But he did not think of falling.
In another few seconds he was standing right over the cat. He could see the animal's claws tensely clinging to the rope strands that held the banner. Now came ticklish work.
"Easy, Peter! Go easy now!" said Joe soothingly.
He slowly and carefully stooped down. It was a trick he had often performed in the circus on the high wire. But never under circumstances like this.
Joe's hands came in contact with the fur of the cat's back. He gently stroked the animal, murmuring:
"Come on now, Peter! Let go! Loosen your claws! I'm not going to hurt you. Let me pick you up!"
Again it is hard to say that the cat knew what Joe was saying, but it certainly made its body less tense. The claws were loosed. Joe straightened up, holding the cat in his arms. He could feel its heart beating like some overworked motor.
A roar arose from the crowd, but it was instantly hushed. The throng seemed to realize that the return journey was infinitely more perilous than the outward one had been.
Joe could not turn. He must walk backward to the window, carrying the cat, which at any moment might become wild and scramble from his arms, upsetting his balance.
Yet Joe Strong never faltered.