shook hands, and, as far as Joe could see, they did not
resent his joining their troupe. They seemed pleasant, and Joe felt
that perhaps the difficulties had been exaggerated. Nothing was said
of Sim Dobley, and though Joe had been on the watch for the deposed
performer that afternoon and evening, he had not seen him.

"You will, perhaps, like to practise with us?" suggested Tonzo, after a
while.

"I think it would be wise," agreed Joe.

"Very well, then. We will meet you at the tent in the morning."

Bright and early Joe was on hand. Jim Tracy found him a pair of pink
tights that would do very well for a time, and ordered him a new,
regular suit.

At the request of Tonzo Lascalla, Joe went through a number of tricks,
improvising them as he progressed. Next the two Spaniards did their
act, and showed Joe what he was to do, as well as when to do it, so as
to make it all harmonize.

Then hard practice began, and was kept up until the time for the
afternoon show. Joe did not feel at all nervous as he prepared for his
entrance. His work on the stage with Professor Rosello stood him in
good stead.

In another moment he was swinging aloft with his two fellow-performers,
in "death-defying dives," and other alliterative acts set down on the
show bills.

"Can you catch me if I jump from the high-swinging trapeze, and vault
toward you, somersaulting?" Joe asked Tonzo, during a pause in their
act.

"Of a certainty, yes, I can catch you. But can you jump it?"

"Sure!" declared Joe. "I've done it before."

"It is a big jump, Mr. Strong," Tonzo warned him. "Even your
predecessor would have hesitated."

"I'll take the chance," Joe said. "Now this is the way I'll do it.
I'll get a good momentum, swinging back and forth. You stand upon the
high platform, holding your trapeze and waiting. When I give the word
and start on my final swing, you jump off, hang by your knees, hands
down. I'll leap toward you, turn over three times, and grab your
hands. Do you get me?"

"Of a certainty, yes. But it is not an easy trick."

"I know it--that's why I'm going to do it. Do you get me?"

"If he doesn't 'get you,' as you call it, Mr. Strong," put in Sid, "you
will have a bad fall. Of course there is the life net, but if you do
not land right----"

"Oh, I'll land all right," said Joe, though not boastingly.

The time for the new trick came. Joe climbed up to a little platform
near the top of the tent and swung