"Why should I equivocate?" demanded David coldly. "You are in possession of all the facts. What do you intend to do about it?" The Colonel's eyes narrowed. There was not the slightest trace of anger in his manner, however. "I intend to have your wages increased," he said quietly. David could not conceal his surprise, nor could he suppress the gleam of relief that leaped to his eyes. "I don't understand," he muttered. "I expect you to remain with this show until the end of the season," said the Colonel grimly. David pondered this remark for a moment. "I may not care to stay so long as that--" he began, puzzled by the Colonel's attitude toward him. "But you _will_ stay," said the other, fastening his gaze on David's chin--doubtless in the hope of seeing it quiver. "If you attempt to leave this show, I will--Well, a word to the wise, young man." "You don't own this show!" flared David. "And you can't bully me!" Not a muscle moved in the face of the tall Colonel. In slow, even tones he remarked: "I am not cowardly enough to bully a wretch whom I can hang." In spite of himself, David shrank from this cold-blooded rejoinder. "See here, Jenison," went on Colonel Grand, noting the effect of his words, "I have a certain amount of respect for your feelings, because you are a Southerner, as I am. You have pride and you have courage. You are a gentleman. You are the only gentleman at present engaged in this profession, I'll say that for you. There is a probability that you may not be so unique in the course of a week or two. I am already a part owner of this concern. You know that, of course. It is pretty generally known among the performers that I have a creditor's lien on the business. I wish you would oblige me by announcing to your friends that I have taken over a third interest in the show in lieu of certain notes and mortgages. From to-day I am to be recognized as one of the proprietors of Van Slye's Circus. Do you grasp it?" David, a great lump in his throat, merely nodded. "Considerable of my time henceforth will be spent with the show. I intend to elevate you to better associations. You are of my own class. I'm going to give you the society that you, as a Jenison of the Virginia Jenisons, deserve. It won't be necessary for you to mingle with pickpockets and roustabouts and common ring performers. There will be a select little coterie. I fancy you can guess who will comprise our little circle--our set, as you might call it. There are better times ahead for you, Jenison. Your days of riding in a tableau wagon are over. I shall expect you to join our exclusive little circle--where may be found representatives of the best families in the South and North. Portman, Jenison and Grand. Splendid names, my boy. Ah, I see Mr. Braddock over there. We are dining this evening at the best restaurant in town. Will you join us? Good! I shall expect you at six."