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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Ahead of the Show, by Fred Thorpe
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Ahead of the Show
+       The Adventures of Al Allston, Advance Agent
+
+
+Author: Fred Thorpe
+
+
+
+Release Date: April 14, 2012  [eBook #39454]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AHEAD OF THE SHOW***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made
+available by the Google Books Library Project (http://books.google.com)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      the the Google Books Library Project. See
+      http://books.google.com/books?vid=r08TAAAAYAAJ&id
+
+
+
+
+
+No. 77
+Bound-to-Win Library
+
+[Illustration: Cover.]
+
+
+AHEAD OF THE SHOW
+
+Or
+
+The Adventures of Al Allston, Advance Agent
+
+By
+
+FRED THORPE,
+
+Author of "Blind Luck," "The Boy in Black,"
+"Chris, the Comedian," "Git Up and Git,"
+"Walt, the Wonder Worker," etc....
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Street and Smith, Publishers
+238 William Street, New York
+
+Copyright, 1897
+By Norman L. Munro
+
+Ahead of the Show
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+       I.  AL MAKES APPLICATION.               5
+      II.  AL TALKS BUSINESS.                 12
+     III.  AL'S SCHEME.                       17
+      IV.  AL TO THE RESCUE.                  24
+       V.  AL CLAIMS HIS REWARD.              29
+      VI.  ANOTHER ROCK AHEAD.                35
+     VII.  THE DEBUT.                         41
+    VIII.  A STARTLING SITUATION.             47
+      IX.  A CLOSE CALL.                      53
+       X.  AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR.       61
+      XI.  IN PERIL.                          67
+     XII.  INTERVIEWED.                       73
+    XIII.  A STROKE OF LUCK.                  80
+     XIV.  AL'S AD.                           87
+      XV.  SAVED BY A SHADOW.                 91
+     XVI.  A LESSON IN JOURNALISM.            97
+    XVII.  "I WANT YOU."                     103
+   XVIII.  MR. MARMADUKE MERRY.              109
+     XIX.  A STARTLING ACKNOWLEDGMENT.       115
+      XX.  THE LOCKET.                       121
+     XXI.  BROTHER AND SISTER.               127
+    XXII.  AN AWFUL CATASTROPHE.             133
+   XXIII.  AN EVENTFUL NIGHT.                139
+    XXIV.  A CLEW.                           145
+     XXV.  ON THE TRACK.                     151
+    XXVI.  "DR. FERGUSON."                   157
+   XXVII.  AN UNLUCKY ERROR.                 163
+  XXVIII.  AN EXCITING INTERVIEW.            169
+    XXIX.  A DANGEROUS JOB AHEAD.            175
+     XXX.  HARD LUCK.                        181
+    XXXI.  A WOMAN'S VENGEANCE.              187
+   XXXII.  AND LAST.                         193
+
+
+
+
+AHEAD OF THE SHOW.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+AL MAKES APPLICATION.
+
+
+"If I had that fellow here I'd make him wish he'd never heard the name
+of Augustus Wattles. And I'll do it some day, too."
+
+The manager and proprietor of Wattles' New York Comedy Company was very,
+very "mad." His naturally florid face was redder than usual, and his
+fists were clinched in a manner that augured no good to the "fellow"
+referred to, had that individual chanced to appear upon the scene at
+this precise moment.
+
+He stood at the door of the Boomville Opera House, in company with the
+local manager, Mr. Cyrus Perley, who seemed in some degree to share his
+discomfiture and anger.
+
+A group of stragglers listened in silence to their conversation, gazing
+at them with that peculiar and unaccountable reverence that many people
+feel for members of the theatrical profession.
+
+"It's pretty tough," said Mr. Perley, "but it isn't my fault."
+
+"I know it isn't. Well, this is the last time that loafer will play that
+trick on me. He thinks that because I have been easy with him in the
+past there is no end to my patience. I'll show him that he is making the
+mistake of his life."
+
+"Of course, you will discharge him?"
+
+"You had better believe I will. A healthy sort of advance agent he is!
+Think of my bringing my company to a town of the importance of
+Boomville, to find that absolutely no advance work has been done, that
+my advance agent, to whom I pay a fancy salary, has not even showed his
+face in the town."
+
+"I suppose he has succumbed to his old complaint?" said Mr. Perley.
