TRYING THE CULPRIT
"Stop him!" howled Larry, as he, followed by half a dozen blue-shirted fellows, bolted into the arena in pursuit of the lad who had emptied the pail of muddy water over him.
Teddy, still clinging to the pail, was sprinting down the concourse as if his very life depended upon it.A canvasman, hearing Larry's call, and suspecting the boy was wanted for something quite serious, rushed out, heading Teddy off.It looked as if the lad were to be captured right here.
But Teddy Tucker was not yet at the end of his resources.He ran straight on as if he had not observed the canvasman.Just as he reached the man, and the latter's hands were stretched out to intercept him, Teddy hurled the pail full in the fellow's face.Then the lad darted to one side and fled toward the paddock.
The canvasman had joined the procession by this time.Into the dressing tent burst the boy, followed by Larry, the others having brought up sharply just before reaching the dressing room, knowing full well that they had no business there and that their presence would be quickly and effectively resented.Larry, consumed with rage, did not stop to think about this, so he dashed on blindly to his fate.
At first the circus performers in the dressing tent could not imagine what was going on.Clotheslines came down, properties were upset and in a moment the tent was in confusion.
"Stop that!" bellowed an irate performer.
Larry gave no heed to the command, and Teddy was in too big a hurry to stop to explain.