Joe went up to the top of the tent. Near the small platform, from
which he jumped in the long swing, to catch Tonzo Lascalla in the
trapeze, Joe had fastened a long cotton rope about two inches in
diameter.

He caught hold of the rope in both hands and passed it between his
thighs, letting it rest on the calf of his left leg. He then brought
the rope around over the instep of his left foot, holding it in
position with pressure by the right foot, which was pressed against the
left.

"Here I come!" Joe cried, and then, letting go with his hands, Joe
stretched out his arms, and came down the rope in that fashion, the
pressure of his feet on the rope that passed between them regulating
his speed.

It was a more difficult feat than it appeared, this descending a rope
without using one's hands, but it seemed to thrill the crowd
sufficiently.

But Joe had not finished. He knew another spectacular act in rope
work, which looked difficult and dangerous, and yet was easier to
perform than the one he had just done. Often in trapeze work this is
the case.

The spectator may be thrilled by some seemingly dangerous and risky
act, when, as a matter of fact, it is easy for the performer, who
thinks little of it. On the other hand that which often seems from the
circus seats to be very easy may be so hard on the muscles and nerves
as to be actually dreaded by the performer.

Having himself hauled up to the top of the tent again, Joe once more
took hold of the rope. He held himself in position, the rope between
his legs, which he thrust out at right angles to his body, his toes
pointing straight out. Suddenly he "circled back" to an inverted hang,
his head now pointing to the ground many feet below. Then he quickly
passed the rope about his waist, under his right armpit, crossed his
feet with the rope between them, the toes of the right foot pressing
the cotton strands against the arch of his left foot.

"Ready!" cried Joe.

There was a boom of the big drum, a ruffle of the snare, and Joe slid
down the rope head first with outstretched arms, coming to a sudden
stop with his head hardly an inch from the hard ground. But Joe knew
just what he was doing and he could regulate his descent to the
fraction of an inch by the pressure of his legs and feet on the rope.

There was a yell of delight from the audience at this feat, and Joe,
turning right side up, acknowledged the ovation tendered him. Then he
ran from the tent-