Now that the danger was practically over, the attendants ran back, and toward the lion’s wagon. The brute, though still growling and roaring, had leaped into its broken cage, where it stood crouching in one corner.
“Quick, now; wheel another cage up in front of the broken one!” the trainer exclaimed. “That will hold him until we can fix his.”
This was soon done, and all further danger was past.
“I’m much obliged to you,” the trainer said, coming up to Larry, having taken the hot irons back. “It was a nervy bit of work.”
“I guess if I’d stopped to think I’d never have done it,” replied Larry.
“That’s all right, my lad, and it was well done, just the same. If Nero had gotten loose, the way he’s feeling now, and once got the taste of human blood, there’s no telling what might have happened.”
The trainer drew a pad from his pocket, and wrote a few lines on it, handing the paper to Larry.
“What’s this?” asked the reporter.
“It’s a pass for you and any friend you want to bring along, to come and see the show,” the trainer replied. “It’s good for two box seats at any performance, and as often as you like to come.”
“I don’t believe I’d better take it,” said Larry. “I didn’t stop the lion for pay, and besides the office might not like it.”