I don't believe the crowd knows anything about it."

And this seemed to be the case. There were so many other things going
on in the circus, so much to attract the attention, that it is doubtful
if any in the throng realized that anything out of the ordinary had
taken place in the big, glass tank. They may have supposed that every
time, after his dive, the "human fish" was carried out that way to get
ready for his next act.

For there were other parts to Benny's act. The dive into the water was
really only the beginning, and no wonder Jim Tracy was anxious as to
what could be done to "fill them in."

For the feats of the "human fish" had been widely advertised, and were
"billed big," as it is called, on the posters. If the crowd saw no more
than had been given them--merely a high dive into a comparatively
shallow tank--there would be grumbling.

But, for the time being, there were no murmurings as the crowd expected
Benny to come back.

Into the dressing tent the limp form, clad in its scaly green suit, was
tenderly carried.

"You got him out in good shape, Joe, with that elephant hook," said
Bill Watson.

"Yes. It came in nicely," said Joe, his eyes fixed on the white face of
his friend. What had happened to Benny? Would he live?

Tenderly the boy--for he was only a boy--was laid on one of the cots in
the dressing tent. Word of the accident had quickly but quietly passed
among the circus folk, and already a messenger was on his way to summon
a physician. Meanwhile first aid was being administered, for circus
people have to hold themselves ready to deal with all sorts of
emergencies and accidents.

"I guess he'll pull through," remarked Bill Watson, when it was seen
that Benny was breathing, though very faintly.

"It was a close call," remarked another clown.

"That's what it was," agreed Jim Tracy. "A good thing you saw him in
time, Joe."

"It was just chance I did, though I sort of had an eye on him. He said
he didn't feel well when he started out to-day."

The physician came in. A quick examination told him the boy would live.

"Though it was a close call," he said. "There's something the matter
with him besides nearly having drowned."

"What is it?" asked the ring-master.

"I can't tell. I will have to make a more careful examination--and in a
hospital."

"Hospital? Then he can't go on with his act now--I mean in half an hour
or so?"

"Go on with his act! I should say _not_, my dear sir! Why,