The Ringmaster's Secret by Carolyn G. Keene Read Free Book Online Page B

those stunts I saw you performing at Roberto’s and you’ll be all right.”
    Despite his reassurance, Nancy was tense. At first she performed the stunts stiffly, but when Erika reminded her to relax, the riding went better.
    “Well, what do you think?” Dan asked Rancoco when Nancy had finished.
    “For a girl not reared in the circus, she surely is remarkable,” the leader replied. “Even if she can’t join us permanently, I’ll be glad to take her on until we can get a substitute for Rosa.”
    He asked Nancy if she had ever stood on a cantering horse with another person.
    “No. I haven’t.”
    Rancoco suggested she try it with him after watching another couple do the stunt. Nancy consented, and when they were ready, he said, “You go first.”
    Nancy timed the rhythm of the horse, ran several steps across the ring, and hopped onto her mare’s back. A moment later Rancoco joined her. But as he touched her, Nancy lost her balance and off they both fell!
    “Not hurt, are you?” he asked, helping her up. Nancy shook her head gamely. “Better luck next time,” he said with an encouraging smile.
    Nancy had several more spills, but finally she was able to steady herself when Rancoco hopped up behind her.
    “Fine, fine!” he praised her. “If you do your part as well tonight, everything will be okay.”
    At that moment Pietro raced into the tent. “Kroon’s coming!” he cried in great agitation. “He suspects something funny is going on. He’s in a rage and says he’ll fire all of you for double-crossing him!”
    “Pietro, he must have found out about me,” Nancy said in dismay.
    The clown’s face was dark with anger. “I’m afraid so. There’s a spy in this circus, and I’m going to find out who he is!”
    Before Pietro could say any more, Bess Marvin rushed into the tent. Seeing her in riding clothes gave Nancy an idea. Without waiting to hear why Bess had come, Nancy said to her, “Kroon’s coming in here any minute. He must have heard I’m trying out for a part in this act. He mustn’t see me. You’ll have to take my place!”
    Poor Bess had no time to make a choice. As Nancy dived behind some seats, the ringmaster walked in. He strode over to Bess.
    “So you’re the girl who’s trying out, eh?”
    “Why—uh, yes,” Bess replied.
    “I thought it was somebody else,” he said. Then he added, “You don’t look like much of a rider, but get up on the mare and let’s see what you can do.”
    Obediently Bess mounted. She felt sick with fear and only her loyalty to Nancy gave her the courage to carry on.
    Bess rode well and Kroon seemed to be impressed. “Now let’s see what stunts you can do,” he called.
    Bess’s heart thumped wildly. What could she do? “I—I can’t work in these clothes,” she stammered. “Could you come back in an hour, Mr. Kroon?”
    “An hour!” the ringmaster yelled. “An hour to change your clothes? I’ll give you exactly half—well, forty-five minutes.”
    “Thank you,” said Bess, sliding from the horse.
    Kroon looked at Rancoco. “I want every one of you back here in exactly forty-five minutes. I’ll be watching the act. If I don’t like it, out you go. This time I won’t change my mind!”
    As he stalked off, there was silence. The equestrians were too worried to talk, and Nancy realized how much depended on her. She emerged from behind the seats.
    Bess begged her not to take part in the bareback act. “You’re just going to get yourself in trouble,” she insisted. “It isn’t worth the risk.”
    “I can’t let these people down now,” Nancy replied. “But thanks a million for helping me. Will you give this to Hannah?” she asked, taking off the charm bracelet.
    “Sure,” Bess replied.
    “By the way, Bess, did you find Dad?”
    “Yes and no.” Bess reported that George had contacted Nancy’s Aunt Eloise Drew in New York City. Miss Drew was expecting her brother and would have him telephone George’s home as soon as he