Transcriber's Note

Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Dialect spellings have been retained. A list of illustrations, though not present in the original publication, has been provided below:

The table in front of the Arena.

Two French clowns and a performing dog.

"Things which Nature never intended them to do."

"Blank cartridges fired in his face."

"Five hundred dollars to any one who will enter the cage."

"A constant procession of small animals moving down his throat."

"The wise guy."

Noah listens to the tale of a Johnstown flood survivor.

"Just two little red dots on the back of his hand."

"He smoked his cigar in the lobby like any other guest."

"Jocko, giving a howl of rage, danced madly up and down."

"All of his savage instincts were aroused."

"A 'Tattooed Lady,' and she's all covered with picters."

"A procession of sandwich men."

"Brought the head of the cobra close to his face."

"You're a blame fine figure of a fat man."

"Jake was having the time of his life, and the harder the elephants pulled the tighter he squeezed the Signor."

"Now, if you'll kindly give me your attention."

"Looked like the pennant of a man-o'-war."

"Kicking over their heads and into their very mouths."

Grace snarled over the cubs.

"Every one of the great beasts jumped for her."

"Jim," says Merritt, ... "there is a great advantage in having a squaw for the top part of that there fish."

"A howl of terror from the platform."

"There was a loose lion downstairs and a nurse and two children in the loft."

"His vanity got the better of him when he turned his back on the lion, to bow to the audience."

"Broncho was only a half-breed."

"We didn't have any regular snake charmer, but Merritt made himself up for a Hindoo fakir."

"Sam Watson confessed the whole thing."

"Walking upon its hind legs, BACKWARD."

"Forepaugh had eminent scientists examine the beast."

"Then Sam and his groom, Telford, proceeded to get busy."

"There seems to be a sympathy between them."

"Tramp was slowly drawing nearer to the cage."

"The bear sat comfortably on the seat beside me."

"He made sheep's eyes and threw a chest."

"The first tiger bounded through the door."

"Depew was still crouched on the body of his victim."

"Depew, coughing and choking, drew back."

"Merritt was quick enough to get a strangle hold around the snake's neck."