ou have to take risks in this business," Joe stated. "I don't think
about them when I'm away up at the top of the tent, swinging on the
bar. I just think of the trick and wonder if Sid or Tonzo will catch
me or me one of them when the jump is made. Besides, the life net is
always below us.

"Yes, but suppose you miss the net or it breaks?"

"I don't like supposes of that sort," laughed Joe, coolly. Truly he
had good nerves, under perfect control. He was adding to his muscular
strength, too. Constant and steady practice was making his arms and
legs powerful indeed.

For a while Joe had been on the watch for some overt act on the part of
Sid or Tonzo that would spoil an act and bring censure down on himself.
But following that one attempt neither of the Spaniards did anything
that Joe could find fault with. They were enthusiastic over some of
the feats he performed, and worked in harmony with him. If they were
jealous over Joe's popularity and the applause he often received as his
share alone in some trick, they did not show it.

"Oh, Joe!" exclaimed Helen one day, when they were in the small tent
getting ready for the afternoon performance. "I have a letter from the
New York lawyers."

"What do they say?" Joe asked eagerly. "Did they send the money?"

"No. But they thanked me for the copies of the proofs I sent, and they
said they believed they were on the right track. They will write again
soon. So it wasn't a joke, anyhow."

"It doesn't look so," the youth agreed. "Is everything all
right--Rosebud safe, and all that?"

"Yes. He's feeling himself again." The trick horse had been ailing
the day before, and Helen was a little worried about her pet.

Joe and Helen wandered into the main tent, which was now set up. Joe
wanted to get in a little practice on the trapeze, while Helen went in
to watch, as she often did. The men were setting up the big glass tank
in which the "human fish" performed, and when Joe came down from his
trapeze, rather warm and tired, the water looked very inviting.

"I've a good notion to go in for a swim," he said to Helen.

"Why don't you?" she dared him. "It would do you good. It's such a
hot day. I almost wish I could myself."

"I believe I will," Joe said. "I've got a bathing suit in my trunk."

The big tent was almost deserted at this hour, for the parade was in
progress. Joe and Helen did not take part in this. Joe came back
attired for a swim, and going