"Besides," pursued Merriwell, calmly, "you know as well as I that Cassie was threatened with a serious illness, and it would have broken us up had she been taken ill. All that averted the catastrophe was the prompt manner in which she obtained medicine to help her. That kept the show from going to pieces."
"That's nothing to me. She's had money, and I want mine."
"After the show——"
"Now!"
"Don't be unreasonable, man! We have a fair house here, and ought to make something clear. After the show I'll pay you something, so that you——"
"You'll pay me before the curtain goes up, or I'll not step on the stage to-night! That is business! I know all about promises to pay after the show. I've been fooled before with that kind of a bluff. It won't go."
Frank flushed.
"I wish you would not judge me by the dishonest parties with whom you have had dealings in the past," he said, just a bit sharply. "I have not been in this business long, and I may be a fool, but I keep my word."
"Perhaps so; but I take no chances."
"What do you wish to do—break us up?"