"But we do.Therefore, we are just as much to blame as if he did know.And I am not so sure that he doesn't.You can't fool Mr.Sparling.You ought to know that by this time.There isn't a thing goes on in this show that he doesn't find out about, sooner or later, and he is going to find out about this.""I didn't do anything.You did, when you had a scrap with those two fellows out on the lot.""You forget that you started the row by emptying a pail of water on Larry's head.Don't you call that starting doing anything? I do."Phil had to laugh at the comical expression on his companion's face."Well, maybe.""And we haven't heard the last of those fellows yet.They're mad all through.I am sorry I had to hit them.But they would have used me badly had I not done something to protect myself.I should tell the whole matter to Mr.Sparling, were it not that I would get others into trouble.That I wouldn't do.""I should think not."
"By the way, Teddy, there come the bareback riders.Don't you follow after their act?""My! That's so.I had forgotten all about that.Thought I was watching the show just like the rest of the folks.""Better hustle, or you won't get into your makeup in time to go on.There'll be a row for certain if you are late."But Teddy already had started on a run for the dressing tent, bowling over a clown at the entrance to the paddock and bringing down the wrath of that individual as he hustled for the dressing tent and began feverishly getting into his ring clothes.These consisted of a loose fitting pair of trousers, a slouch hat and a coat much the worse for wear.A "Rube" act, it was called in show parlance, and it was that in very truth, more because of Teddy's drollery than for the makeup that he wore.
Phil quickly forgot all about the lecture he had been reading to his companion as the bareback riders came trotting in.His eyes were fixed on a petite, smiling figure who tripped up to the curbing, where she turned toward the audience, and, kicking one foot out behind her, bowed andthrew a kiss to the spectators.