e, "they have cut the
guy ropes of the performers' tent. I must get to my family. Look out for
Miss Starr. Here she is."

CHAPTER XXIX

A FREE TROLLEY RIDE

The young acrobat turned in time to see the performers' tent wobble
inwards. Miss Starr, quite flustered, ran rapidly to escape being caught
in its drooping folds.

Following her, looking worn out and anxious, carrying Midget in his
arms, was Billy Blow.

"Get them out of this!" cried Marco, holding up the flap of the canvas
passage way.

"Here, let me take him," directed Andy. "You're not equal to the heavy
load."

He removed Midget from the clown's arms, and led the way to the outer
air.

Yells and shots sounded from the main tent. Outside there was a swaying,
excited mob. Andy evaded them, leading the way to the street lining the
circus grounds at one side.

"Look there," suddenly exclaimed the clown in a gasping tone.

The main tent was on fire. A mob was trying to pull down the menagerie
tent.

"Hi!" yelled the leader of a gang of boys rushing past them and halting,
"here's some show folks."

"Pelt them!" cried another voice. "They won't pay my father his feed
bill."

An egg flittered towards the fugitives. It struck Miss Starr on the
back, soiling her pretty dress.

Andy ran back, Midget held on one arm. He let drive with his free hand
and knocked the egg thrower head over heels.

This was the signal for a wild riot. The crowd of young hoodlums pressed
close on Andy, and he retreated to the others.

"Take him, Miss Starr," he said quickly, placing Midget in her arms.
"Hurry to the lighted street yonder."

A rain of stones came towards them. Andy ran back at the crowd. In turn
he sent four of them reeling with vigorous fisticuffs. Then he rejoined
his friends.

A trolley car stood at one side of the street. The boys had yelled for
help from others of their kind and their numbers increased dangerously.
The motorman of the trolley car had neglected his duty and joined a
gaping crowd at a corner. Riot and enmity to the circus people was in
the air. Andy formed a speedy decision.

"Quick!" he ordered, "get into that car."

A brickbat knocked off his hat. A second smashed a window in the car as
Miss Starr and the others got aboard.

Two big fellows pounced upon Andy. He met one with a blow that laid him
flat. With a trick leap he landed his feet against the stomach of the
other, sending him reeling back, breathless.

Andy made