Part 41 (2/2)

The bandmaster waved his baton and the s of the storrew louder Ropes were creaking, center and quarter poles lifting theerously

”It's blowing end on,”full speed down the concourse in his ring costuer If the tent should go down you will be safer where you are Keep your seats, everybody”

Phil dashed on, shouting his warning until he had gotten halfway around the tent Mr Prentice had taken up the lad's cry on the other side

Then the blow fell

The big top bent under the sweep of the gale until the center poles were leaning far over to the north Had the wind not struck the tent on the end it one down under the first blast As it was, canvas, rope and pole were holding, but every stitch of canvas and every pole was tre under its burden

”Sit steady, everybody! We may be able to weather it”

Phil saw that, if the people were to run into the arena and the tent should fall, many must be crushed under the center and quarter poles

Up and down he ran shouting words of encourage worked his way in fro tents is called Phil had picked up the ring it to attract the attention of the people to what he was trying to tell theain confidence frohts, as rushi+ng up and down as cool and collected as if three thousand persons were not in deadly peril

Nothing but Phil Forrest's coolness saved hty roar suddenly drew every eye in the tent to the south end where the as pressing against the canvas with increasing force

Phil stood near the entrance, the flap of which had been quickly laced and staked dohen the canvas upon them

He turned quickly, for the roar had seemed to be almost at his side What he sa an exclaht have been humorous There was no humor in it now

”Gracious!” exclaimed the lad

There, within twenty feet of hie, powerful beast, with head up, the hair standing straight along its back, thein the breeze

”It's Wallace,” breathed the lad, alest lion in captivity, soe

”Now there'll be a panic for sure! They've seen him!”

”Sit still and keep still! He won't hurt you!” shouted Phil

”Now, you get out of here!” comaster's whip in the animal's face

Just for the briefest part of a second did Wallace give way, then with a terrific roar, he bounded clear over the Circus Boy's head, bowling Phil over as he leaped, and on down to the center of the arena

Phil had not been hurt He was up and after the dangerous beast in a twinkling The audience sahat he was trying to do

”Keep away fro

”Throw a net over him!” shouted Phil