"What does that offer imply?" asked another of the deeply interested group.
"The only feasible plan, in my judgment, is to construct a large cage and to lure the lion into that. I have a couple of carpenters hard at work, but the trouble is the animal has such a good chance now of getting all the meat he wants that it will be difficult to get him inside of anything that looks like a cage."
"If he could be got into a place where he could be held secure until you brought up his own cage, that would be all you would ask?" continued the speaker, who evidently was forming some plan of operations in his own mind.
"That is all, sir."
"I've got your lion for you!"
This rather weighty assertion was made by Fred Sheldon, from his position in the group. An instant hush fell upon all, who looked wonderingly at the lad, as if uncertain whether they had heard aright.
Before any comment was made our hero, somewhat flushed in the face, as he summoned up his courage, added:
"I've got the lion fast, and if you will go with me I will show you where he is."
Mr. Kincade laughed, as did one or two others. Taking a puff or two of his cigar, the showman added: