ircus programme, did not venture to say
anything further, but in her heart she resolved to give Diana a hint
of the true state of the case.

Orion was once more lifted on Greased Lightning's back, and the
manager cracking his whip, the beautiful horse began to trot round and
round the arena. At first the creature went fairly quietly, and Orion
managed to keep his seat. His piteous white face, the black shadows
under his eyes, his little trembling hands were noticed, however, by
Susan. She kept near on purpose and tried to encourage him by smiles
and nods. When he passed close to her he heard her hearty voice
saying, "Well done, little chap! You jest stick on and you'll be as
right as a trivet."

A strangled sob by way of answer rose in Orion's throat. Alas! he knew
only too well that he could not stick on. Louder and faster grew the
crack of the manager's whip, and faster and fleeter trotted Greased
Lightning. It was impossible for Orion to keep his seat; he had
nothing to cling to, nothing to hold on to.

"You will have to do all this before the company to-morrow," called
out the manager; "and now, no more of that easy sitting still. You
jest scramble to your feet and _stand_ on the 'orse's back."

"I can't! I'll be killed!" cried the child, whose face was white to
his very lips.

Crack went the great whip.

"Stand up this minute, or you'll have a taste of this about your
legs," said the man, in a brutal tone.

In deadly fear the little fellow struggled to his feet; he looked
wildly round him, the horse trotted forward, the child fell on his
face and hands and clutched hold of the black mane. This enraged the
spirited beast, who began to dance and curvet about, and the next
moment, but for the speedy interference of Susan Jenkins, little Orion
would have measured his length upon the floor. Even as it was he was
hurt and shaken, and lay weeping and trembling in her arms.

"Now, Susan, you jest listen to me," said Holt, in an enraged voice.
"I aint a-goin' to stand this sort of thing. That little chap has got
to learn his lesson or he don't stay here; he is not a patch on his
sister, but he shall learn his part. I has it all arranged that them
two children is to appear in public to-morrow, and the boy must help
the gal. The gal will do her work right well, but the boy must help
her. It's the look of the two, and they so young, that I reckon on to
fill the house. I'm determined that a mite of that sort shan't be