He looked on with languid indifference till the time came for Robert to enter the ring.
When Fitzgerald saw the boy, whom he supposed to be dead, riding in the ring, he was as much startled as if he had seen some one arise from the dead. Could he be deceived? No. There could be no such close resemblances between two boys as between the rider and Robert Rudd.
"Yes, it is he!" decided Fitzgerald, and his heart was filled with gladness. As we know, the gladness had a selfish source, but he was certainly overjoyed to think that the boy was alive and well.
Robert went through his usual act with his usual grace, and never suspected that his would-be murderer was looking on.
When the performance was over, Fitzgerald lingered near the tents till he saw Robert come out. It was rather embarrassing to disclose himself to the boy, who had so nearly fallen a victim to his violence, but it must be done.
"Robert! Robert Rudd!" he said, touching the boy on the arm.
Robert turned, and his face became stern when he saw at his side the man who had tried to murder him.
"You villain!" he said. "How have you the face to show yourself to me?"
"Because," answered Fitzgerald, "I am prepared to make atonement for the injury I did you. No one can be more delighted to see you than I."