+
+"Of course; he is drunk beyond the shadow of a doubt, and may not show
+up again for a week. Well, when he does, he'll meet with a warm
+reception from me. We ought to have had an eight-hundred-dollar house
+to-night, and now we'll be lucky if we take in half that amount."
+
+"I don't expect we'll do as well as that. It wouldn't have made so much
+difference under ordinary circumstances, but, as luck will have it,
+they've got the strongest attraction of the season at the other
+house--the 'Crack of Doom' Company. You know that's a big puller
+everywhere."
+
+"Sure. They have a railway collision, a tank of real water, a buzz saw
+and two real lunatics in the insane asylum scene."
+
+"Yes, and their advance man has worked the show up in great shape here.
+According to him, the leading lady lost nine thousand dollars' worth of
+diamonds on her way here, and the soubrette is going to marry Chauncey
+Depew. And they give souvenirs to-night in honor of the five hundredth
+performance of the piece."
+
+"They've been giving that five hundredth performance in every town
+they've played in for the last month; and their souvenirs are not worth
+over fifty cents a gross."
+
+"All very true, but the public will have 'em. I hoped your advance man
+would have some taking counter-attraction."
+
+"So he did have, but---- Oh, well, it's no use talking about that.
+What's done can't be helped, but I won't be left in this way again.
+Where is the nearest telegraph office?"
+
+"On the next block. What are you going to do?"
+
+"Wire to New York for a new advance agent. I happen to know of an A1 man
+who is out of an engagement. There are two or three others after him,
+but I guess I can make it worth his while to go with me. I won't get
+left in this way again, you can bet your boots!"
+
+"That's all right," growled Mr. Perley, "but it doesn't help out the
+present engagement any."
+
+"No, but we are joint sufferers in that, and we may as well grin and
+bear it."
+
+And the irate manager of the New York Comedy Company started for the
+telegraph office with fire in his eyes and a look of determination on
+his face.
+
+Neither he nor Mr. Perley had observed the presence in the little group
+of listeners to their conversation of a rather good-looking,
+well-dressed boy of about eighteen.
+
+This lad did not lose a word of the excited discussion, and, as the
+manager started to walk away, he muttered:
+
+"This is the chance I have been looking for; I won't let the opportunity
+slip. It doesn't seem as if there would be much hope for me, but there's
+no harm in trying, anyhow."
+
+He followed Mr. Wattles, and just before that gentleman reached the
+telegraph office he tapped him on the shoulder.
+
+The manager turned quickly. When he saw the boy, he asked, impatiently:
+
+"Well, what is it?"
+
+"Can I speak with you a few minutes, sir?"
+
+"Not now, not now."
+
+Mr. Wattles was about to resume his walk, but the boy laid a detaining
+hand on his arm.
+
+"I want to see you on business, sir."
+
+"You have business with me?"
+
+"Important business, sir."
+
+"Well, well, I'll see you in a few minutes; I've got to send an
+important telegram now."
+
+"But I want to see you before you send that telegram."
+
+"Before I send the telegram? Why?"
+
+"Because I think I can prove to you that it is not necessary to wire to
+New York at all."
+
+"Eh? Why, how did you know that I was going to wire to New York?"
+
+"I overheard what you said to Mr. Perley in front of the opera house
+just now."
+
+"Humph! I was excited, and spoke a little louder than I ought. Well,
+why do you think it will not be necessary for me to send the telegram?"
+
+"Because I am sure you can find just the person you want right here in
+Boomville."
+
+"An advance agent to be picked up offhand in this place? That would be
+too much luck. What is your man's name?"
+
+"Allen Allston."
+
+"I never heard of him. What company was he with last?"
+
+"He has never been with any company, sir, but----"
+
+Mr. Wattles surveyed the boy with a look of supreme disgust.
+
+"Do you suppose for one moment," he interrupted, "that I am going to
+take an inexperienced jay from a town like this and send him ahead of an
+organization like Wattles' New York Comedy Company? Well, hardly. I've
+got to have an experienced man."
+
+"And you're going to telegraph for one now, sir?"
+
+"This minute."
+
+"But suppose you can't get the man you want--will you talk with me then,
+sir?"
+
+"Er--yes, in that case you might send your friend to see me, though it
+seems nonsense. But I shall get my man all right."
+
+"I suppose you are going to request an immediate answer to your
+telegram, Mr. Wattles?"
+
+"I am; I shall get it within an hour, in all probability."
