"Well, you know what that would mean. I might have to lay off, and I don't want that. I need the money."
Benny had a widowed mother to support, and it was well known that he sent her most of his wages, keeping only enough to live on.
"Well, I wish I could help you," said Joe, "but I can't do all the stunts you can under water, even if I could hold down both jobs."
"The stunts are easy enough, once you learn how to hold and control your breath," Benny said. "That's the hardest part of it, and you seem to have gotten that down fine. How was the water, cold?"
"No, just about right for me," Joe declared. "I don't like it too warm."
Benny again tested the temperature by putting his hand in the tank.
"I think I'll have 'em put a little hot water in just before I do my act," he said. "I have an idea that the cold water gets in my ears and makes the pain in my head."
"Perhaps it does," Joe agreed.
Preparations for the afternoon performance were now actively under way. The big parade was out, going through the streets of the town, and soon those taking part in the pageant would return to the "lot." Then, at two, the main show would start.
Joe had a new feat for that day's performance. He and the two Spaniards had worked it out together. It was quite an elaborate act, and involved some risk, though at practice it had gone well.