Part 46 (1/2)

”You are mistaken Of course, if you are not able to perforet it, but when you are able to go to work I shall give it up willingly, even if I succeed in getting it during that time Is that why you played that trick on nor Navaro, with a start

Phil gave a slight nod

”Why did you put the file in ht I dropped it in my own trunk Somebody surprised me and I was afraid they would catch ht”

”You are sharp And you told no one?”

”No But I had made up my mind to tell you I didn't think it would have to be this way, though I'm sorry it is”

”Well, I have ht I was crazed with jealousy I--how is the boy?”

”Not badly hurt, I believe He will be all right in a few days, and I hope you will be able to join out in a short tinor Navaro extended a feeble hand, which Phil pressed softly

”Forgive me, boy Will you?”

”Yes,” whispered Phil

”And you will tell no--”

”There is nothing to tell, Signor Navaro If there is anything I can do for you, tellit,” breathed the lad

A final grip of the hands of the boy and the injured performer followed, after which Phil Forrest stepped back to on to fetch his case

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

”You see, an accident always casts a cloud over a show and ht as he and Phil atching the performance from the end of the band platform

”I should think it would,” on and turned in, his nor Navaro, who had been taken to a hospital, where he was destined to reuess it doesn't pay, in the long run, to be dishonorable,”

off to sleep

The next ht and early, very ht's rest between his blankets in the coon Teddy, however, declared that he didn't like it He said he preferred to sleep on a pile of canvas in the open air, even if he did get wet once in a while

Later in thehad had ti business, which consisted of hearing reports fro his orders for the day, Phil sought out his e tent

”I'reeted Phil