"I've got it! We'll pull the wool over their eyes, by Jinks! Follow
me, boy, and do just wot I tells you. I'm--I'm going to take you into
the ring with me. By Jupiter, they won't think of looking for you
there."
Attended by a chorus of approval, he shoved the stupefied David out
before him and hustled him across the space that lay between them and
the main top, all the while whispering eager instructions in his ear.
"You just follow behind me, keeping step all the time--about three
steps behind me. Don't look to right or left. Keep your eyes on the
middle of my back. Nobody knows you, so don't go into a funk, my lad.
It's life or death for you, mebby. I'll get a word to Briggs, the
ringmaster. He'll help you out, too. Just follow me around the ring,
three steps behind. Stop when I stop, walk when I do. Look silly,
that's all. I'll think of something else to tell you to do after we're
out there. And _we'll stay out there till the show's over_."
Trembling in every joint, David paused at the entrance. Mrs. Braddock
came running up from behind.
"I've just heard," she whispered. "Do as Joey tells you.
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