"
She started toward the ring. Eloise and Barbarian were already
waiting at the entrance
"Eloise!" She took one step toward her, then stopped at the sound
of Barker's voice.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he called. "Although we are obliged to
announce that our star rider, Miss Polly, will not appear
to-night, we offer you in her place an able substitute,
Mademoiselle Eloise, on her black, untamed horse, Barbarian."
Eloise put her hands on the horse's back to mount.
"No! No!" cried Polly.
The other girl turned in astonishment at the agony in her voice.
"Polly!"
"Wait, Eloise! I'M going to ride!"
"You can't, not Barbarian! He don't know your turn."
"So much the better!" She seized the bridle from the frightened
girl's hand.
"Polly!" shouted Douglas. He had followed her to the entrance.
"I must! I will!"
She flew into the ring before he could stop her. He took one
step to follow her.
"You'd better let her alone and get out o' here," said Strong.
His voice was like a firebrand to Douglas. He turned upon him,
white with rage.
"You drove her to this." His fists were clenched. He drew back
to strike.
Jim came from behind the wagons just in time to catch the
uplifted arm.
"Leave HIM to ME, this ain't no parson's job.
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