d other ways for my cash. Now I can tell you, since it's all over
and a success. But first let me read you this."

He held up the message and read:

"Operation an entire success. Benny will both hear and speak. He
can rejoin circus by next season and do tank work if he likes."

"Who's that from?" asked Helen, coming up in time to hear the message.

"From the celebrated surgeon--a friend of Dr. Wertz," said Joe. "I
hired him to operate on Benny Turton to save him from becoming deaf and
dumb. It took a lot of money, but I'm glad I had it saved. And that's
why I had to pose as--a 'tight-wad,' fellows."

Joe's voice faltered, but there was a happy look on his face.

Tonzo Lascalla stepped forward. He held out his hand and said:

"I want to beg your pardon, Joe Strong. I have misjudged you!"

"So have I!" exclaimed Sid.

They were both very much in earnest, and as they shook hands there were
tears in Joe's eyes. But they were happy tears. Others of the circus
folk who had not understood Joe made haste to make amends, and, for a
time, there was a happy group.

"And I didn't understand, either," said Helen softly as she and Joe
walked away, together. "I thought you might be wasting your money
foolishly. Oh, Joe, I am so happy!"

The news of Benny's recovery soon spread, and there was rejoicing among
the circus folk, for the "human fish" had many friends.

"What does it all mean?" asked Jim Tracy.

"It just means that when I knew Benny needed an operation I began
saving my salary to pay for it, since I knew he couldn't," said Joe. "I
made him that promise, and I also promised to send to his mother each
week what he had been in the habit of sending her. So, in spite of
earning a big salary, I didn't have much of it for myself."

"I see," murmured the ringmaster.

"When the first doctor said there was no chance, even with an
operation, for Benny's recovery, I was discouraged. But when the
diver's physician talked to me I had more hope, and I got him to engage
the specialist for Benny. He took charge of all the arrangements, and
now the good news comes. Benny will recover and can again be the tank
actor."

Jim Tracy scratched his head.

"I don't know about that," he said. "Of course, we'll take Benny back,
but he may have to get a new act. We don't want to give you up--you and
your seal. The circus needs you."

"To tell you the truth," said Joe, "I am thinking of giving it up."

"Giving it up!" cried