By this time the circus management had recovered from its momentary panic. The trainer and half a dozen animal men (those whose duty it was to take care of the animals) rushed into the circle, and soon obtained the mastery of the lion, whose pain had subdued his fury, and who was now moaning piteously. Then through the crowded tent there ran a thrill of admiration for the boy who had delivered them all from a terrible danger. One man, an enthusiastic Western visitor, sprang to his feet, and, waving his hat, exclaimed: "Three cheers for the brave boy, who has shown more courage than all the rest of us put together! Hip, hip, hurrah!" The call was responded to with enthusiasm. Men and even women rose in their seats, and joined in the cheering. But some of the friends of Kit amended the suggestion by crying, "Hurrah for Kit Watson!" "Hurrah for Kit Watson!" cried the Western man. "He's the pluckiest kid I ever saw yet." Kit had not been frightened before, but he felt undeniably nervous when he saw the eyes of two thousand people fixed upon him. He blushed and seemed disposed to screen himself from observation. But at this moment a tall, portly man advanced from the front of the tent, and came up to where Kit was sitting. "My boy," he said, "do me the favor to follow me. I am Mr. Barlow." It was indeed the proprietor of the circus. He had come in person to greet the boy who had averted such a tragedy. Mechanically Kit followed Mr. Barlow, who led him again into the arena. Then the manager cleared his throat, and said: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have nothing to show you here to-night that is better worth your attention than the young man whose heroic act you have just witnessed and profited by. I introduce to you the boy hero, Kit Watson!" "Speech! speech!" exclaimed the spectators, after a liberal meed of applause. Kit stood erect, and spoke modestly. "I don't pretend to be a hero," he said. "I was as much frightened as anybody, but I thought of the snuff in my pocket, and I recalled to mind a story of a man who subdued a lunatic by means of it. So, on the impulse of the moment, I jumped into the ring. I am very much obliged to you for your cheers, and I wish I was as brave as you seem to think. I won't take up any more of your time, for I know you want the show to go on." Kit retired amid a burst of applause, and resumed his seat. The entertainment of the evening now proceeded, greatly to the satisfaction of the crowded ranks of spectators. But from time to time glances were cast towards the seat which Kit occupied. "Kit," whispered Dan, "I am proud of you! I didn't think you had it in you." "Don't say any more, Dan, or I shall become so vain you can't endure me. Look! there are our friends, the acrobats." CHAPTER VI. KIT'S POOR PROSPECTS.