Sargent flushed a bit, and then he grew angry.
"That's an insult, Mr. Merriwell!" he almost hissed. "I do not like it."
"It was not intended as an insult, Sargent; but you know you promised to stick by the company and take a share of the profits, in case business should become so poor that I could not pay salaries in full."
"Well, I have received nothing during the past two weeks—absolutely nothing. That's not a share."
"There have been no profits."
"Then I think that frees me from my agreement."
"I can't see it in that light. Wait a moment! You know very well that I can't pay you all that is due you, the same as the others know I can't pay them. They are not raising any kick, for they all know everyone will be used fair——"
Again the rebellious actor snapped his fingers.
"Oh, I don't know!" he said, in a manner that was positively insolent. "I am not so sure that everyone will be used square."
Frank looked at him straight and hard for a few seconds, and then slowly asked: