"Three cheers for the pluckiest lad in seven counties!"
There was a roar from the big crowd in the circus tent, and Joe blushingly bowed his thanks. The papers had made his bravery known to every one, and there was a craning of necks to see him.
It was a relief to Joe to swim about in the tank after what he had done in the forty feet of water, and he floated about with Lizzie, doing graceful turns, exhibiting some of his tricks, and eating under water. The seal seemed to show much affection for her young owner, and took piece after piece of fish from his hand beneath the surface.
Joe's act was applauded again and again, and he had to take several curtain calls, though, of course, there was no curtain in the circus.
"It went well, Joe! It was big!" whispered Jim Tracy, as our hero went to his dressing-room after the act was over. "It's the biggest card yet. I'm going to have new posters printed, showing you rescuing the diver."
"Oh, I wouldn't do that."
"Sure I will. And say, Joe, if you want to ask for more money I won't object," and the ringmaster smiled.
"Well, I can always use it," Joe replied.
Jim Tracy nodded, but he wondered what Joe was doing with his large salary—that is, large in circus circles.
At night an even larger crowd came to the circus, and Joe's act seemed the center of attraction. He was glad, not only on his own account, but because it helped to advertise the circus.