"I am glad you had an opportunity to join the company, for it is the best way you could prosecute the search. It would do no harm to go even farther from the house in the woods than you propose doing, since Bob will most likely give that place a wide berth for some time to come. Do not get discouraged, and use as much money as may be necessary for your comfort. My wound is improving rapidly under proper treatment, and I am told that in two weeks I shall be able to walk with the aid of a cane."
It is true this was not a very important communication; but it was highly satisfactory to Jet, since it showed that the detective approved of his course.
The second performance after the "reorganization" of the company, was given in a small town of about twelve hundred population, and the receipts at the door were not enough to pay the hotel bill and traveling expenses to the next town, therefore on that same evening the manager called the performers to his room for consultation.
"We shall take big money in the next place, providing we can get there early enough in the morning to make a parade; but I am broke again, and want your advice."
No one spoke for some time, and Jet asked:
"How far is it?"
"Only six miles."
"I will walk, or pay my own expenses, either one you choose."
"Now, that's what I call coming to the front in great shape. Who's willing to walk?"
It was some time before he could persuade the other members of the company to agree. They had received no wages for several weeks, and it seemed particularly hard to ask them to work for nothing, and, in addition, tramp from town to town.