re quite fond of each other--those
two."

"So it seems. Well, he'll need a nurse and medical treatment for a
while to come. I'll go and arrange to have him taken to the hospital.
Has he any friends that ought to be notified--not that he is going to
die, but they might like to know."

"I guess he hasn't any friends but us here in the circus. His father
and mother are dead, and he ran away from his foster-father--a good
thing, too, I guess. Well, the show will have to go on and leave him
here, I suppose."

"Oh, yes, certainly. He can't travel with you."

The ambulance came and took Joe away. Jim Tracy communicated with the
hospital authorities, ordering them to give the young trapeze performer
the best possible care in a private room, adding that the management
would pay the bill.

"That has already been taken care of," the superintendent of the
hospital informed the ring-master. "A Miss Morton has left funds for
Mr. Strong's case."

"Well, I'll be jiggered!" exclaimed Jim Tracy. Then he smiled.

The circus neared its close. The animal tent came down, the lions,
tigers, horses and elephants were taken to their cars. The performers
donned their street clothes and went to their sleeping cars.

Helen, Benny Turton and Bill Watson paid a visit to the hospital just
before it was time for the circus train to leave. Joe had not
recovered consciousness, but he was resting easily, the nurse said.

"Tell him to join the show whenever he is able," was the message Jim
Tracy had left for Joe, "and not to worry. Everything will be all
right."

"Good-bye," whispered Helen close to Joe's ear, But he did not hear her.

And the circus moved on, leaving stricken Joe behind.

It was nearly morning when he came out of his unconsciousness with a
start that shook the bed.

"Quiet now," said the soothing voice of the nurse.

Joe looked at her, wonder showing in his eyes. Then his gaze roved
around the hospital room. He looked down at the white coverings on his
enameled bed and then, realizing where he was, he asked:

"What happened?"

"You had a fall from your trapeze, they tell me," the nurse said.

"Oh, yes, I remember now. Am I badly hurt?"

"The doctor does not think so. But you must be quiet now. You are to
take this."

She held a glass of medicine to his lips.

"But I must know about it," Joe insisted. "I've got to go on with the
show. Has the circus left?"

"Hours ago, yes. It's all right.