Part 19 (1/2)

”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 ies, except that I was acting wholly in self defense All the sa to take my punishment, whatever it may be,” replied the lad steadily

There was the merest suspicion of a twinkle in the eyes of the showman

”Tell me what you did”

”I punched Larry, tripped his friend, and--well, I don't exactly know all that did happen,” answered Phil without a change of expression

”Knock theuess so”

”H-m-m I suppose you know both those fellows are pretty badof the sort”

”Larry has quite a reputation as a fighter”

”Yes, sir”

”And you knocked hi like that,” answered Phil , rising and standing before the culprit

”It was like this, you see,” began Phil, exhibiting a sudden interest in the inquiry ”I was chased by the two men

Suddenly I stopped and let the fellow, Larry, fall over e I tripped Bad Eye I didn't hit anyone until Larry crowded me so I had to do so in order to saveman?”

”I--I didn't like to do that, you know”

Mr Sparling nodded his head

”How did you hit him?”

”He made a pass at 's hand over his shoulder ”I cauard with a short arm jolt like this”

”Well, what next?”