“You have, eh?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What is it?”
“I was in hopes you wouldn’t ask me that. I wanted to surprise you.”
Mr. Sparling shook his head doubtfully.
“I’m afraid you haven’t had experience enough to warrant my trusting so important a matter to you,” answered the showman, knowing how serious a bungled act might be, and how it would be likely to weaken the whole show.
Phil’s face showed his disappointment.
“Mr. Kennedy says it will be a fine act. I have seen the property man and the carpenter, and they both think it’s great. They are getting my properties ready now.”
“So, so?” wondered the owner, raising his eyebrows ever so little. “You seem to be making progress, young man. Let’s see, how long have you been in the show business?” he reflected.
“Twenty-four hours,” answered Phil promptly.