In the middle of the ring the circus men usually built a large tank, in which several celebrated swimmers and divers used to give a special performance.
This was something new in the circus line, and it made a hit with the audience.
One morning one of the swimmers, a lad named Delbier, was trying a new act.
This was to turn in the air in a peculiar way and land in the water on his side, with his body tied up in a knot.
It was a very difficult feat, and Leo watched Delbier with interest.
“That’s dangerous,” he said.
“I know it, but orders are for something new, and it’s the only thing I can think of,” was the reply.
Leo was practicing on the rings close at hand, and for some minutes all went along well.
Then Delbier did the new trick. Down he went into the tank, but failed to come up.
Leo waited for nearly half a minute, and then growing alarmed, dropped from the rings and hurried to the edge of the tank.