Part 14 (1/2)

There, too, was the trouble that would be caused if some one were injured or killed by the beast.

”It sure is tough luck!” complained Jim Tracy.

”Sure is,” agreed Joe.

Gradually matters quieted down in the animal tent, and while some of the performers went to supper Joe spoke to Mr. Fleet about giving Toto another trial at the water jump.

”We've got to go on with the show, lion or no lion,” said Joe, ”and we might as well practise that act.”

The dog trainer agreed with him, and they brought in Toto.

”Now, Toto,” said his master, ”be nice, and do what we want you to. Up you go.”

He had the little dog in his arms and was walking toward the platform on which Joe's tank stood. But Toto acted very strangely. He trembled and whined, and seemed to want to get out of Mr. Fleet's arms.

”Why, why now! Steady!” murmured the trainer soothingly. ”What's the matter, Toto?”

The dog continued to whine, and exhibited signs of fear.

”Why now, little doggie,” said Joe, ”you won't have to do that jump if you don't want to. Come on now, jump into the tank. I'll stay out if you won't jump with me in at first.”

Mr. Fleet put Toto down at the foot of the rope ladder which led to the top of the pole.

”Up you go!” he said.

But, instead, Toto, with whines and barks, jumped to the ground. Then, running away a short distance, the little dog turned and stood facing the platform of the tank. Toto growled and barked, and the hair on his spine stood up in a straight ridge.

The platform was hollow. It consisted of four uprights, and around them was a heavy and stiff piece of canvas, painted to resemble a ma.s.s of rock. On top of this seeming rock pile stood the gla.s.s tank.

”Why, Toto, what in the world is the matter?” asked Mr. Fleet.

Joe had a sudden idea.

”It's something--something under the platform,” he said.

He and Mr. Fleet looked at each other. The same thought came to them both.

”The lion!”

Toto continued to bark and growl and to face the canvas-enclosed platform.

”Prince must be under there,” said Joe.

”Yes,” nodded the dog-trainer. ”What had we better do?”

”Take your dog away, keep quiet, and one of us go and tell Jim Tracy,”

decided Joe. ”One of us must stay and watch to see that the lion does not come out. I'll stay.”

”Perhaps I'd better stay,” suggested Mr. Fleet. ”I'm used to handling animals, and once I trained some pumas--treacherous beasts they were, too. You go and tell Jim.”