Stiggs stared in perplexed simplicity at Ralph.
"But I can't," he demurred, "and I never tell a lie, you know."
"Yes, you can," asserted Ralph--"at least I can. I know where the animal is. You hurry the circus manager here, and I will show up the tiger."
Simple-minded Stiggs craned his neck as if expecting to see the animal in question in Ralph's company. Then his face grew mildly reproachful.
"I didn't think you would try to hoax me, Fairbanks!" he said sorrowfully.
"I wouldn't for the world, Mr. Stiggs," said Ralph. "I have too much respect for you. Do as I say now--only hurry. Make a good bargain, for a little money won't do Mrs. Stiggs any harm. Hustle, though--for tigers are slippery customers, you know."
Stiggs nodded dubiously, and set off on his errand. Ralph kept an eye on the side of the tower where the lower entrance was, ready to warn anyone approaching.
He could hear the animal occupant of the room below moving about. Then it quieted down, after a jangle of metal pieces. Ralph figured out that it had made its lair in the darkest corner of the apartment where there was a heap of old junk.
He looked down the ladder, but did not venture below.
It was about ten minutes after Stiggs had departed on his errand, that Ralph had occasion to warn a newcomer.