To his delight, his new plan worked to perfection. The air, having more of a chance to get under the umbrella, buoyed him up considerably better, and he sailed gracefully to the ground, the flight taking several seconds longer. The chief drawback to it formerly had been that it was over too quick. Now this objection had been removed.
Then Jack pulled the cord which fired the shot, and the ship seemed to fly apart, the umbrella closing down and the bag collapsing. There was hearty applause for the young clown, but through it all Jack was wondering at the motive of those who had so nearly caused a serious accident.
CHAPTER XXI
THE MONKEYS ESCAPE
When the afternoon performance came to an end, Mr. Paine sent for Jack. He closely questioned the boy about the cut umbrella. Jack could throw no light on when it had been done.
“Whom do you suspect did it?” asked the manager.
“I—I don’t know,” replied Jack.
“Yes, you do. You have some idea. Who’s got a grudge against you?”
“Well, I suppose Ted Chester has, though I never did anything to him.”
“Who else?”
“Well, Mr. Mitz was rather mean to me.”