"
Mr. Sparling leaned back and laughed heartily.
"Between you, you boys will be the ruination of me. You take my
mind off business so that I don't know what I'm about half of
the time. But I can't get along without you. I'll look into
this matter," he went on more gravely. "Tell the boss canvasman
to send Larry and Bad Eye to me."
"Yes, sir."
The lads delivered the message.
Mr. Sparling's eyes twinkled as these two worthies sneaked
into his tent, each with a hangdog expression on his face.
"Red" Larry had a black eye, while Bad Eye's nose appeared
to have listed to one side.
The showman glanced at Larry's coat, then at the button in his
own hand. He nodded understandingly. Bad Eye was collarless.
"Here's a button that I think you lost off your coat last night,
Larry," smiled Mr. Sparling sweetly. "And, Bad Eye, here's
your collar. Better send it to the washerwoman."
The men were speechless for the moment.
"Go to the boss, both of you, and get your time. Then I want you
to clear out of here."
"Wha--what--we ain't done nothing," protested Larry.
"And you had better not. If I see you about the circus lot again
this season, I'll have you both in the nearest jail quicker than
you can say 'scat!' Understand? Get out of here!"
The showman half rose from his chair, glaring angrily at them.
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