"Top of the bill of fare. I've cleaned up everything halfway
down the list, and I'm going through the whole bill, even if I
have to get up and shake myself down like the miller does a bag
of meal."

"Be careful, old chap. Remember you and I have to begin our real
work today. We shall want to be in the best of shape for our
ring act. You won't, if you fill up as you are doing now,"
warned Phil.

"Not going to work today."

"What's that?"

"No flying rings today."

"I don't understand."

"No flying rings, I said. Mr. Sparling isn't going to put on our
act today."

"How do you know?" asked Phil in some surprise.

"Heard him say so."

"When?"

"Just now."