Page:Delight - de la Roche - 1926.djvu/213

 "We'll go on the roundabout," he said, and held her arm while he bought two tickets.

She pushed the last of her waffle into her mouth, gently submissive.

"What beast do you fancy?" he inquired.

"I dunno."

"The lions look comfortable."

"No. I don't like the lions."

"The war-horse, then! Try a war-horse."

"No. What's that animal with the horns?"

"A unicorn. We must mount something quick, geerl. The platform's trembling."

The music burst forth in a peal. The roundabout commenced to revolve. They were side by side on two rearing, wild-eyed unicorns. The brazen vibrations rocked their bodies, the music drugged their senses. Faster and faster they sped. They had taken off their hats and the night wind blew between their parted lips, whistled in their teeth, filled their lungs. All outside their whirling circle became a shining blur of lights and faces. To be flying like this with her beside him on a unicorn fired Kirke's spirit into a wild joy. They two! They two! They were worth more than all this throng of clods that peopled the Fair grounds together. Delight and Duncan. Duncan and Delight. Ha! What a ride together!

His hand that held the dagger seemed inspired. Time after time he thrust it through the golden ring. Ride after triumphant ride they had for nothing. The crowd gathered not only to see the girl but to watch his prowess. . . . When at last they descended, she was so dizzy she could hardly stand. She stood leaning against the support of a tent while he went to fetch her a