"
"What did you do that for?" demanded Phil, squirming uneasily
on the slippery seat where he was perched.
"Unfortunately," continued the Director, "our principal male
bareback rider was slightly injured in that same stampede.
The management would not permit him to appear this evening on
that account, for the Sparling Combined Shows believe in
treating its people right. Our young friend here has consented
to ride in the regular rider's place. It is his first appearance
in any ring as a bareback rider. I might add that he has been
practicing something less than three weeks for this act;
therefore any slips that he may make you will understand.
Ladies and gentlemen, I take pleasure in introducing to you
Master Phillip Forrest, the hero of the day--a young man who is
winning new laurels on the tanbark six days in every week!"
The audience, now worked up to the proper pitch of enthusiasm by
the words of the director, howled its approval, the spectators
drumming on the seats with their feet and shouting lustily.
Phil had not had such an ovation since the day he first rode
Emperor into the ring when he joined the circus in Edmeston.
The lad's face was a few shades deeper pink than his tights,
and nervous excitement seemed to suddenly take possession of him.
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