"
"Phil, it is not the man who was responsible for several
accidents the first year you were with us, is it?" demanded
the showman shrewdly, darting a sharp glance at Phil.
"No, sir," answered the boy flushing a little. "That man is no
longer with the show."
"I thought so. Now I have him located."
"The--the man I saw tonight--you know him?" gasped Phil.
"No. I did not mean that. I refer to the fellow who nearly
caused your death three years ago."
"Oh!"
"You had some trouble with Diaz a short time ago, did you not?"
Phil was surprised that the showman was aware of this.
"Yes."
"Where is Diaz tonight?" demanded the showman almost sternly.
"In his stateroom, or else out on deck."
"Are you sure?"
Phil nodded.
"What time did he return from the lot?"
"He was here when I went on deck. He came to the boat directly
after the performance."
"You are sure of this?"
"I am."
"You are a very shrewd young man, sir," said Mr. Sparling,
with a mirthless smile. "However, these guilty men must be
found and punished. You think their first efforts will be
directed toward the net?"
"Yes, according to what I overheard.
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