“The Lascalla Brothers are mighty particular,” murmured one of the workmen, as the performer went out.
“I should say so!” was the comment of another. Then Joe knew he had seen one of the most famous of trapeze performers, whose name was in large letters on the bills.
One or two men questioned Joe’s presence, but when he mentioned Jim Tracy he was made welcome.
Most of the trapezes were in place, and the workmen had gone to another part of the big tent. Joe strolled over toward one of the swinging bars.
“Say, wouldn’t I like to try it just once!” he murmured. “I’ve never been on a real circus trapeze.” He looked about him. No one seemed to be noticing him. “Here goes!” he exclaimed.
Lightly he sprang and grasped the bar. The feel of it seemed natural to his hands, and he felt his springy muscles contracting for the upward pull. He swung lightly to the bar, and sat there, moving to and fro.
Then, in a sort of reckless spirit Joe went through a number of evolutions, such as he had often practiced alone at home or in some chum’s barn.
Joe was hampered by his street shoes and clothes from doing very much, but what he did he did well. Daring indeed were one or two of the feats he attempted, for there was no life net below him. He worked rapidly and then, giving a final swing on the bar he shot off it, turned a somersault, and landed on his feet on a pile of canvas some distance off.
“Say, that wasn’t bad! Better work in a little of that new stuff to-day,” said a voice behind Joe. The young wizard turned quickly to behold Jim Tracy looking at him.
“Hello! Oh, it’s you, is it?” asked the ring-master. “Blessed if I didn’t think it was one of our regular performers doing a try-out. Say, Ben didn’t tell me you belonged to the profesh.”