"I've seen you back there in the dressing-tent. You don't look like a circus performer."
"I am a clown," observed David coolly.
Colonel Grand came up beside him. They strolled past several cages before either spoke again.
"You are new at the business," remarked the older man. David felt that the Colonel was looking at him, notwithstanding the fact that they seemed to be engaged in a close inspection of the cages.
"I am a beginner. Joey Grinaldi is training me."
Thomas Braddock was watching them from beyond the camel pen.
"It may interest you to know that I am accustomed to civility in all people employed by this show," said Colonel Grand levelly.
"Do you always get what you expect?" asked David, stopping short.
The Colonel faced him.
"Young man," said he, after a deliberate pause, "let me add to my original remark, I always get what I expect."