The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1914-09-24


explained by the fact that francesca,
the gay and fascinating animal
tanner, was billed to exhibit the brutes
Intelligence at the close Of each per-
formance; and Francesca had been
paying considerable attention to
Sidonia of late-se much that Otto,
the strong man, once foremost In her
affections, had been relegated almost
entirely to the background.
She sought her lover at the first op-
portunity and informed him Of her
fears.
81 wish you would take extra pre-
cautions when you enter Bruins cage
this afternoon" she said. Il never
saw him look so ugly before, and l
fear that he may do you an injury"
What foolish notion has taken
possession Of you now" he playfully
inquired. "Bruin is as gentle as a
kitten and has never been known to
harm any one"
The audience was largely composed
If rough miners from the coal fields,
and when the bear cage was run In
they rushed from their seats and
awarmed around it.
So densely were they packed that
francesca experienced considerable
difficulty in forcing his way through
them. The crowding of the people
seemed to have bad effect upon
Bruins temper, and he growled
viciously when the trainer entered.
The latter started toward him whip In
hand. At the first step he slipped and
sell to the floor.
The sight Of the trainer helpless be-
fore him aroused all the ferocity OF
the bears nature, and with a furious
growl he rushed at the prostrate man.
A cry of dismay rang from Sidonia's
lips. In an agony Of grief she turned
TO the faithful Otto, who was stand.
Ing few PAGES away.
otto, save him!" she cried.
"And why should L." was the fierce
reply. "He is my enemy. Had he
not come between us with his treach-
cry and deceit you would love ne
still"
Otto" she pleaded, sinking to her
knees while the tears streamed down
her face, save him fer my sake.
Quick or it will be too late"
Tearing a club from the hands OF
one Of the assistants, he plunged into
the crowd like an avalanche. He was
not a moment too soon. francesca
was down and tie bear was tearing
furiously at his shoulder when he
flung himself between them.
And now commenced mighty
struggle over the body Of the uncon-
scious man. The bears fury was
doubled at finding himself confronted
by an opponent who, instead Of dodg-
ing and running away, stood up and
buffeted him with awful blows that
stunned and blinded him.
At length when he had almost
gained the deer and escape seemed
probable, the trainer recovered his
senses and dragged himself weakly to
his feet. He bestowed single glance
upon the struggling pair before him;
then he turned and slipping from the
cage slammed the door behind him.
The door was equipped with a spring
lock and the man who had risked his
life to save him was prisoner with
the bear.
Sidonia's shrek rang above the
cries Of the people, and she was about
to close her eyes to the awful spec
tacle, when suddenly long pole was
thrust between the bear and his VIC
tim; then another and another, and
with gasp Of relief she realized that
the long delayed help had arrived at
last.
Then the face of francesca ap-
peared In the crowd in front Of her;
q face that was bloody from the rough
handling Of angry men. But she gave
no sign of recognition.
Then the face of Otto appeared;
bloody also, but with wounds received
In another's defense. Their eyes met
and in hers was look that asked for
giveness. His answering look told
her that it was granted.
Copyright. 1914. by Daily Story Pub. Coz