Let 'em wait! Just hand over them tickets, or we'll run over you."

The fellow looked so dangerous that the ticket seller saw there was no
time to parley.

He raised the well-known circus cry, which is called out in times of
danger, like a summons to arms,

"Hey, Rube!"

Instantly the canvas men and razorbacks rushed to the rescue, and made
an impetuous attack on the disorderly crowd of miners. They, too, were
aching for a fight, and there was a wild scene of battle, in which, as
in the ancient days, the opposing forces fought hand to hand.

The canvas men were strong, but so were the miners. Their muscles were
toughened by daily toil, and it looked as if the outsiders might win.

Kit was not of course called upon to take part in the contest, but he
was unwillingly involved.

One of the miners detached himself from the main body, and creeping
stealthily to the big tent, whipped out a large knife, and was on the
point of cutting one of the ropes, his intention being to sever one
after another till the big tent collapsed. Kit saw his design, and
rushing forward seized his arm.

"Hold on there!" he cried. "What are you about?"

"Let me alone, and mind your own business!" returned the miner, in a
hoarse, deep voice.

But Kit saw that it was a critical moment, and that great mischief
might be done. He looked about him for help, for he was far from able to
cope with his brawny antagonist. Still he clung to the arm of the
intruder, and succeeded in delaying his purpose.

"Let go or I'll cut you!" said the miner, savagely.

Then Kit in desperation raised the cry, "Hey, Rube!"

But it hardly seemed likely to bring the needed assistance, for all the
fighting men were engaged in the battle near the ticket seller.

"That won't do no good, young bantam!" said the ruffian, as he aimed a
blow at our hero.

Kit's career would in all probability have been cut short, but for the
timely arrival of Achilles Henderson. The giant had heard the boy's
warning cry, and being near at hand, rushed to his aid. His arrival was
most opportune. He seized the miner in his powerful grasp, and the
ruffian, strong and muscular as he was, was like a child in his clutch.
His knife fell from his hand, as he was shaken like a reed by the giant.

"Secure the knife, Kit!" cried Achilles.

Kit needed no second bidding. He stooped swiftly and took up the weapon.

But Achilles was needed in another direction.

The contest between the miners