"After I thought the matter over that was what I decided--I mean
that was the decision I came to."
"Right. Another season I'll have an officer with this show.
That's the only way we can protect ourselves."
"Do all the big shows carry an officer?" asked Phil.
"Yes; they have a detective with them--not a tin badge detective,
but a real one. Don't try to go out today. Get your dinner and
rest up for the afternoon performance. I think you had better go
to the train in my carriage tonight. I'm not going to take any
more such chances with you."
"I'll look out for myself after this, Mr. Sparling," laughed
Phil.
"I think it was only two days ago that I said I wasn't afraid of
Larry--that he couldn't get me. But he did."
That afternoon, as Phil related his experiences to the dressing
tent, he included the barnyard circus, which set the performers
in a roar.
Phil felt a little sore and stiff after his knockout and his
long ride in the freight car; but, after taking half an hour of
bending exercises in the paddock, he felt himself fit to go on
with his ring and bareback acts.
Both his acts passed off successfully, as did the Grand Entry in
which he rode old Emperor.
That night, after the performance, Phil hurried to the train,
but kept a weather eye out that he might not be assaulted again.
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