"What happened?" he cried, running forward. "Did some one fall in?" "It's all right," Helen informed the "human fish." CHAPTER XI HELEN'S DISCOVERY Joe Strong climbed out of the tank. He grinned cheerfully at Benny. "It was so hot I took a bath in your tub," he explained. "It sure was fine! Hope you don't mind?" "Not a bit," returned Benny, cheerfully. "Come in any time you like. It isn't exactly a summer resort beach, but it's the best we have." "And Joe stayed under water over three minutes," Helen said. "Did I, really?" Joe cried. "You certainly did." "I was just giving myself a try-out," Joe explained to Benny. "That's pretty good," declared the "human fish," as he tested the temperature of the water. "I couldn't do that at first." "Oh, you see I've lived near the water all my life," Joe explained, "and it comes sort of natural to me. Don't be afraid that I'm going after your act though," he added, with a laugh. "I almost wish you would," and Benny spoke wearily. "What's the matter?" asked Helen, with ready sympathy. "Oh, I don't know. I don't feel just right, somehow or other. It's mostly in my head--back here," and Benny pointed to the region just behind his ears. "I've got a lot of pain there, and going under water and staying so long seems to make it worse." "Why don't you see a doctor?" asked Joe. "Well, you know what that would mean. I might have to lay off, and I don't want that. I need the money." Benny had a widowed mother to support, and it was well known that he sent her most of his wages, keeping only enough to live on. "Well, I wish I could help you," said Joe, "but I can't do all the stunts you can under water, even if I could hold down both jobs." "The stunts are easy enough, once you learn how to hold and control your breath," Benny said. "That's the hardest part of it, and you seem to have gotten that down fine. How was the water, cold?" "No, just about right for me," Joe declared. "I don't like it too warm." Benny again tested the temperature by putting his hand in the tank. "I think I'll have 'em put a little hot water in just before I do my act," he said. "I have an idea that the cold water gets in my ears and makes the pain in my head." "Perhaps it does," Joe agreed. Preparations for the afternoon performance were now actively under way. The big parade was out, going through the streets of the town, and soon those taking part in the pageant would return to the "lot." Then, at two, the main show would start. Joe had a new feat for that day's performance. He and the two Spaniards had worked it out together. It was quite an elaborate act, and involved some risk, though at practice it had gone well. Joe was to take his place on the small, high elevated platform at one side of the tent, and Tonzo would occupy a similar place on the other side. Joe was to swing off, holding to the flying rings, which, for this trick, had been attached to unusually long ropes.