The Meridian times., 1916-08-18


fall that she had to give up the work.
Then she took up animal training
perhaps I'm an animal queen as we'll
as a rider. Who knows?"
And in that way Peg turned the con-
versation from herself into the banter
and jest that the girls usually in
dulged In while dressing. Soon they
were all gayly laughing. some of them
singing bits of song, and Peg was the
happiest of them ALL
Miss Peg; are you there?" was the
summons that again called the pretty
rider to the entrance OF the tent. This
voice she quickly recognized. and her
face was diffused with the blush of
love, as her heart beat quicker, and
she eagerly ran to greet young Doctor
Lund.
III be finished dressing in Just
moment" said Peg; wait for me and
I'll be ready In q jiffy." And when
she appeared again she placed her
hand on young Lund's arm and said:
Dear boy, I'm sorry / caused you
all that trouble"
Don't worry about that little thing;
II was nothing serious and when you
sent Flip to the officers he was able to
explain 1t all to their complete salts
faction"
And then he took the girl in his
arms and kissed her tenderly. They
walked away from the dressing tents
and Peg explained to young Lund that
she wanted to go to the circus cars to
see the pony, and then told him about
the incidents of the rehearsal.
III you'll allow me, Ill go with you
and Wen see the pony together. While
don't claim to be horse doctor, per.
maps can help little," said Lund,
with merry laugh in which Peg glee.
fully joined.
The'sweethearts strolled leisurely to-
ward the circus train, and as they
walked through the quiet streets, on
the pleasant summer afternoon, they
won many admiring glances from
those who passed them on the way.
For they were indeed f1ne-looking
couple; young Lund, tall, athletic and
handsome. with Peg pretty sight to
behold in all of her youthful beauty.
Oblivious to all else save the fact
that they were happy in each others
society, neither young Lund or Peg
paid any attention to the passersby.
They chatted merrily, being careful to
not refer to the unpleasant incident of
the night before.
They both understood the nature of
Pegs affiiction, and it was subject
of such distressing character that
they never referred to it in the few
opportunities they had enjoyed for
conversation. They were only too hap
py to realize that there were pleasant
er subjects for discussion, and SO they
made their way to the circus train,
contented and happy in their oppor-
tunity to be together peacefully and
undisturbed.
But fate was conspiring against
them. every step they took.
When Mrs. Lund was informed that
the circus was to reopen, she imme-
diately sent word to Chockro to make
himself scarce" until the opening date
and to then resume his efforts to dis
pose of Peg. With money Mrs. Lund
supplied Chockro lived in st. Louis
while the new show was Quitting and
there gathered a new gang of huskies
to take the place of those who had
scattered when the House of Mys-
terry" was raided.
The Hindoo was on hand for the,
opening show, but kept we'll in hid
ing. And when the show failed to
move out of town, as everybody had
expected. Chockro decided that an op>
portunity must be made to dispose of
the girl, then and there, If it were pos
sible to do so
He posted his men where reports
might be brought to him of any pos
sible opportunity arising whereby
Mrs. Lund's orders could be carried
out and he also kept as strict watch
himself upon the movements of the
girl. The crafty Hindoo was deter,
mined to get Peg out of the way, no
matter to what further extremes he
might be forced.
Thus 1t was that Peg and young
Lund were trailed by Chockro when
they left the circus grounds to make
the trip to see the injured pony. The
Hindu skillfully shadowed them, with
out attracting their attention. and
when they turned from the street to
pass through the sheds and wagon
yards at the shows winter quarters,
they were followed by Chockro and
watched by members of his gang, hid
den from sight in convenient places.
Lund and Peg went directly to the
car wherein the injured pony had
been placed. IT was an ordinary box
car. of the large and roomy "furni-
ture" type, and against the only open
door short run" had been placed,
to permit the animals to pass in and
out of the car.
The young sweethearts climbed the
ar,,,,u opd tharo In tba COW fbo,, ESQ.,. i