e circus men accounts of the roughness and
brutality of the miners, or at least of a certain class of them, for
some were quiet and peaceable men, and he knew that there was no extreme
of which they were not capable. Life is sweet, and to a boy of sixteen,
in good health and strength, it is especially dear. Suppose he should
lose his life in this region? Probably none of his friends would ever
learn what had become of him, and his uncle and cousin would not
scruple to spread rumors to his discredit.

It was certainly tantalizing that he should be tied hand and foot,
utterly unable to help himself.

More and more light crept in at the window, and there was every
indication of its being a glorious day. But this prospect brought no
pleasure to poor Kit.

"Before this time the circus people must have found out my absence," he
thought. "Will they take the trouble to look for me?"

Kit was on good terms with his comrades, indeed he was popular with them
all, as a bright boy is apt to be, and he did not like to think that no
effort would be made to find him. Still, as he could not help owning to
himself, they had no clew that was likely to lead to success. He had
given no one notice where he was going, and his capture was not likely
to have been observed by any one.

While he was indulging in these sorrowful reflections, his attention was
drawn to a noise at the window.

"They can't have come back so early," he said to himself in surprise.

He twisted himself round to catch a glimpse, if possible, of the early
visitor, and to his delight, he caught a partial view of Janet's dress.
Suppose she should prove a deliverer, he said to himself with beating
heart.

The visitor, whoever it was, was evidently trying to peer into the
cabin. Kit was so placed in a corner as to be almost out of sight in the
dark interior. He felt that he must attract attention.

"Hallo, there!" he cried in a loud clear voice.

"He's there!" thought Janet, "just as father said."

"Let me out!" cried Kit, eagerly. "Draw out the bolt, and open the
door!"

"Will she do it, or will she be frightened away?" he asked himself, with
his heart filled with suspense.

He did not have long to wait for an answer, and a favorable one. He
heard the bolt withdrawn, then the door was opened, and the girl's face
appeared. Janet Hayden was small, not especially pretty, and rather
old-fashioned in looks, but to poor Kit she seemed like an angel.

"Are you the