Although the wire-fence saved the beast from serious injury, the blow was heavy enough to make him fall back and cease his charges against the wire netting. Then the boy helped Helen to her feet.
“Oh!” shrieked the frightened girl. And after that, although the boy quickly slipped away through the gathering crowd, and out of sight, Helen said no other word.
“Oh, my dear!” gasped Ruth, reaching her. “You did not even thank him.”
“I know it,” whispered Helen.
“Are—are you hurt, dear?”
“Only my dignity is hurt,” confessed her chum, beginning to laugh hysterically.
“But that boy——”
“Hush, Ruthie!” begged Helen, her lips close to her chum’s ear. “Do you know who he was?”
“Why—I——Of course not! I did not see his face.”
“It was Curly. Don’t say a word,” breathed Helen. “Here comes a policeman.”