+
+"Where can I find you after you have received it?"
+
+"At the hotel next door. You are a persistent young rascal; your friend
+has a good advocate in you."
+
+The boy smiled.
+
+"I am the best friend he has in the world," he said.
+
+"Well, if you are you had better advise him to stick to farming, or
+whatever he is doing, and keep out of the theatrical business; we have
+too many farmers in it already."
+
+"He wouldn't take the advice, sir."
+
+Mr. Wattles laughed as he entered the telegraph office.
+
+"If the boy's friend has got as much 'go' as he has," he muttered, "he
+might do something in the business."
+
+In a few minutes the message had been sent. An hour and a half later a
+messenger entered the lobby of the hotel with a telegram.
+
+"For me?" questioned the manager, who had been impatiently pacing the
+floor for the last twenty minutes.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Mr. Wattles tore open the envelope.
+
+A muttered exclamation escaped his lips as he hurriedly perused the
+message.
+
+"Well, sir?" said a voice at his elbow.
+
+Turning, he confronted the lad with whom he had had the brief interview
+which we have recorded.
+
+"You here? Well, you do mean business."
+
+"Is your offer accepted, sir?" the boy asked.
+
+"Confound it, no! The man I wanted signed yesterday with another
+manager. Well, send your friend round and I'll talk with him."
+
+"He is here, sir."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"I am Allen Allston."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+AL TALKS BUSINESS.
+
+
+Mr. Wattles stared at the boy a moment in speechless surprise, then
+burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"You don't mean to say," he almost gasped, "that you made that
+application for yourself?"
+
+"That's just what I mean to say, sir," replied the lad, quietly.
+
+"Why, you must be crazy!"
+
+"I don't think I am."
+
+"You are only a boy."
+
+"I'll get over that in time, Mr. Wattles; and besides, that fact is no
+proof that I am crazy."
+
+"Oh, pshaw! I can't stand here bandying words with you."
+
+Al was not in the least taken aback.
+
+"That's just what I was thinking," he said.
+
+"What?"
+
+"That we had been standing up too long. Let's sit down."
+
+"Well," said the manager, "you have cheek enough, anyhow."
+
+"Cheek is necessary for an advance agent, isn't it, sir?" laughed the
+boy.
+
+"Yes, but--oh, really, this is ridiculous, you know!"
+
+"What is ridiculous?"
+
+"Your applying for this position."
+
+"Why is it ridiculous?"
+
+"Who ever heard of a boy advance agent?"
+
+"That's just the point. Nobody ever did, and it will be a complete
+novelty, and a big ad. for the show."
+
+Mr. Wattles gazed at the boy almost admiringly.
+
+"Well, you are a corker!" he exclaimed.
+
+"A good advance agent ought to be a corker, oughtn't he, sir?"
+
+"I suppose so--yes."
+
+"Shan't we sit down and talk the matter over?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+And the manager sank into a convenient chair, gazing at his youthful
+companion with an expression indicative of bewilderment.
+
+"I've got him now sure," murmured the lad, but his companion did not
+hear him; Al did not intend that he should.
+
+When they were both seated the boy said:
+
+"Now, sir, you want an advance agent, and I want a position. It is lucky
+we met."
+
+"Yes," interrupted Mr. Wattles, "but what the mischief do you know about
+the business of an advance agent?"
+
+"A lot," was the calm reply.
+
+"How did you learn it?"
+
+"By reading and observation."
+
+"Nonsense! You might as well talk about learning to swing on a trapeze
+by reading and observation."
+
+"There's a big difference, sir."
+
+"Not much."
+
+"Well, I've always thought I should like to do work of that sort, and I
+think I could do it well."
+
+"Stage-struck, eh?"
+
+"Not a bit of it, Mr. Wattles. Now, will you listen to me a few moments,
+sir?"
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+And the manager assumed an air of resignation.
+
+"I generally keep my eyes open," began the boy, "and I have had a chance
+to watch the movements of most of the theatrical people who come to this
+town, particularly the advance agents."
+
+"Why the advance agents in particular?" interrupted Mr. Wattles.
+
+"Because I have been in the editorial office of the Boomville _Herald_,
+and have had a chance to see how they work the press. Some of them are
+very slick, but I think that if I had a little experience I should be as
+slick as any of them."
+
+"Ah," said the manager, "that's the point. You haven't had experience."
