The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-11-20
CHAPTER XIII.
The Conqueror.

The ConqueroF.
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 Simon
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" Flu
tile words, indeed, since it was now
only eight o'clock
You come with me, then, | know
all 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 op
pressed, and that's what scares me
feeling oppressed" He rubbed his griZ-
zled hair nervously. Just for fear
somebodyd go tell, I've had to sneak
into all these shows like I'd been a
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 off the trapeze-
heard about that, hey? Mother was
overjoyed, thinking I'd missed the
sickening sight But bless your soul!
i was right at the front, hanging on
to the railing, and ! saw it 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 ST.
nous 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-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 first place. That
ticket agent knows me; I've been in
five times"
From a high platform before the
black tent, a voice came through a
megaphone: 1.-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
breathless Simon Jefferson. "Of course
we'll see what's there-no use listen
ing to him, like an introduction in a
novel of Scott's telling it all first. You
follow me-"
Abbott laughed aloud at Simon's
ability as they pushed their way I'M
der the tent.
"Uh-huh, now see that!" groaned
Simon reproachfully, as he looked
about Every seat taken. l 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 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 trimming with men, WON
en- and children who, tenacious Of
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, witt
heads bent forward as if to avoid the
canvas, they hoped to escape observa
! tiop. Thanks to the influx Of country