The circus was on its second day in the city, and because of several unusual attractions was receiving considerable attention. One thing being featured was an immense gorilla which had just recently been brought from western Africa. It was supposedly the largest specimen in captivity.
The next morning Bob and Joe left for the circus grounds. There they found that a large crowd had already gathered to gain admittance.
“Suppose we go to the menagerie tent first,” suggested Bob. “We have some time yet before the performance opens. I want to take a look at that big gorilla.”
“And if what we’ve heard is true, he’s a whopper.”
This was no exaggeration, as the chums found a little later. The big ape seemed the very personification of power. His huge chest was several times as big as a man’s. His long large arms looked capable of crushing an enemy into a shapeless mass. The little beady eyes were defiant, moving from one to another of the spectators.
“How would you like to meet that fellow in a wrestling match?” said Bob with a laugh.
Joe smiled unwillingly.
“He wouldn’t leave a grease spot of you,” he said. “Fifteen or twenty champion wrestlers wouldn’t have the slightest chance in the world with him.”
There was a far-away look in Bob’s eyes, which Joe noticed as he happened to turn about.