+
+"Well, I've got to begin some time, sir. If all managers had talked like
+you the race of advance agents would have been extinct long ago."
+
+"There's something in that," laughed Mr. Wattles.
+
+"There's lots in it."
+
+The manager of the New York Comedy Company surveyed his companion for a
+few moments without speaking.
+
+"My boy, I rather like you," he said, at last.
+
+"Well, that's one point in my favor, sir," said Al.
+
+"I'd like to give you a chance, but I really do not see how I can."
+
+"Why can't you?"
+
+"You must remember that the New York Comedy Company is not a common,
+fly-by-night organization, but a first-class enterprise. I have put a
+good many dollars into the thing, and I can't afford to experiment. If
+so much did not depend upon the result, if I were running a cheap side
+show, I might give you the trial you ask, but----"
+
+"I wouldn't have anything to do with any such show," interrupted the
+boy. "I don't intend to be that sort of advance agent. But I can
+understand how you feel, sir."
+
+"Then you can also understand how impossible it is for me to engage your
+services."
+
+"Oh, no, I can't understand that at all, Mr. Wattles. Now let me ask you
+a question."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"I heard you tell Mr. Perley that you did not expect there would be four
+hundred dollars in the house to-night."
+
+"That's what I said. I shall be agreeably disappointed if there is as
+much as that."
+
+"Yet the opera house will hold twelve hundred dollars."
+
+"I see you are posted, my boy."
+
+"I am. Now, Mr. Wattles, it is a little out of the line of an advance
+agent's work, but, just to show you that I have a little snap and
+business ability, I will guarantee to fill the opera house to its utmost
+capacity to-night, if you will agree to give me a chance as advance
+agent after that."
+
+"Do you know what you are talking about?"
+
+And the manager stared in renewed amazement at the youth.
+
+"I do."
+
+"You will undertake to fill the house to-night, in spite of the
+disadvantages under which we are laboring?"
+
+"The 'Standing Room Only' sign will be displayed before eight o'clock."
+
+"Well, what is your scheme?"
+
+"You will agree to follow my suggestions?"
+
+"Not until I hear them."
+
+"If you don't like them you will agree not to repeat anything I may say
+to you?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Then I'll give you my idea. I see you are getting ready to guy me,
+sir," as a rather cynical smile appeared upon the manager's face.
+
+"Oh, no."
+
+"You don't think I can knock out such a strong opposition as the 'Crack
+of Doom' Company, do you?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"Well, I'll show you that I can, and get you not only a full house, but
+the elite of the place."
+
+"Well, well," interrupted Mr. Wattles, impatiently, "have done with
+preliminaries and let me know how you propose to accomplish all this."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+AL'S SCHEME.
+
+
+"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time
+met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all,
+and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of
+anyone who ever trod the boards?"
+
+The manager laughed.
+
+"I should say yes. The woods are full of them."
+
+"Well, we have one here."
+
+"Only one?"
+
+"There are others, but one whom it will be worth your while to know."
+
+"Who is she?--for it is a woman, of course."
+
+"Yes, sir, it is a woman; she is the wife of the mayor."
+
+"The wife of the mayor of Boomville stage-struck?"
+
+"In the worst way, Mr. Wattles; she believes herself the only legitimate
+successor of Charlotte Cushman."
+
+"They all do. Well, what has all this to do with your scheme?"
+
+"A good deal. Mrs. Anderson--that is her name--is very anxious to appear
+on the professional stage."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Why can't you give her a chance?"
+
+"Eh? I? How?"
+
+"Send her word that one of your actresses has been taken suddenly ill,
+and ask her to take her place. She'll do it, take my word for that, and
+all Boomville will go to see her."
+
+"Well, you must be crazy, young man," said Mr. Wattles, in a tone of
+disgust. "So that is your scheme, is it?"
+
+"That is part of it."
+
+"Well, it won't work."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"For a dozen reasons. If I had two or three weeks to work up the thing
+it would be different; then it would, perhaps, be a good scheme. But you
+seem to forget that the performance takes place to-night."
+
+"There's plenty of time to work up business," said Al, calmly. "It is
+not ten o'clock yet. See Mrs. Anderson, get her consent to play, and
+I'll prove my executive ability by doing all the rest."
+
+"But, good gracious! how could the woman memorize a part between this
+and night?"
+
+"Give her a short part--any old part. Two or three lines will do. What
+she wants is a chance to show herself on the professional stage."
