"I guess he hasn't any friends but us here in the circus. His father and mother are dead, and he ran away from his foster-father--a good thing, too, I guess. Well, the show will have to go on and leave him here, I suppose." "Oh, yes, certainly. He can't travel with you." The ambulance came and took Joe away. Jim Tracy communicated with the hospital authorities, ordering them to give the young trapeze performer the best possible care in a private room, adding that the management would pay the bill. "That has already been taken care of," the superintendent of the hospital informed the ring-master. "A Miss Morton has left funds for Mr. Strong's case." "Well, I'll be jiggered!" exclaimed Jim Tracy. Then he smiled. The circus neared its close. The animal tent came down, the lions, tigers, horses and elephants were taken to their cars. The performers donned their street clothes and went to their sleeping cars. Helen, Benny Turton and Bill Watson paid a visit to the hospital just before it was time for the circus train to leave. Joe had not recovered consciousness, but he was resting easily, the nurse said. "Tell him to join the show whenever he is able," was the message Jim Tracy had left for Joe, "and not to worry. Everything will be all right." "Good-bye," whispered Helen close to Joe's ear, But he did not hear her. And the circus moved on, leaving stricken Joe behind. It was nearly morning when he came out of his unconsciousness with a start that shook the bed. "Quiet now," said the soothing voice of the nurse. Joe looked at her, wonder showing in his eyes. Then his gaze roved around the hospital room. He looked down at the white coverings on his enameled bed and then, realizing where he was, he asked: "What happened?" "You had a fall from your trapeze, they tell me," the nurse said. "Oh, yes, I remember now. Am I badly hurt?" "The doctor does not think so. But you must be quiet now. You are to take this." She held a glass of medicine to his lips. "But I must know about it," Joe insisted. "I've got to go on with the show. Has the circus left?" "Hours ago, yes. It's all right. You are to stay here with us until you are better. A Mr. Tracy told me to tell you." "Oh, yes, Jim--the ring-master. Well I--I guess I'll have to stay whether I want to or not." Joe had tried to raise his head from the pillow, but a severe pain, shooting through his neck and shoulders, warned him that he had better lie quietly. He also became aware that his head was bandaged. "I must be in pretty bad shape," he said. "No, not so very," replied the trained nurse cheerfully. "But you must keep quiet if you are to get well quickly. The doctor will be in to see you soon." Joe sunk into a sort of doze, and when he awakened again the doctor was in his room. "Well, how about me?" asked the young performer.