"Whatever else I'll say about Sim, I'll give him credit for being a wonder on a trapeze--that is when he was sober. When he got intoxicated, or partly so, he'd take risks that would make your hair stand up on end. That's why I had to get rid of him. First I knew, he'd have had an accident and he'd be suing the circus. So I let him go. Sim went under the name Rafello Lascalla, and became one of the brothers. "For a while the three of them worked well together. And it's queer, as I say, how Sid and Tonzo took to Jim. But they did. You'd think he was a regular brother. In fact all three of 'em seemed to be real blood brothers. Sid and Tonzo are Spaniards, but Sim is a plain Yankee. He used to say he learned to do trapeze tricks in his father's barn." "That's where I practised," said Joe. "Well, it's as good a place as any, I reckon. Anyhow, I had to get rid of Sim, and now Tonzo comes and asks me to put him back. He says Sim is behaving himself, and will keep straight. He's somewhere on the grounds now, Tonzo told me. But I don't want anything to do with him. I'll stand a whole lot from a man, but when I reach the limit I'm through for good. That's what I am with Sim Dobley, otherwise known as Rafello Lascalla. You're to take his place, Joe." "I am!" There was no mistaking the surprise in the youth's voice. "Why, what's the matter? Don't you want to?" asked Jim, in some astonishment. "Yes, of course. I'll do anything in the show along the line of trapeze work you want me to. But--well, maybe I'd better tell you all about it." Then Joe related his encounter with the discharged circus employee. "Hum," mused Jim, when Joe finished. "So that's how the wind sets, is it? He's hanging around here now trying to find out who is going to take his place." "And when he finds that I have," suggested Joe hesitatingly, "he may cause trouble." Jim Tracy started. "I didn't think of that!" he said slowly. "You say he threatened you?" "Well, not exactly me, for he didn't know who I was," replied Joe. "But he said he'd make it decidedly hot for you, and for the man who took his place." Jim Tracy snapped his fingers. "That's how much I care for Sim Dobley," he said. "I'm not afraid of him. He talks big, but he acts small. I'm not in the least worried, and if you are----" "Not for a minute!" exclaimed Joe quickly. "I guess I can look after myself!" "Good!" exclaimed Jim. "That's the way I like to hear you talk. And don't you let Sim Dobley, or either of the Lascalla Brothers, bluff you. I'm running this show, not them! If they make any trouble you come to me." "I guess I can fight my own battles," observed Joe calmly.