-but
drea dfully bruised up. Abbott. very
painful. 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, ! know how
to jump in and get frs. place. That
ticket agent knows me; I've been in
five times"
From a high platform before the
black tent. voice came through a
msgaphone: 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 follow" called the
bresthiess Simon Jefferson. "Of course
we'll see what's there-no use listen.
ing to him, like an introduction in a
novel OF SCOTS telling it all first. You
follow me-"
Abbott laughed aloud at Simon 6
ability as they pushed their way IN
der the tent
Simon reproachfully, as he looked
about. Every seat taken. | tell you
you've got to lift your feet 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 I'M
Ger the tent was taken up by tiers Of
seats formed Of thin. and apparently
fragile. blue planks, springy to tbs
foot and deafening to the ear. From
| hardened ground to fringed tent-ceil
/ ing. these overlapping rows Of narrow
boards we're brimm with men. WON
| en- and children who. tenacious O.
! 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 aren;
when the signal should be given.
! Gregory and Grace Noir had sough
refuge on the highest seat, where the,
might overlook the crowd; here. viii
i heads bent forward as if to avoid the
canvas, they hoped to escape observa
ton. Thanks to the influx Of countr,
| folk, Littieburg citizens were rarel,
10 be seen at such shows until late
~ more fashionable hour. Gregor,
was relieved to ind his topmost plenl
filled with strangers.
/ "All goes WELL" he said. pressin,
Grace's hand. Nobody will find on
that we have been in here"
Watch for Mr.. Clinton" Grac,
counseled cautiously. "1f he comes
in, stoop lower"
They're all strangers, Grace Provi
dence IL with us-there's Simon JefSer
son!" He was too amazed to think o
concealment.
Hush! Yes-and Abbott Ashton.
Gregory pulled his hat over hi
eyes.
Into the tent streamed a fresh bod,
OF sight-seers. Simon, swinging to th,
rope that was stretched in front Of tn
big cage. grumbled at being elbowe.
by weary mothers and broad-cheste,
farmers.
The band entered and squatted upo,
blue boxes in one corner. Snowy re,
coats were removed in Difference u
sweltering heat. and melody preside'
in undress. Three bears, two clown
and . bicycle sharpened interect II
what was to come, whetting the min,
upon Jokes blunter than the fntell
gence of the.audience. Even the ban
ceased playing though that had NO
seemed poeaihle. tte decreasing ,