American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1914-03-21

II think" I said. that We had bet.
ter ride over to Trecourt after the
show--not that there's any Immediate
danger" ,,.:.f-.s -...-.. u,
There Il no immediate danger"
said Speed, because she 10 here"
My face began to burn: I looked at
him miserably. "How do you known"
she IL there In the tent. I saw
her. Don't misconstrue her presencst
Don't be q contemplate fool. IL L
have read her face-and I have never
spoken to her. as you know-I tell
you. Scarlet, that young girl u goins
through an ordeal! Do women Of that
kind come to shows like this to be
amusedf"
And he turned on his heel. leaving
me speechless. -. ,., -,".e' 80
I do not remember dressing. When
I came out into the passase.way BY.
ram beckoned me. and pointed at .
crack In the canvas through which
one could see the interior Of the am.
phitheater. -
The show was on.
I stood In the shadow Of the stable
tent, dressed in my frock-coat, white
stock. white cords, and hunting boots,
sullen. embittered, red with . false
shame that better men than I have
weakened under. almost desperate In
my humiliation. almost ready to snd
1t all there among those !tayny. rest-
less brutss pacing behind the bars
at my elbow. watching me stealthily
with luminous eyes. $50, .,o-
She knew what was--but that she
could come to see with hcr own eyes
I could not understand, Icould not
forgive. Because she had. inner, Era.
cious ignorance. given me 1 young
giNs impulsive frisndship. Nas 4 10
mistake herr -,
Have you seen herr" whispered
Speed. coming up to me. long whip
trailing. -.
shook my. head. ~ f'f''
He looked at me In disgust -Hsrs's
something for you" he sAid. shortly.
and thrust an envelope into my hand;
In the envelope was q little card
on which was written: II ask you TO
be careful, for q friends sake" On
the other side Of the card was on.
graved her name. y" '
Where Is shef" I said, steadyins
my voice, which my leaping heart al.
most stiffed. -
He drew me by the elbow and
looked toward the right Of the 'Smphi.
theater. Following the direction Of
his eyes. saw her leaning forward,
pale'faced. grave. small. slovsd hands
interlocked. Beside her sat Sylvia
Elven. apparently amused at the an,
tics OF the clown.
II will be careful" I said to Speed,
In low voice. III II were not FOL
Byram would not go on today-bu,
that 10 matter OF honor. Oh, Speed. .
! broke out. rs she not worth dyins
forr ISL ~ -
why not live for herr he oh
served. dryly. %
Helet 90 Of my arm and stood BAG,
as my lion-cages came rolling out
drawn by four horses.
ITS your turn" he said. In a daxed
way. Look out for that iloness."
Fentered the cage, afraid
Almost instantly was,the center OF
snarling mass Of lions; I saw moth.
Ing; my whip rose and fell mechan.
icaily. stood like one stunned, while
the tawny forms leaped right and left
Suddenly heard a keeper say
Look out for Empress Khatoun. siri"
And a moment later cry. Look cut
sirl"
Something went wrong with another
lion. too. for the people were standing
Up and shouting. and the sleeve of INV
coat hung from the elbow, showins
my bare shoulder. remember say.
ing. aloud II must keep my, feet; l
must not falll" Then daylight grew
rcd. and was on my knees, with the
foul breath of lion In my face. A
hot iron bar shot across the cage
The roaring Of beasts and people died
out In my ears; then. With shock,
my soul seemed to be dashed out OF
mo into . terrific darkness.