“I don’t. That is I’m an assistant to Professor Rosello, a magician. I’m not a circus performer.”
“Well, it’s too bad you aren’t,” was the comment. “I’ve seen some good tricks on a trapeze, but you’ve got a few of your own. I don’t s’pose you’d like to join the show, would you? I could use an extra trapeze and ring act. Now if you’d like to consider it, I’ll make you an offer.”
Joe’s heart beat high for a moment. He was almost tempted to accept. Then he realized that he had not yet perfected himself in the working of magic, and he wanted to do this. So he shook his head.
“No, thank you,” he said, gratefully. “I guess I’ll stick to Professor Rosello for the present.”
“Well, you know your own business best,” answered the ring-master, “and I sure don’t want to take you away from the man you’re with. But if ever you think of joining a circus, why drop me a line. You’ll find us——”
But the ring-master was suddenly interrupted.
“Oh, Jim!” cried a voice, and Joe turned to behold, what he afterward declared was, a “vision in pink,” hurrying into the main tent. The “vision” was a young girl, with a laughing face, merry brown eyes and a vivacious manner.
“Oh, Jim!” she cried. “I am in such trouble!”
“Well now, Miss Helen, what’s the trouble?” asked Jim in a good-natured voice, as though he were speaking to some child. “We sure will have to have it fixed for you.”
“Oh, thank you, Jim,” and the “vision” turned and gazed full at Joe.