A moment later his face clouded. “But how about that diamond ring? Oh, you sparkler, come to your daddy!”
With this, he repaired to the show site.
On returning to the rear of the circus tents, he was surprised to be accosted at once by a smooth-shaven, sturdy man with a clean, clear look in his eye.
“You’re the boy that’s so handy with his mitts?”
Johnny had a mind to run for it, but one look into those clear eyes told him this would be folly.
“That’s what they say,” he smiled.
“Shake! I like you for that.” The stranger extended his hand.
Johnny gripped it warmly.
“The way you handled that conman wasn’t bad; not half-bad. You’re a sport; a regular one! The circus boys like a good sport; the real chaps do. How’d you like a job?”
“A—a job?” Johnny stammered. “What kind?”