Suddenly Phil Forrest, realizing that his little companion was in danger, gave a leap.He landed on Larry's back, pinioning the fellow's arms to his sides.
"You stop that now!You let him alone!" commanded Phil.
Before the canvasman could make an effort to free himself, Mr.Miaco, the head clown, took a hand in the proceedings.Throwing Phil from thetentman, Miaco jerked Larry about, and demanded to know what he meant by intruding on the privacy of the dressing tent in that manner.
"I want that kid," he growled."Put him out!" howled a voice."What do you want him for?""He--he dumped a pail of water over me.I'll get even with him.I'll--"
"How about this, Master Teddy?" questioned Mr.Miaco.
Teddy explained briefly how the fellow Larry and a companion hadducked him under the water tank, and had ruined his clothes, together with causing him to miss his train.
"This demands investigation," decided Mr.Miaco gravely."Fellows, it is evident that we had better try this man.That is the best way to dispose of his case.""Yes, yes; try him!" they shouted."Whom shall we have for judge?" "Oscar, the midget!"The Smallest Man on Earth was quickly boosted to the top of a property box.
"Vot iss?" questioned the midget, his wizened, yellow little face wrinkling into a questioning smile.
"We are going to try this fellow, Larry, and you are to be the judge." "Yah," agreed Oscar, after which he subsided, listening to theproceedings that followed, with grave, expressionless eyes.It is doubtful if Oscar understood what it was all about, but his gravity and judicial manner sent the whole dressing tent into an uproar of merriment.