A moment later the performance was going on with a rush, the band playing a lively tune.
Phil, when he reached the dressing tent, learned that Signor Navaro was seriously hurt, though his son was suffering merely from shock. The father had sustained several broken bones.
Phil approached the injured performer and leaned over him. The man was conscious.
“I’m sorry, very sorry, sir,” breathed the boy sympathetically.
“You needn’t be. You’ll get what you want,” murmured the circus man.
“I don’t understand,” wondered Phil.
“You’ll get my act.”
“Is that what you think I have been working for?”
Signor Navaro nodded.
“You are mistaken. Of course, if you are not able to perform any more this season I shall try to get it, but when you are able to go to work I shall give it up willingly, even if I succeed in getting it during that time. Is that why you played that trick on me?” demanded the lad.