Then one of them faced the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I wish to announce that there is not the slightest danger. The tiger is securely caged. The animals are under perfect control."
Two or three women screamed, and one fainted. Several hurried to the entrance; but the keeper begged them to be tranquil. There had not been the slightest danger.
Doctor Joe motioned to his party to remain seated while he went to attend to the women. The performance was mostly over, and the audience began to disperse, from a sense of insecurity.
"Was he really loose?" asked Tudie Dean, in a little fright.
"Of course he was," replied Charles. "I'm not sure but it was done purposely after all."
Doctor Joe returned, and they appealed to him.
"Well,"—with a gay air,—"the tiger was quite obedient, wasn't he? You were not frightened, Daisy?"
"But you stood right there,"—Doctor Joe had given his seat to a lady just as the performance began. "Why, he looked at you," and Daisy's nerves gave a little quiver.
"I supposed Mr. Van Amburgh would come and put him through some paces," returned Joe.