Part 5 (1/2)

Then he gave a sudden leap and sat down on the bar several yards off.

”By Jove, there is something in that boy!” murmured Adam Lambert to Reeve. ”He has just daring enough to succeed.”

”So I would say, Mr. Lambert. Hullo! Look there!”

Leo was turning rapidly on the bar.

He went through a dozen gymnastic movements, and then slid down the center pole.

”That will do,” shouted the manager. ”I'll give you a trial. You can place yourself under d.i.c.k Pomeroy, the head tumbler and bar man. Mr.

Reeve, take him to d.i.c.k.”

Adam Lambert had scarcely spoken when a tall, finely-built fellow rushed into the ring from one of the dressing-rooms.

”Mr. Lambert!”

”Well, d.i.c.k.”

”Broxton is intoxicated again!”

”Indeed! Didn't you warn him as I told you?”

”Yes, but it did no good. He is so intoxicated he can't stand.”

”Then he can't do his brother clown act with Snipper?”

”No, sir, we'll have to cut it out.”

”Too bad, with Nash on the sick list, too.”

”See here,” put in Barton Reeve. ”This boy wanted to do clown as well as acrobatics.”

”Is that so, Dunbar?”

”Yes, sir, if I can help you out I'll do my best.”

”It's short notice,” mused Adam Lambert.

”Snipper can instruct him and cut out anything difficult,” suggested Barton Reeve.

He had taken a strong liking to Leo and wished to get the boy a place.

”Well, fix it up, d.i.c.k, the best you can,” said the manager. ”I must go back and see about those stolen tickets.”

And off went the manager, followed a minute later by Barton Reeve, leaving Leo alone with d.i.c.k Pomeroy, who had charge of the clowns and tumblers connected with the ”Greatest Show on Earth.”

Pomeroy at once led Leo around to a dressing-room. In a corner sat Jack Snipper, a clown and gymnast, his face drawn down.

”Here's a man to take Broxton's place,” explained Pomeroy.