At a touch this latter came hurtling to the ground. Old Benares, watching also, trembled with intense anger.
"It is infamoos!" he declared. "Where should my partner be, but for this boy?"
The ringmaster examined the loosened trapeze bar. Just as Andy had stated, two slight threads alone had held it to the supporting ropes.
Thacher laid a friendly, grateful hand on Andy's shoulder. He was too full of emotion to speak. Andy looked up and smiled brightly.
"Good thing I was around, wasn't it?" he said carelessly. "Oh, there's
Mr. Marco."
The Man with the Iron Jaw came up to the group at this juncture.
"You, Andy Wildwood!" he said. "I heard of the trapeze. So it is you again? Come with me. No, don't keep him," continued Marco to Thacher in a hurried way that made Andy curious. "You can see him again. Come, lad."
"What's the trouble, Mr. Marco?" asked Andy.
Marco did not answer. He kept hold of Andy's arm and led him to the rear. About to enter the performers' tent he dodged back.
"Keep close to me," he directed in a tone of suppressed excitement.
"Quick, Wildwood—out this way. Hurry, now."