Paul said nothing, and the circus proprietor moved back to his seat on the table. The circus band played close by, and at times the people cheered But in the little canvas box of a room there was silence for a long while Before it was broken the fat man came with a message.
‘Poor Gill’s no use to-night, governor; his ankle’s worse than ever.’
‘All right,’ said Herr Pauer. ‘I’ll take an extra turn. Tell me when I’m wanted.’
‘Saltanelli’s off in a minute’
‘I’ll follow.’
The fat man withdrew, and Herr Pauer, having carefully balanced the stump of his cigar on the edge of the table, went after him. Paul waited for half a minute, and then stole out The fat man faced him.
‘Where are you going to?’
‘What business is that of yours?’ Paul asked
‘Governor’s orders was you was to stop till he came back again.’
‘Suppose I refuse to stop?’