The lad was not far wrong in his surmise. That Mr. Sparling was
angry was apparent at the first glance.

He eyed Phil from head to foot, a fierce scowl wrinkling his face
and forehead.

"Well, sir, what have you been up to this afternoon?"

"Practicing in the ring since the afternoon performance closed."

"H-m-m-m! And this forenoon?"

"Not much of anything in the way of work."

"Have any trouble with any of the men?"

"Yes, sir."

"Who?"

"A man by the name of Larry, and another whom they call Bad Eye."

"Humph! I suppose you know it's a bad breach of discipline in a
show to have any mixups, don't you?"

"I do. I make no apologies, except that I was acting wholly in
self defense. All the same, I do not expect any favoritism.
I am willing to take my punishment, whatever it may be," replied
the lad steadily.