"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.
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