Joe and Helen wandered into the main tent, which was now set up. Joe wanted to get in a little practice on the trapeze, while Helen went in to watch, as she often did. The men were setting up the big glass tank in which the "human fish" performed, and when Joe came down from his trapeze, rather warm and tired, the water looked very inviting.
"I've a good notion to go in for a swim," he said to Helen.
"Why don't you?" she dared him. "It would do you good. It's such a hot day. I almost wish I could myself."
"I believe I will," Joe said. "I've got a bathing suit in my trunk."
The big tent was almost deserted at this hour, for the parade was in progress. Joe and Helen did not take part in this. Joe came back attired for a swim, and going up the steps by which Benny mounted to the platform on the edge of the tank before he plunged in, Joe poised there.
"Here I go," he called to Helen. "Got a watch?"
"Yes, Joe."
"Time me then. I'm going to see how long I can stay under water."
In he went head first, making a clean dive, for Joe was an adept in the water. He swam about in the limpid depths, Helen watching him admiringly through the glass sides of the tank. Then Joe settled down on the bottom as Benny was in the habit of doing. Helen nervously watched the seconds tick off on her wrist watch.
When two minutes had passed, and Joe was still below the water, the girl became nervous.