,
sir, circus folks is like soldiers. No matter what happens, the show has
to go on, and we got to be in our places."

"Well, well, she'll be safe enough, here," said the doctor. "It is a
fortunate thing that Mr. Douglas can manage this. Our town hospital
burned down a few months ago, and we've been rather puzzled as to what
to do with such cases." He took his leave with a cheery "Good night,"
and a promise to look in upon the little patient later. Jim shuffled
awkwardly toward the pastor.

"It's mighty good of you to do this," he mumbled, "but she ain't goin'
to be no charity patient. Me and Toby is goin' to look after her keep."

"Her wants will be very few," Douglas answered, kindly. "You needn't
trouble much about that."

"I mean it," said Jim, savagely. He met Douglas's glance of surprise
with a determined look, for he feared that his chance of being useful to
Polly might be slipping out of his life.

"You mustn't mind Jim," the clown pleaded at the pastor's elbow. "You
see pain gets some folks different from others; and it always kinder
makes him savage."

"Oh, that's all right," Douglas answered, quickly. His own life had
been so lonely, that he could understand the selfish yearning in the big
man's heart. "You must do what you think best about these things; Mandy
and I will look after the rest."

Jim hung his head, feeling somehow that the pastor had seen straight
into his heart and discovered his petty weakness. He was about to turn
toward the door when it was thrown open by Barker.

"Where is she?" shouted the manager, looking from one to the other.

"She can't come," said Jim in a low, steady voice, for he knew the storm
of opposition with which Barker would meet the announcement.

"Can't come?" shrieked Barker. "Of course she'll come. I can't get along
without her. She's GOT to come." He looked at Jim, who remained silent
and firm. "WHY ain't she comin'?" he asked, feeling himself already
defeated.

"She's hurt bad," was Jim's laconic reply.

"The devil she is!" said Barker, looking at Douglas for confirmation.
"Is that right?"

"She won't be able to travel for some time," said Douglas.

"Mr. Barker is our manager," Toby explained, as he edged his way to the
pastor's side.

"Some time!" Barker looked at Douglas as though he were to blame for
their misfortune. "Well, you just bet she will," he declared menacingly.

"See here, Barker, don't you talk to him like that," said Jim, facing
the