Part 21 (1/2)
As soon as he could change his clothes David hurried out to the menagerie tent. For many minutes he stood before the cage containing the African gazelle, fascinated by the nose and eyes of the lachrymose beast. He stared for a long time before becoming aware that the animal was looking at him just as intently from the other side of the bars. It was as if the creature with the broad white muzzle and limpid eyes was studying him with all the intentness of a human being. An uncanny feeling took possession of the boy. He laughed nervously, half expecting the solemn starer to smile in return--with the smile of Colonel Grand. But the deer's eyes did not blink or waver, nor was there the slightest deviation of its melancholy gaze.
A voice from behind addressed the lone spectator.
”Attractive brute, isn't he?”
David turned. Colonel Grand was standing a few feet away, gazing with no little interest at the occupant of the cage.
Young Jenison did not reply at once. He was momentarily occupied in a mental comparison of the two faces.
”It is our latest curiosity from the wilds of Africa,” he said, his eyes hardening. A Jenison could not look with complacency on a man who, first of all, had fought against his own people, even though one Jenison had been a traitor to the cause.
”The only one in captivity,” quoted the Colonel. He had the smooth, dry voice of a practiced man of the world.
”That's what they say on the bills, sir.” He was walking away when the other, with some acerbity, called to him.
”What's your name?”
”Snipe, sir,” said David, after a second's hesitation.
”I've seen you back there in the dressing-tent. You don't look like a circus performer.”
”I am a clown,” observed David coolly.
Colonel Grand came up beside him. They strolled past several cages before either spoke again.
”You are new at the business,” remarked the older man. David felt that the Colonel was looking at him, notwithstanding the fact that they seemed to be engaged in a close inspection of the cages.
”I am a beginner. Joey Grinaldi is training me.”
Thomas Braddock was watching them from beyond the camel pen.
”It may interest you to know that I am accustomed to civility in all people employed by this show,” said Colonel Grand levelly.
”Do you always get what you expect?” asked David, stopping short.
The Colonel faced him.
”Young man,” said he, after a deliberate pause, ”let me add to my original remark, I _always_ get what I expect.”
”Then I suppose you expect me to sever my connection with this show,”
said David, looking straight into his eyes.
The Colonel smiled. ”Your real name is Jenison, isn't it?”
”Yes,” said David defiantly. The Colonel was startled. He had not expected this, at any rate.
”And you are wanted for murder, I understand.”
”Yes.”
”By George, you take it coolly,” exclaimed the other, not without a trace of admiration in his voice.