“That’s what he is,” added the ringmaster.
“This is none of your affair,” declared Sam to the man in the dress-suit. “I think I can settle it. Go on with your act, Jack,” he said.
“And spoil mine?” demanded Ted.
“You’ve already been on four times this afternoon,” said the head clown. “I’ve been keeping watch of you. This will make your fifth act. Four’s all you’re allowed unless I say so, and I don’t. Go on, Jack.”
“But I——” began Ted.
“Cut it out,” advised Sam. “I haven’t time to listen to you, but let me tell you one thing, if you interfere again with Jack, and make trouble, I’ll have you fired, that’s what I’ll do! And you know I’m a man of my word, and that I can do as I say,” he added significantly. “Take your auto and get out of the ring. Jack has a good act, and he’s entitled to the credit of it.”
“I’ll—I’ll——” spluttered Ted, who was very angry.
“Don’t you threaten me!” exclaimed Sam. “I’ve told you what to do, and I want you to do it!”
Ted had no choice but to obey, though he did it with no very good grace. Jack prepared for his act, while the ringmaster, who had been too busy before to notice, looked on sneeringly. He was a great chum of Ted, and for this reason, more than because he had any reason to dislike Jack, he had a grudge against our hero.
The airship act went off well, the applause at the last attempt being louder than any that had preceded it. Jack felt very proud.