The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-04-14

explained by the fact that Francesca
the gay and fascinating ANNA
tanner, was billed to exhibit the Drute >
intelligence at the close OF eacn per
Torrance; and francesca had oeeh
paying considerable attention 70
sidonia Of late-se much that QUO
the strong man, once foremost IN her
affections, had been RELOCATED almost
entirely to the background.
She sought her lover at the nrst op'
portunity and informed him OF hef
fears.
81 wish you would take extra pre-
cautions when you enter Bruins cage
this afternoon" she said. i never
saw him look so ugly before. and
fear that he may do you an injury.
/ What foolish notion has taken
possession Of you now" he playfuliy
inquired. "Bruin is as gentle as a
kitten and has never been known 10
harm any one"
The audience was largely composed
of rough miners from the coal fields,
and when the bear cage was run IN
they rushed from their seats ana
swarmed 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
FELL to the ticor.
The sight IT the trainer helpless be-
fore him aroused all the ferocity of
the bears nature and with furious
crowl he rushed at the PROSTATE 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 T." was the fierce
reply. He Is my enemy. Had he
not come between us with his treach-
cry and deceit you would love me
stll."
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 club from the hands Of
one Of the assistants, he plunged into
the crowd like an avalanche. He was
not q moment too soon. Francesca
was down and the bear was tearing
furiously at Lis shoulder when he
flung himself Ietween them.
And now commenced mighty
struggle ever 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 door 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 spring
lock and the man who had risked his
life to save him was q 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 a gasp Of relief she realized that
the long delayed help had arrived AZ
last.
Then the face Of Francesca an
peared tn the crowd in front of her.
a 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 a look that asked for.
giveness. His answering look told
her that It was granted.
Copyright 1914. by Daily Story Pub c,1