Part 33 (1/2)

At this Barton Reeve motioned to Leo to walk a distance away.

”Run for a couple of policemen,” he whispered. ”I'll keep an eye on the crowd.”

The young gymnast needed no second bidding, but went off swiftly.

At the first corner he ran across a bluecoat and hurriedly related his story.

At once the policeman rapped for an a.s.sistant.

Then the three joined Barton Reeve.

Snipper and the swindlers were just preparing to leave the saloon.

The back window was wide open, and with a bound Barton Reeve leaped into the apartment.

Leo came close behind, and the policemen followed.

Jack Snipper turned as pale as death when he saw how he was trapped.

He started to sneak out through the drinking resort, but Leo caught him and threw him down on the sawdust floor.

Then a struggle took place between the swindlers and Barton Reeve and the policemen.

But at last the swindlers were overcome and handcuffed.

Snipper was also made a prisoner, and the whole crowd marched down to the police station.

The excitement was great at the circus when it was learned that Leo was innocent and Jack Snipper was guilty.

In her joy Natalie Sparks actually hugged Leo, while the boy blushed most furiously.

In due course of time Snipper and the swindlers were tried, and each was sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

CHAPTER XXIV.-IN THE CIRCUS RING AGAIN.

”Leo, Mr. Lambert wants to see you,” said Barton Reeve, after the excitement of the arrest was over.

”What about?” questioned the young gymnast.

”Oh, he wants to see you, that's all,” added Reeve, with a peculiar wink of his eye.

The circus manager was at the main ticket wagon, as usual. As Leo entered, he held out his hand.

”Dunbar, I did you a great wrong, and I am sorry for it,” he said frankly.

”I am glad that my name is cleared, Mr. Lambert,” said Leo, as he took the extended hand.

”We owe you something for what you have done for the show,” went on the manager. ”You did what the detectives failed to do, and I feel I ought to pay you a reward.”