ing the tent was full. Very few knew of the change in the
programme. Mr. Barlow had consented to the substitution with some
reluctance, for he feared that Kit might be undertaking something beyond
his power to perform. Even the Vincenti brothers, Kit's associates, were
surprised when the manager came forward and said:

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mlle. Lefroy is indisposed, and will be unable
to perform her act this evening. Unwilling to disappoint the public, we
have substituted one of our youngest and most daring performers, who
will appear in her place."

When Kit came out, his young face glowing with excitement, and made his
bow, the crowd of spectators greeted him with enthusiastic applause. His
fellow actors joined in the ovation. They feared he had overrated his
ability, but were ready to applaud his pluck.

Now was the time, if any, for Kit to grow nervous, and show stage
fright. But he felt none. The sight of the eager faces around him only
stimulated him. He caught the rope which hung down from the trapeze, and
quickly climbing up poised himself on his elevated perch.

He did not allow himself to look down, but strove to shut out the sight
of the hundreds of upturned faces, and proceeded to perform his act as
coolly as if he were in a gymnasium, only six feet from the ground
instead of thirty.

It is not to be supposed that Kit, who was a comparative novice, could
equal Mlle. Louise Lefroy, who had been cultivating her specialty for
ten years. He went through several feats, however, hanging from the
trapeze with his head down, then quickly recovering himself and swinging
by his hands. The public was disposed to be pleased, and, when the act
was finished, gave him a round of applause.

Later in the evening a small man, with a very dark complexion, and keen,
black eyes, approached him as he was standing near the lion's cage.

"Is this Luigi Vincenti?" he asked.

This was Kit's circus name. He passed for a brother, of Alonzo and
Antonio Vincenti.

"Yes, sir," answered Kit.

"I saw your trapeze act this evening," he went on. "It was very good."

"Thank you, sir. You know, perhaps, that I am not a trapeze performer. I
only appeared in place of Mlle. Lefroy, who is indisposed."

"So I understand; but you do very well for a boy. My name is Signor
Oponto. I am at the head of a large circus in Havana. My visit to the
United States is partly to secure additional talent. How long are you
engaged to Mr. Barlow?"