on with the show, to-night, and I'm going
this time FOREVER."

"You are going to stay here with me," cried Douglas.

"No, no, Mr. John. I've made up my mind, and I won't be to blame for
your unhappiness." She faced him firmly now. "I don't belong to your
world, and I don't want to try any more. I'm what he called me--I'm a
circus riding girl. I was born in the circus, and I'll never change.
That's my work--riding, and it's yours to preach. You must do your work,
and I'LL do MINE."

She started toward the ring. Eloise and Barbarian were already waiting
at the entrance.

"Eloise!" She took one step toward her, then stopped at the sound of
Barker's voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he called. "Although we are obliged to announce
that our star rider, Miss Polly, will not appear to-night, we offer
you in her place an able substitute, Mademoiselle Eloise, on her black,
untamed horse, Barbarian."

Eloise put her hands on the horse's back to mount.

"No! No!" cried Polly.

The other girl turned in astonishment at the agony in her voice.

"Polly!"

"Wait, Eloise! I'M going to ride!"

"You can't, not Barbarian! He don't know your turn."

"So much the better!" She seized the bridle from the frightened girl's
hand.

"Polly!" shouted Douglas. He had followed her to the entrance.

"I must! I will!"

She flew into the ring before he could stop her. He took one step to
follow her.

"You'd better let her alone and get out o' here," said Strong. His voice
was like a firebrand to Douglas. He turned upon him, white with rage.

"You drove her to this." His fists were clenched. He drew back to
strike.

Jim came from behind the wagons just in time to catch the uplifted arm.

"Leave HIM to ME, this ain't no parson's job." The pastor lowered his
arm, but kept his threatening eyes on the deacon's face.

"Where's Poll?" asked Jim.

"In there! Douglas pointed toward the main tent without turning his
head. He was still glaring at the deacon, and breathing hard.

"What?" cried Jim, in alarm. He faced about and saw Eloise. He guessed
the truth. A few quick strides brought him to the entrance curtains. He
threw them back and looked into the ring.

"My God! Why don't Barker stop her?"

"What is it?" called Douglas. He forgot the deacon in his terror at
Jim's behaviour, and Strong was able to slip away, unnoticed.

"She's goin' ter ride! She's goin' ter ride Barbarian!"

Douglas crossed to his side and looked.

Polly