 Why does Jig bluff to Beamish initially?
It made a one-night pitch on a Venusian swamp-town—to find that death stalked it from the jungle in a tiny ball of flame. I've wet-nursed Shannon's Imperial Circus around the Triangle for eleven years, and I know. It has always been my desire to lighten the burden of life for those less fortunate...." He went on, quietly, "I have always held that entertainment, of the right sort, is the most valuable aid humanity can have in its search for the alleviation of toil and boredom...." Gow looks a lot like the scenery—scowling, unapproachable, and tough. "She's the star attraction of our show, Mr. Beamish.
 He knows he can get away with it - Beamish has the money to match what they ask.
 He knows he can get away with it - Beamish has the money to match what they ask.  He doesn't trust Shannon to close a good deal.  He doesn't trust Beamish, and wants to see if he's committed to the idea.  For them to start a new tour would be costly for them, and Jig wants to get the maximum price.