It was the first time Mr. Sparling had ever heard the little Circus Boy express his appreciation. He patted the lad affectionately.
"I hope you are feeling quite well, today, my boy. You never talked this way before. What caused your sudden change of heart?"
"I—I guess it was the baboon," answered Teddy whimsically. "Or else, maybe, it was the bump I got when I hit the deck of the 'Fat Marie.'"
Phil came up and joined them at that moment, waiting for his turn to go on in his trapeze act for the evening performance. Mr. Sparling surveyed him keenly. He noted the trim, athletic figure, the poise of the head and the steady clear eyes that held one irresistibly.
"You are looking very handsome tonight, Phil," said the owner.
"Thank you, sir. 'Handsome is as handsome does,' as the saying goes," laughed the Circus Boy. "Are you having the net watched, Mr. Sparling?"
"Yes, my lad. Two men are keeping close tab on the big spider web all the time, except in the afternoon, when no one would dare to tamper with it for fear of being detected."
"I am not so sure of that. You see, I have a personal interest in that net, seeing that I have to risk my bones over it twice each day."
"Don't worry. It will be well watched, Phil."
"I take the first drop in it, you know, so if it should give way you would be minus Phil Forrest."