“Neither can I,” added Carl quietly.
“What! Do you mean to say you’ll leave me in the lurch?” howled Nathan Wampole.
“We want our money, that’s all.”
“You shall have it.” Nathan Wampole paused for a minute. “I’ll pay you both twenty-five dollars on account to-morrow morning.”
“If you’ll do that I’ll be satisfied,” said Leo.
“So will I,” added Carl Boss.
“Good!” said Nathan Wampole; but as he turned away a cunning smile crossed his wrinkled features.
It needed but an hour to the time for the performance for the evening to begin, and soon after Carl and Leo separated to fit themselves out for their separate “turns,” as specialty performers call their performances.
Carl Ross was an orphan, having lost both of his parents six years before in a terrible railroad disaster in the West.
Carl’s father had in his time been a juggler and magician, and it was but natural that the son should take up the same calling.