New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-26
BY GEORGE GIBBS

tTeQ from the forests SlDeTla a contest that thrills
the Blood for in spite of the great strength of the Sgnot
which has been compared to that of Samson who once
fought and conquered single handed, lion (smle Of
approval from Ceoonte at the eloquence Of this com
parison "in spite OF the great strength of the Sgnor
saw the danger Of his destruction is ever present az
anyone who has the contest testify! Come
one, come ALL MeSsieHyS! Only in lifetime does
one have a chance to the Signorina Stella Fabani
the child wonder, Queen Of the Mat and Queen Of the
Air in her extraordinary acts Of flight and con,orton'
During this harangue Phlidor 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 was Olga Tcheny; but he had not dared TO look
at her, though he was quite that her head was
perched on one side in the birdke pose she found ef
fcctive and that her eyes, hooking and mislhievous
were searching him intenty. But he went etrava.
gantlv searching his wits for Barnum-lie adectives
"Enhec MeSSieuYS, and see the beautiful female lug
ger Of Naples who losses ten sharp knives and burning
brands into the air at and the same time, nor lets
one of them touch the ground, who losses cannonba
apple, and piece OF paper who spins two dishes on
the end of a stick with one hand while she rolls hoop
with the other, a lady who has acted before al the
crowned heads Of Europe! There will never again lie
such great artists performance unsurpassed and even
unequaled in history"
Philidors adjcctives had given had his breath
and 50 he paused As he did 50 he heard Olga voice
beside him in single but curousy expressive syllable.
"Well?' it asked
His eyes met hers without other token Of recognition
than a slight twinkle Of amusement.
~Mademoiscle wishes to enter? Ten sous, ii gou
please" and then with a loud voice directed over her
head "Entye7 MesseuyS ct Danes, and see the hand 20
hand struggle between a and a savage beast
contest at once magnificent and appalling one YOU will
remember the end Of your days spectacle de le
to your children and to your childrens children
"Tohn Markham" Oga's voice sounded shrly in
b,,t linn At nd lie tf MOI
"Ou MadcmoiseHe, ten sous, ii you please The per-
Torrance is about to begin, and
"This performance has been going quite long
enough What on earth are YOU doing here in Aencon:T
Barking" said Markham with grin; "a-5 doing
crayon portraits at two francs fifty head and he
pointed TO the sign beside the poster Of Cleofonte break
ing the chains which advertised the nature Of his talents
in glowing terms. MY name is Phlidor, AIademo-
sclle," bowling, "tinerant portrait painter-at your
service"
"Oh, DO stop that nonsense and explain!'
There nothing to explain. Here am. That all
"How did you get hereto Alencon:7
"Walked-it's my custom
"From Rouen'7
He nodded. I'm a member Of the Troupe Fa5iani
OF StroIling Acrobats, he laughed "Im learning tie
gentle art Of bear batting. Won't YOU come in:'
G 2 searched his face kccnly, and accepted his inv
- ,a,ion first handing him her fftv-centime piece
which he dropped without comment into his pocket
The inclosurc was already filled; so he closed the
trance flap and mounted guard over it-and Olga stood
beside him, her glance passing swiftly from one object
to another Ceotontc's bout with Tomasso was more
than usually dramatic; but her eyes roved toward the
dressing tent ewing the signora when she appeared
with uncommon interest
"Your troupe is not large she remarked when the
program had been explained TO her.
40, we are few my dear Olga, but quite select. You
4