ifferent. Nothing fwightens me. I aren't afeared
of nothing, and I aren't afeared of you, Uncle Ben, so don't you begin
to think I is."

"Never seed sech a child," said Uncle Ben, once more restored to good
humor. "Jest notice that perfect demon of a 'orse, how 'e takes to
'er. Never seed anything like it afore. Well, missy, and if you can
manage your brother I'm sure I'll be only too pleased, but jest you
remember this--you are both to go before the footlights to-morrow for
the public to see. I has never had that young 'un on the stage yet,
but he's to ride with you to-morrow."

"So he shall, Uncle Ben; course you will, won't you, Orion?"

"With you, Di," sobbed Orion; "if you are close to me, Di."

"Course I'll be close to you, Orion. I is the gweat Diana. Well, Uncle
Ben, you isn't going to punish him. If you punish him he can't wide,
'cos he'll be ill. He's a giant."

"A pigmy I call him," said Uncle Ben.

"You talk silly," replied Diana; "he's a giant, 'cos mother said he
was, and on starful nights you can see him shining in the sky."

"Bless you, child, don't take up any more of my time talking that
gibberish."

"Well, he's not to be punished, 'cos I say he isn't. He's coming with
me now to his dinner. Come 'long, Orion, this minute; I has come to
fetch you. Good-by, Uncle Ben."

Uncle Ben did not utter a word. Orion and Diana left the arena, hand
in hand.

"What about the black cage now, mister?" said the circus girl, with a
sneer.

"Hang me, if I know what the world's coming to!" said Uncle Ben,
scratching his head. "I can do nothing agen that little gal--she's the
'cutest, sharpest, bravest little cuss I ever come across."

"She's got the upper hand of you, leastways," said Susan, with a
laugh; "and, for my part," she added, "I am right glad. I don't want
that pore little kid to be used hard."

CHAPTER XX.

"LET'S PERTEND," SAID DIANA.

The circus was crowded that evening, but neither Diana nor Orion put
in an appearance. They were to make their grand _debut_ together on
the following day, for hitherto only Diana had ridden in public. They
were left now in the little room, all alone, but as they were together
that did not matter at all to them. Orion's weary head rested against
his sister's shoulder. Her stout little arm was flung round his waist;
he was fast asleep, but there were traces of tears on his pale cheeks.
It seemed a very long time now to little Orion since all the world