The Detroit times., 1913-01-07
CHAPTER XIII.
The Conqueror.

| The Conqueror.
| After the extinguishment OF the
Fran-beam, Abbott wanted to be
alone, to mediate on stellar and solar
brightness, but In this vociferous
wilderness, reflection was impossible.
One could not even escape recogni-
ton, one could not even detach one
self from Simon Jefferson.
Got back TO town again, hey?" said
Simon. That was enough about Abb
bolt; Simon passed at once TO a more
interesting theme: Taken in the
I Lion Show, YETI"
I'm just waiting for nine-thirty.
have an engagement" Futile
words, indeed. since it was now only
about 8 o'clock
! You come with me, then, know all
I 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. 'TisI't like going to church,
one bit Preaching makes me feel
Oppressed, and that's what scares
me-feeling oppressed" He rubbed
his grizzled hair nervously. Just for
+ fear somebody'd 60 tell, I've had TO
sneak int all these shows like I'd
been thief in the night"
Simon urged Abbott along in the
direction taken, but few minutes be-
fore. by Hamilton Gregory and Grace
Nolr You see" Simon painted,
when the girl fell off the trapeze-
heard about that. hey? Mother was
overjoyed thinking I'd missed the
sickening sight. But bless your soul!
~ was right at the front, hanging
on to The railing, and saw II all
why, she pretty near fell on me. Her
foot slipped just So" Simon extend.
ed his leg with some agility.
was she killed." Abbott asked,
concealing his establishment over
Simon's evident acquaintance with the
black bent tent before which they had
paused.
We'll" Simon reluctantly conceded,
''n.n-no. she wasn't to say killed-but
dreadfully bruised up, Abbott, very
nainful. I saw II all: this carnival
= mas put new life Into me-heret- Get
your ticket Ia n 5ii fffy or all the seatsll
be taken. You can't stand there like
Ithat-give me your quarter, know
how 10 Jump In and get first place.
That ticket-agent knows me; I've
been in FIVE times
From high platform before the
black tent, a voice came through a
megaphone The Big Show. The
Rig show. See those enormous lions
riding In baby carriages while La
! Gonizetti makes other lions dance the
lfandango to her violin. See those"
Here. Abbott. follow" called the
,breathless Simon Jefferson. "Of
course we'll see what's there-no use
Listening TO him. like an introduction
I'm a novel OF Scott's, telling II all
first. Oh. you've got 10 squeeze your
way in" he continued. clenching his
teeth and hurting himself forward.
r"iust mash 'em endwise IL they stand
gawking in your way. You follow me. .
t-1tTutt- laughed aleHd-at- SimeR,s
ability as they pushed their way under
the tent
"Irh.huh. now see that" groaned
Simon reproachfully. as he looked
about. Every seat taken. tell you,
you've got 10 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
under the tent was taken up BY tiers
of seats formed OF thin, and apparent.
~ fragile, blue planks. sprlngy to the
foot and deafening to the ear From
hardened ground to fringed tent-ceil.