The scalp had been laid open to such an extent that half a dozen stitches were necessary to close the wound, and the surgeon said, reassuringly, as he bandaged the cut:
"He has lost considerable blood, which accounts for his weak condition. It will be some time before he feels all right again; but he'll come around in good shape."
"Will it do him any harm to keep on traveling with us?" the manager asked.
"Let him be quiet, and I don't anticipate any evil results. Do you know how it happened?"
"No. He was very anxious to see some one in the audience, and I fancy he went out immediately after breaking down in his act."
"Then send around at once and learn if anybody left the hall just before the assault."
This suggestion was acted upon immediately, and the doorkeeper stated that two men, one tall and the other of medium height, went out very soon after Jet ran off the stage.
"It must have been some fellow who had a grudge against him, and he broke down from fright at seeing the man; but I don't fancy it will do much good to attempt to trace the matter. Show people can't afford to fool around a town waiting for the delays of the law when they are billed to play in other places, therefore the whole thing had better be dropped."
The surgeon received his fee and left the invalid after advising that he be kept perfectly quiet.
The performers continued their efforts to amuse, and Jet, lying on a pile of wardrobe stuff, with the music of the orchestra and the applause of the audience ringing in his ears, tried to decide upon his course of action.