"No; but I ascertained that he is staying at the hotel. Now he is likely to follow the crowd, and attend the circus to-night." "That is probable. Then you will not appear." "I should not dare to. But it will be a great disappointment to the management. The trapeze act is always a popular one, especially in a country town like this. Now I am going to ask a favor of you." Kit's face flushed with excitement. He foresaw what it would be. "What is it?" he asked. "I want you to appear in my place this evening." "Do you think I am competent?" "You cannot do my act, but you can do enough to satisfy the public. But, my dear friend, I don't want to subject you to any risk. If you are at all nervous or afraid, don't attempt it." "I am not afraid," said Kit confidently. "I will appear!" In the evening the tent was full. Very few knew of the change in the programme. Mr. Barlow had consented to the substitution with some reluctance, for he feared that Kit might be undertaking something beyond his power to perform. Even the Vincenti brothers, Kit's associates, were surprised when the manager came forward and said: "Ladies and gentlemen, Mlle. Lefroy is indisposed, and will be unable to perform her act this evening. Unwilling to disappoint the public, we have substituted one of our youngest and most daring performers, who will appear in her place." When Kit came out, his young face glowing with excitement, and made his bow, the crowd of spectators greeted him with enthusiastic applause. His fellow actors joined in the ovation. They feared he had overrated his ability, but were ready to applaud his pluck. Now was the time, if any, for Kit to grow nervous, and show stage fright. But he felt none. The sight of the eager faces around him only stimulated him. He caught the rope which hung down from the trapeze, and quickly climbing up poised himself on his elevated perch. He did not allow himself to look down, but strove to shut out the sight of the hundreds of upturned faces, and proceeded to perform his act as coolly as if he were in a gymnasium, only six feet from the ground instead of thirty. It is not to be supposed that Kit, who was a comparative novice, could equal Mlle. Louise Lefroy, who had been cultivating her specialty for ten years. He went through several feats, however, hanging from the trapeze with his head down, then quickly recovering himself and swinging by his hands. The public was disposed to be pleased, and, when the act was finished, gave him a round of applause. Later in the evening a small man, with a very dark complexion, and keen, black eyes, approached him as he was standing near the lion's cage. "Is this Luigi Vincenti?" he asked. This was Kit's circus name. He passed for a brother, of Alonzo and Antonio Vincenti. "Yes, sir," answered Kit. "I saw your trapeze act this evening," he went on. "It was very good."