In an instant David repeated the startling
news.
"What is to be done?" cried Mrs. Braddock, aghast.
"They sha'n't take you, David," cried Christine.
"Where is my father?" fell from Ruby's frightened lips.
"Not a second to be lost," said Dick. "I've got a scheme. Come in
here, kid, and let me get into the tights you've got on. Tell Joey,
and put the rest of the crowd on to the game," he added to Ruby.
When the town marshal and the detective deliberately stalked into the
dressing-tent a few minutes later, a nonchalant group of performers
greeted them, apparently without interest.
The new clown was partly dressed, but he had not washed the bismuth
and carmine from his lean face. Braddock, perspiring freely, came in
behind the officers. He saw in a glance what had transpired. His cigar
almost dropped from his lips.
"We want you," said the marshal, pushed forward by the detective. The
new clown looked up, amazed, as the hand fell on his shoulder. "No
trouble now," added the local officer, nervously glancing around him.
He knew the perils attending the arrest of a circus performer in his
own domain.
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