Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1914-01-30
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
The conqueror.
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 a more
interesting theme: Taken in the
Lion Show. YETI"
I'm just waiting for nine-thirty
have an engagement" Flu
tile words. indeed. since 1t was now
only eight o'clock.
You come with me. then. I know
all the ropes. Hey? Oh, yes. ] know
ness sake don't tell on me. she'd be
scared to death. Bx 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
somebody'd 90 tell. I've had to sneak
into all these shows IKE I'd been q
thief in the night"
Simon urged Abbott along In the d.
recrion taken. but q few minutes be
fore. by Hamilton Gregory and Grace
Noir. You see," Simon painted
when the girl fell on the trapeze-
heard about that. hey? Mother was
overjoyed. thinking I'd missed the
'sickening sight. But bless your soul!
Il 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." Abbott asked,
concealing his astonishment over ST.
mons 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 q jiffy. or all the seats1l be
taken. You can't stand there like that
give me your quarter, I 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. q voice came through q
megaphone: 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 1t all first You
follow me-"
Abbott laughed aloud at Simon's
ability as they pushed their way un-
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. wom-
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.
1t 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, with
heads bent forward as II to avoid the
canvas. they hoped to escape observa-
ton. Thanks to tia influx of country