The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-01-10

to be seen at such shows until later
and more fashionable hour. Gregory
was relieved to find his topmost plank
filled with strangers.
"All goes WELL" he said. pressing
Grace's hand. Nobody will find out
| that we have been in here"
Watch for Mr. Clinton" Grace
counseled cautiously. If he comes
in, stoop lower"
They're all strangers, Grace. Provi-
dence is with us-there's Simon Jeffer
SOM" He was too amazed to think OF
concealment.
Hush! Yes-and Abbott Ashton"
Gregory pulled his hat over his
eyes.
Into the tent streamed q fresh body
of sightseers. Simon, swinging to the
rope that was stretched in front Of the
big cage, grumbled at being elbowed
| by weary mothers and broad-chested
! farmers.
| The band entered and squatted upon
| blue boxes in one corner. Snowy red
coats were removed in Difference to
sweltering heat, and melody presided
in undress. Three bears, two clowns
and a bicycle sharpened interest in
what was TO come. whetting the mind
! upon jokes blunter than the intelli-
| gence of the audience. Even the band
ceased playing though that had not
/ seemed possible; its depressing an
dantinos had not only subdued the
bears, rendering them as harmless as
kittens, but had mournfully depressed
the audience.
Into this atmosphere of tanned inert
ness. suddenly flashed a little figure
Nhose quivering vitality comInuni-
Gated electric thrills. Even the clowns
moved less like treadmill horses. as
they took their stations at the smaller
cages, waiting to lift the gates that
would admit the restless lions into the
central cage.
The form that had appeared--one
, knew not whence-was that of slight
woman, dressed in a short skirt OF
blue, and bodice of white satin. The
trimmings which ran in all directions
were rich in pendants of gold and
rubies. Above all, there was the al
Turing mystery Of crimson mask
which effectuaily hid the woman's
face.
Simon whispered into Abbott's al
ways unready ear: THAT isn't La
Confetti. Wonder what this means
La Confetti is much more of a WON
an than this one, and she doesn't wear
mask, or much of anything else. La
Confetti doesn't care who sees her
Why, this is nothing but a mere
tell you now, IL she amt on to her job
l mean to have my money back" 81
mon glowered.
Abbott stared in great perplexity
Then who is she?" he exclaimed Isl
mon-doesn't she remind you of-oi
some one we know"
Nav. She's got on La Gonizetti's
dress. and her voice has the show
girls ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
but that's all recognize"
Abbott wondered that Simon failed
to notice the similarity between the
show-girl's movements and those Of
Fran. This woman had Fran's form
To be sure the voice was entirely diff
ferent, but the rapidity and decisive
ness of action, and the air of authority
were Fran's very own. However, the
show-girl's hands we're as dark as ar
Italians, while Fran's were-well. moi
SO dark, at any rate.
Abbott's brow did not relax He
stood motionless, staring at every
thing before him with painful intent
ness.
Up near the roof, Gregory ant
Grace scarcely observed the entrance
of the lion-tamer. Secured ron
espial, absorbed In each other, they
were able, thanks to the surrounding
clamor of voices. to discuss their fu
ture plans with some degree of conf
dence.
Simon told Abbott-"Anyway, M
amateur would rub up against thos,
beasts. SO l guess it's all right Thel
amt but two lions; bill says ten
man that wrote the bill was the othe
eight, / reckon"
CTO BE CONTINUEDD