"And when he finds that I have," suggested Joe hesitatingly, "he may cause trouble."
Jim Tracy started.
"I didn't think of that!" he said slowly. "You say he threatened you?"
"Well, not exactly me, for he didn't know who I was," replied Joe. "But he said he'd make it decidedly hot for you, and for the man who took his place."
Jim Tracy snapped his fingers.
"That's how much I care for Sim Dobley," he said. "I'm not afraid of him. He talks big, but he acts small. I'm not in the least worried, and if you are——"
"Not for a minute!" exclaimed Joe quickly. "I guess I can look after myself!"
"Good!" exclaimed Jim. "That's the way I like to hear you talk. And don't you let Sim Dobley, or either of the Lascalla Brothers, bluff you. I'm running this show, not them! If they make any trouble you come to me."
"I guess I can fight my own battles," observed Joe calmly.
"Good!" said the ring-master again. "I guess you'll do. This is your dressing room," he went on. "Just leave your grip here, and it will be safe. You won't have to do anything to-night but look on. I'll get you a pair of tights by to-morrow and you can go on. Practise up in the morning, and work up a new act with Sid and Tonzo if you like. I'll introduce you to them at supper."