and Bill Watson had spoken many a good
word for the young fellow. Circus folk are always loyal to their own
kind, and there were many, as Joe learned later, who knew his mother by
reputation, and some personally. So they were all glad to help when
Joe put the case to them vividly, as he did.

Joe's popularity stood him in good stead, even though there were some
who were jealous of the reputation he was making. But jealousies were
cast aside on this occasion.

Even the Lascalla Brothers did their share, working side by side with
Joe at putting up the tent, as they worked with him on the trapeze.
The strong man was a great help, doing twice the work that the others
did.

The performers wore their ordinary clothes, laying aside coats and
vests as they labored. And the men who knew how circus tents must go
up, saw to it that the amateurs did their work well, so there would be
no danger of collapse.

While the big tent was being put up the other preparations for the show
were proceeded with. Mr. Boyd and Mr. Sampson, who were part owners
with Jim Tracy, arranged for a small parade, since it had been
advertised. On the back of one of the elephants rode the fat lady,
with a banner which explained that because of a strike of the canvasmen
the usual street exhibition could not be given. The assurance was
made, though, that the show itself would be the same as advertised.

"That will prevent the public from being too sympathetic with the
strikers," said Jim Tracy. "The public, as a rule, doesn't care much
for a strike that interferes with its pleasure."

At last the big tent was up, and all was in readiness for the afternoon
performance, though it would be a little late.

"It won't be much fun taking down the tent after the show to-night,"
said Joe.

"Perhaps you won't have to," stated the ring-master. "I may be able to
hire men to take the strikers' places before then."

"But if you can't, we'll help out," declared the young trapeze
performer, though he knew it would be anything but pleasant for himself
and the others, after high-tension work before a big audience, to
handle heavy canvas and ropes in the dark.

The public seemed to take good-naturedly to the circus, not being
over-critical of the lack of the usual big street parade. And men,
women and children came in throngs to the afternoon performance.

The circus people fairly outdid themselves to give a good show, and Joe
worked up a little novelty i