Leo had actually saved himself from death, for as he touched the sawdust the heavy ash bar high above fell with a crash, just missing those who came on with the net.
“He’s safe!”
The ushers and others now ran around asking the vast audience to leave the tent as quietly as possible.
But every one was afraid of the falling of the huge centerpole, and all made a great rush for the openings.
In this stampede many women and children were knocked down, and it was a wonder that some of them were not killed.
The fire brigade of the circus went to work as speedily as possible. The nearest hydrant of water was some distance away, but soon a hose was attached and a stream poured on the burning canvas.
In less than half an hour the excitement was over. Without delay the canvasmen went to work to repair the damage done.
A good many people grumbled at not having seen a full performance. To these were given tickets of admission to the evening performance.
With the others from the ring, Leo hurried to the dressing tent. It was not long before he was joined by Barton Reeve.
“A great leap, my boy,” said the manager of the menagerie. “I never saw anything so neat.”