ake in plenty of money they may give
us more salary."

"Not much danger of that," averred Tom Jefferson, who did a "strong
man" act. "Still, we can't complain. We get pretty goad money as it
is."

There came a different note into the music. There were a few sharp
notes on a bugle, and the strong man, who had been lying down on some
boxes covered with blankets, sprang to his feet.

"Grand entry's over," he remarked. "I've got to go on!"

"And so have I!" added a clown, who had been busily engaged in painting
one half of his face white and the other black. "Here we are again
gentlemen!" and he turned two or three somersaults on the grass of the
dressing, tent. "Whoop-la-la!" and out he ran to make his appearance in
the ring. A gale of laughter followed, testifying to the effects of his
antics.

"All ready, Joe?" asked Sid Lascalla, the other member of the acrobatic
trio.

"Why, that isn't our call, is it?" asked Joe, who was relacing one of
his shoes.

"No, but it will come in a few minutes. Are you going to try the long
swing and double catch this afternoon?"

"I think we might as well, don't you? We've had enough practice at it,
even though this is the first show of the season. What do you say,
Tonzo?"

"Oh, I'm ready for it."

"So am I, then," added Sid. "Only let's be sure the life net is all
right. The ring-attendants are apt to be a bit careless at first."

"I'll look after it," promised Joe.

The lacing of his shoes seemed to give the young trapeze performer some
little concern. He did not want them too tight, and, on the other hand,
they must not be loose enough to give any play to the ankles. For in a
great measure the life of the young man who was soon to thrill the big
audience with his daring depended on the firmness of his stand.

A fine figure of youthfulness was Joe Strong as he stood in his closely
fitting red tights, tall and straight as an Indian arrow, with not an
ounce of superfluous flesh, and yet not over-muscled. But the muscles
he had were powerful. One could see his biceps ripple under his tights
as he bent his arm, and when he straightened up there were bunches back
of his shoulders that told of power there. His legs, too, on the
strength of which he depended for many tricks, were symmetrical with
muscles, and his hands and wrists showed force.

The young acrobat finally seemed to be satisfied with his shoes, and
nodded his readiness to his two partners. In the first part of th