Linking his arm within that of the Circus Boy, Mr.Sparling walked from the tent, not speaking again until they had reached the manager's private tent.This was a larger and much more commodious affair than it had been last year.
He placed Phil in a folding easy chair, and sat down to his desk where he began writing.
After finishing, Mr.Sparling looked up.
"Phil," he said in a more kindly tone than the lad had ever before heard him use, "I was under a deep obligation to you last season.I'm under a greater one now.""I wish you wouldn't speak of it, sir.What I have done is purely in the line of duty.It's a fellow's business to be looking out for his employer's interests.That's what I have always tried to do.""Not only tried, but have," corrected Mr.Sparling."That's an old- fashioned idea of yours.It's a pity young men don't feel more that way, these days.But that wasn't what I wanted to say.As a little expression of how much I appreciate your interest, as well as the actual money loss you have saved me, I want to make you a little present.""Oh, no no," protested Phil.
"Here is a check which I have made out for a hundred dollars.That will give you a little start on the season.But it isn't all that I am going to do for you--""Please, Mr.Sparling.Believe me I do appreciate your kindness, but I mustn't take the check.I couldn't take the check.""Why not?"
"Because I haven't earned it."
"Haven't earned it?He hasn't earned it!" "No, sir."The showman threw his hands above his head in a hopeless sort of a way.
"I should not feel that I was doing right.I want to be independent, Mr.Sparling.I have plenty of money.I have not spent more than half of what I earned last summer.This season I hope to lay by a whole lot, so that I shall be quite independent.""And so you shall, so you shall, my boy," Sparling exclaimed, rising and smiting Phil good naturedly with the flat of his hand.
Instead of tearing up the check, however, Mr.Sparling put it in an envelope which he directed and stamped, then thrust in his coat pocket.