"I think I will buy out the Sparling shows, someday, when you get tired of the business and want to sell at any old price," answered the boy boldly.
The showman laughed heartily.
"So you think you would like to own a show, do you?"
"Yes, sir, I am going to—Phil and I."
"May I ask when this interesting affair is coming off—this purchasing of a real circus?"
"I told you. When you get tired of the business we are going to buy you out."
"You have it planned, eh?"
"Yes, sir; that is, I have. Phil doesn't know anything about that yet. I haven't told him."
"I thought not. So, while I am paying you to work for me, you are planning to take my show away from me, are you?" questioned Mr. Sparling with a smile.
"No, Sir; we are not trying to do anything of the sort. You have been too kind, and I thank you for all you have done for me, and—and all you have put up with. You ought to have 'fired' me a long time ago—I guess you ought to have done it before I started in the Show business. I'm glad you didn't," added Teddy, glancing up with a bright smile.