e
program the three worked together as the "Lascalla Brothers," though
there was no real relationship. But the name showed well on the bills,
and, as a matter of fact, the three performers looked sufficiently
alike.

When his part with the trio was over Joe Strong was in an act by
himself, for he had made quite a name as a daring performer. He
strolled over toward the entrance to the main tent--the entrance used
by the performers as they emerged from the dressing tents. A girl
riding a beautiful horse galloped out from the ring as Joe reached the
place.

"How goes it, Helen?" asked Joe, as the rider drew her horse to one
side. The animal rubbed his nose against Joe's hand. "No, I haven't any
sugar now, Rosebud," said Joe with a smile. "There aren't any pockets
in this suit," he went on with a laugh.

"I'll give him some as soon as I get off," promised Helen Morton, or
"Mademoiselle Mortonti" as she was called on the circus bills.

"How did everything go?" asked her companion.

"Fine, Joe. Rosebud never behaved better, and the crowd was certainly
generous in the way of applause."

"Glad to know it. I heard some of it. Pretty good opening then?"

"I call it so, yes."

Again the trumpet blared in a new note, and there was a scurrying on
the part of some performers to leave the rings and raised platforms,
while others came bustling from the dressing tent to take their places
in providing entertainment for the circus throng.

"See you later!" called Joe as he hurried back to join the two Lascalla
Brothers, that they might run into the ring together and stand posed
for a moment, their arms on one another's shoulders, before they began
their act.

"All right," answered Helen, as she rode away on her fine trick horse,
Rosebud; for Helen was a fancy rider, and, in addition, had taught the
animal to do many difficult tricks.

It was the first performance of the spring season for the Sampson
Brothers' Circus. The winter had been spent in Bridgeport, as far as
the animals were concerned, the quarters of many out-door shows being
there. The performers had done as they pleased for the idle months when
tent shows are out of the question. Some had filled engagements in
theatres, while others had gone into retirement, some to evolve new
exploits, thrilling acts and tricks.

Joe Strong had spent part of his winter doing gymnasium work. He had
later filled in a few weeks on a theatrical circuit doing feats of
magic. At th