Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/148

 below his knees. Then they saw the muscles on his arms and back stand out as he strained to start himself to turning. Over he went with even more than the usual velocity. Again he turned, and then the circus people who were watching caught their breath, for he had started for the third turn, but was not quick enough.

Either the jump was not long enough, or his straining muscles were not working hard enough, for he made only half of the third turn and struck on his forehead in the net. There was a snap like the report of a pistol, and the circus people all went pale. A dozen men sprang to the aid of the foolish fellow. Carefully they lifted him and laid him on the grass. But he was past human aid, for his neck had been broken.

He was just one more victim on the long list that had paid the price for the dangerous experiment.

That noon at dinner Mr. Bingham spoke very seriously to his great family.