Suddenly a shot rang out. Then Andy had a final sight of crashing clubs and mad, bleeding faces, as some one pulled the centre-light rope. The big chandelier came down with a crash, precipitating the tent in semi-darkness.
So excited was Andy, that, grasping a stake, he was about to dash into the midst of the conflict. The manager pushed him back.
"Get out of this," he ordered quickly. "Look to the women and children.
Our men will see to it that those low loafers get all they came for."
"Wildwood," spoke Marco rushing up to Andy just here, "they have cut the guy ropes of the performers' tent. I must get to my family. Look out for Miss Starr. Here she is."
CHAPTER XXIX
A FREE TROLLEY RIDE
The young acrobat turned in time to see the performers' tent wobble inwards. Miss Starr, quite flustered, ran rapidly to escape being caught in its drooping folds.
Following her, looking worn out and anxious, carrying Midget in his arms, was Billy Blow.
"Get them out of this!" cried Marco, holding up the flap of the canvas passage way.
"Here, let me take him," directed Andy. "You're not equal to the heavy load."