Somebody surprised me
and I was afraid they would catch me with it in my hand and
suspect."
"That's what I thought."
"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 my punishment. It served me right. 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 time."
Signor 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, tell me, and I shall have great happiness in
doing it," breathed the lad.
A final grip of the hands of the boy and the injured performer
followed, after which Phil Forrest stepped back to make way for
the surgeon, who had hurried to a wagon to fetch his case.
CHAPTER XXIV
CONCLUSION
"You see, an accident always casts a cloud over a show and makes
the performers uncertain," said Mr. Miaco that night as he and
Phil were watching the performance from the end of the band
platform.
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