sy to do that, just take out your watch, and hold your breath for
four minutes out here in the tent--not under water, where to breathe
means death--yes, ladies and gentlemen--death!"

The ring-master paused impressively.

"Now we do not claim that Mr. Strong will be able to stay under water
four minutes. Three, I believe, is his limit. But you must remember,
ladies and gentlemen, that he is doing this act in public for the first
time, and that merely to help out the show and prevent you from being
disappointed.

"He will endeavor to remain under water three minutes at a time, and
will also offer for your approval a few tricks. But I wish to state
that staying under water even three minutes is a feat of no mean
ability. We do not say that no one else can do it, though we have a
standing offer of a thousand dollars to any one who will duplicate the
feat of Mr. Turton, and remain under four minutes. But under the
circumstances that offer is withdrawn.

"But if any of you think it is easy to stay under three minutes just
try to hold your breath for the time Mr. Strong remains under water. I
venture to say none of you can do it."

Again the ring-master paused for dramatic effect. Then he took out his
watch, and looked toward the entrance to the dressing tent. One of the
attendants signaled that Joe was ready.

"Ladies and gentlemen," went on Jim Tracy, "I now take great pleasure
in introducing to you Joe Strong, the boy fish, and I crave your slight
indulgence under the circumstances. Remember he is only filling in at
an emergency. So do not be over critical. Mr. Strong!"

The band blared out as Joe walked up on the platform beside the
ring-master and threw off his bath robe, revealing himself in the scaly
green suit Benny had worn.

Joe bowed right and left.

"I will now leave Mr. Strong to entertain you, my friends," concluded
the ring-master.

There was another blare of music, and Joe started up the steps that led
to the platform from which Benny had dived. Joe was going to start the
trick in the same way.

"Though I hope what happened to Benny, whatever it was, doesn't happen
to me," thought the young acrobat.

He poised for an instant on the small platform, and then with a quick
spring launched himself into the air. Joe brought into play one of his
trapeze tricks, and turned three somersaults before he struck the
water. In he went, with a little splash, and, a moment later, he opened
his eyes under water