don't you see a doctor?" asked Joe.

"Well, you know what that would mean. I might have to lay off, and I
don't want that. I need the money."

Benny had a widowed mother to support, and it was well known that he
sent her most of his wages, keeping only enough to live on.

"Well, I wish I could help you," said Joe, "but I can't do all the
stunts you can under water, even if I could hold down both jobs."

"The stunts are easy enough, once you learn how to hold and control
your breath," Benny said. "That's the hardest part of it, and you seem
to have gotten that down fine. How was the water, cold?"

"No, just about right for me," Joe declared. "I don't like it too
warm."

Benny again tested the temperature by putting his hand in the tank.

"I think I'll have 'em put a little hot water in just before I do my
act," he said. "I have an idea that the cold water gets in my ears and
makes the pain in my head."

"Perhaps it does," Joe agreed.

Preparations for the afternoon performance were now actively under way.
The big parade was out, going through the streets of the town, and soon
those taking part in the pageant would return to the "lot." Then, at
two, the main show would start.

Joe had a new feat for that day's performance. He and the two
Spaniards had worked it out together. It was quite an elaborate act,
and involved some risk, though at practice it had gone well.

Joe was to take his place on the small, high elevated platform at one
side of the tent, and Tonzo would occupy a similar place on the other
side. Joe was to swing off, holding to the flying rings, which, for
this trick, had been attached to unusually long ropes.

Opposite him Tonzo was to swing from a regulation trapeze, which also
was provided with a long rope. After the two had acquired sufficient
momentum, they were to let go at a certain signal and pass each other
in the air, Joe under Tonzo. Then Joe would catch the trapeze bar, and
Tonzo the rings, exchanging places.

Once they had a good grip, Sid was to swing from a third trapeze, and,
letting go, grasp Tonzo's hands, that performer, meanwhile, having
slipped his legs through the rings, hanging head downward.

When Sid had thus caught bold, he was to signal to Joe, who was to make
a second flying leap, and grasp Sid's down-hanging legs.

As said before, the feat went well in practice and the ring-master was
depending on it for a "thriller." But whether it would go all rig