ng more handsome, being in closer
sympathy with Rounders than the manager.

For two or three weeks Rounders continued to go through a performance
like the initiatory one, but at the end of that time his ambition moved
him to do something more. Pompey was tractable, and he determined to
attempt the "meat-jerk." He had not forgotten the advice of Brinton, but
he thought it was given through jealousy. He communicated his
determination to the manager, who told him if he thought he could do it,
to go ahead, for the managerial mind was absorbed with the idea of
additional attraction. He also informed Miss Stubbs of his project, who
exhibited more solicitude, and her first impulse was to dissuade the
ambitious Rounders from the undertaking. Under such circumstances men
are not inclined to heed the words of women, and in this instance
Rounders did not. His principal aim in making the communication was to
elicit information. She knew Brinton perhaps better than any one else in
the company. Couldn't she give him some "points"? Alas! she had no
"points" to give, for, however expansive Brinton may have been under
Cupid's influence, he was as close as an oyster in what related to his
profession, as has already been said. There was but one course left for
Rounders to pursue, which was to play a close imitation of Brinton.

The night of the representation came. The first part of the lion
performance passed off, and the second was at hand. The sweat stood on
the forehead of Rounders in drops as it had on that of Brinton when
Rounders saw him on the night of his irresolution. He issued from the
little tent-chamber, with a piece of meat in each hand, as he had seen
Brinton do. Miss Stubbs stood at the door of the cage in her
professional costume, with the magic wand in her hand.

"Jim Rounders," said she solemnly, "keep cool. If you lose your presence
of mind, you're gone."

"All right, Sally Stubbs," said he reassuringly as he opened the door
and went in with the two pieces of meat. The hungry animal jumped to his
feet and switched his tail. He smelt the meat. Rounders threw him a
piece, which he seized with the voracity common to lions, and began to
eat, growling between each bite. Rounders eyed the menacing beast for a
few moments, as it fed, then approached and put out his hand, at which
there was a louder and more threatening growl. It was the growl of
warning. A low feminine voice reached Rounders's ear from the cage door,
whic