“I don’t care whether he did or not. I say I’m going to do my turn here, and you can’t. You’re always around bothering me, and I won’t stand for it!” “I’m going to do my act here,” declared Jack. “I was told to by the manager.” “I don’t care whether you were or not.” “Besides, the platform is erected here now,” went on the young clown, “and the men have gone. I can’t move it.” “Then cut your act out. You’re not going to spoil mine.” “That’s right. Make him quit,” advised Mitz, the ringmaster, who had just finished putting several horses through their paces, and who was retiring to the dressing-tent. “Make him quit the show,” he added. Jack looked at him apprehensively, but the ugly ringmaster had been taught a lesson. He did not flick his whip at the boy. The young clown hesitated. He did not know whether to ignore Ted and go on with his act, or appeal to Mr. Paine, who was at the far side of the ring, making an announcement about a young woman who did a “loop the gap” act in an automobile. But there was an unexpected diversion in Jack’s favor. Sam Kyle, in his progress around the big ring, had seen that something was amiss. It was his duty to settle disputes among the clowns, and he often had to do so, as, since these performers had no regular place for their acts, one frequently would appear in the same spot where a fellow-actor was showing off. “What’s the matter?” asked Sam, as he approached. “He’s butting in on me,” replied Ted, in surly tones. “That’s what he is,” added the ringmaster. “This is none of your affair,” declared Sam to the man in the dress-suit. “I think I can settle it. Go on with your act, Jack,” he said. “And spoil mine?” demanded Ted. “You’ve already been on four times this afternoon,” said the head clown. “I’ve been keeping watch of you. This will make your fifth act. Four’s all you’re allowed unless I say so, and I don’t. Go on, Jack.” “But I----” began Ted. “Cut it out,” advised Sam. “I haven’t time to listen to you, but let me tell you one thing, if you interfere again with Jack, and make trouble, I’ll have you fired, that’s what I’ll do! And you know I’m a man of my word, and that I can do as I say,” he added significantly. “Take your auto and get out of the ring. Jack has a good act, and he’s entitled to the credit of it.” “I’ll--I’ll----” spluttered Ted, who was very angry. “Don’t you threaten me!” exclaimed Sam. “I’ve told you what to do, and I want you to do it!” Ted had no choice but to obey, though he did it with no very good grace. Jack prepared for his act, while the ringmaster, who had been too busy before to notice, looked on sneeringly. He was a great chum of Ted, and for this reason, more than because he had any reason to dislike Jack, he had a grudge against our hero. The airship act went off well, the applause at the last attempt being louder than any that had preceded it. Jack felt very proud.