I alter my performance constantly to give variety.

To-day I had arranged for my little son to do the trick; but somehow--Ah! I am a foolish man, monsieur; I have odd fancies, odd whims, sometimes odd fears, since--since that awful night.

Something came over me at the last moment, just as my boy came into the cage to perform the trick I changed my mind.

I would not let him do it.

I thrust him aside and did the trick myself." "Oho!" said Cleek.