ntlemen," began Jim Tracy, "there has been a slight
mishap to Mr. Turton, who, a little while ago, dived into this glass
tank which you see before you," and he waved a hand toward the tank.
"Mr. Turton is unable to go on with the act for the present, being, in
fact, under the care of one of your local physicians. As you all know
we advertised to show the 'human fish,' and if there is one thing more
than another that the Sampson Brothers try to do it is to keep their
word--keep faith--with the public. As we advertise so we do. And I
say, without fear of successful contradiction, that there is not one
act down on the show bills or posters--not one pageant, not one wild
animal, not a riding act, not a driving act, not a trapeze act, which
we advertise, that we do not give you complete, in full and in its
entirety.

"We have advertised to give you a fancy diving act in a glass tank of
water, and you have all seen that. Mr. Turton before he was
unfortunately taken ill, did that part of his act. But he is unable to
go on. And I am now about to introduce to you a young man who will take
his place. You have all seen him. But a little while ago he thrilled
you, in company with his partners, the Lascalla Brothers, in a high
trapeze act. It was while doing this that the young man I am about to
bring to your favorable notice saw Mr. Turton in distress in the tank.
Mr. Joe Strong, as he is known in private life, acted promptly and
pulled Mr. Turton from the tank. He saved his life, though, in order
not to alarm you, we did not let that fact become known until just
now."

There was a murmur in the crowd, and some applause. Clearly the
announcement was a surprise.

"What do you think of that?" was asked on all sides.

"And now," went on Jim Tracy, "following the invariable policy of the
Sampson Brothers' Circus, we are going to keep our word again, and give
you just what we advertised we would--a wonderful under-water act, full
of thrills, and interesting in the extreme. But I must crave your
slight indulgence, and I feel sure that, under the circumstances, you
will extend it to, not only myself and the show management, but to the
young man who has volunteered to take the place of the 'human fish' on
such short notice.

"You will see by the circus posters that we claim Mr. Turton can stay
under water four minutes. This he has done time and again, as you who
have seen him before can bear witness. And if any of you think it is
ea