+
+"There is a small part," hesitated Mr. Wattles, "one that she could
+learn in half an hour. But, no, it won't do. The woman might queer the
+performance, and I should be the laughingstock of the profession for the
+next year."
+
+"She's not as bad as all that," said Al. "She has appeared in amateur
+performances here and made a success. Better see her, Mr. Wattles. I
+know she'll be tickled to death with the idea. You'll be in plenty of
+time to get a big ad. in this afternoon's _Herald_, and you'll have the
+biggest house of the season."
+
+The manager brought his fist down on the table by his side, and said:
+
+"By jingo, boy, I will do it! Lots of money has been made out of
+stage-struck society women, and perhaps I may come in for a little of
+it."
+
+"You'll come in for a lot of it to-night, sir, if you just follow my
+advice. And now I'll show you the way to the mayor's house."
+
+"Wait a minute. You said this amateur racket was only a part of your
+scheme; what is the rest of it?"
+
+"Souvenirs. This town is wild on souvenirs. The 'Crack of Doom' Company
+give hand-painted fans to-night. Why don't you go one better, and
+announce that every lady attending your performance will receive a
+heavily plated silver souvenir spoon?"
+
+"But where the mischief could I get the spoons?"
+
+"I'll provide them."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"But where are you going to get them?"
+
+"I've got them. You see, sir, I am a sort of speculator. I attend
+auction sales and that sort of thing, and if I see a big bargain I take
+advantage of it. It's better than clerking at five dollars a week. A few
+days ago I struck a bankrupt sale in New York, and bought a lot of
+plated spoons at 'way below cost. I meant to sell them to the stores
+here, but I'll let you have them at just what they cost me--you can
+afford to give them away if you buy them at that price--and there will
+be plenty to go round."
+
+Mr. Wattles surveyed his companion in amused wonder.
+
+"Well, you are a queer sort of lad," he said. "You seem to have a pretty
+old head on those young shoulders of yours!"
+
+"I think I have enough to look out for number one, sir."
+
+"I should say you did. I should like to know more of you."
+
+"You will, sir, when I become your advance agent."
+
+"Well, we'll see all about that. And now I'd better be off for the home
+of the stage-struck mayoress. Meet me in half an hour."
+
+"I'll be here, sir."
+
+As the manager walked away, he muttered:
+
+"I'm afraid I'm going on a fool's errand. Confound it! I believe that
+young rascal has hypnotized me. But, after all, I can't afford to
+neglect the chance. The treasury is pretty low, and if this scheme
+doesn't work there may be trouble on salary day. I'll do my best to get
+this woman to play, and I guess I shall succeed; people used to say that
+Gus Wattles was the champion jollier, and I don't think he has lost his
+powers yet."
+
+Al was doing a little soliloquizing, too.
+
+"I didn't think I had so much nerve," he mused. "I'm beginning to have a
+little more confidence in myself. If to-night's performance is a success
+I shall get the job sure--he can't refuse me. But if it isn't a
+success, if Mrs. Anderson refuses to have anything to do with the
+scheme--I won't let myself think of that."
+
+It was nearly an hour before Mr. Wattles returned.
+
+"Well, sir?" questioned the boy, breathlessly.
+
+"It's all right."
+
+"She will play?"
+
+"Not only that, but she is going to pay me for the chance. Oh, there are
+no flies on Augustus Wattles, my boy! Yes, she is going to play, and she
+is delighted because the part will give her a chance to exhibit herself
+in a new costume which she has just imported from Paris. Now, then, my
+lad, we must get up the ads. How much time have we before they must be
+in the newspaper office?"
+
+"An hour at least. And you had better get out some posters announcing
+Mrs. Anderson's appearance. They can be on the walls in two hours. Will
+you leave that part to me?"
+
+"Yes; but first you can help me with the advertisement. Undoubtedly you
+can give me some points."
+
+Al was able to do so. The manager was plainly delighted and surprised at
+the aptitude he displayed.
+
+"I begin to think," he said, "that you were cut out for this business."
+
+"That is what I have thought for a long while, sir," replied the boy,
+as, copy in hand, he started for the office of the _Herald_.
+
+Within a few hours everyone in Boomville knew that Mrs. Anderson, the
+mayor's wife, was to assume a rôle in the drama, "Loved and Lost," at
+the opera house that evening, and all the lady's friends, all her
+enemies and almost everybody else who ever attended theatrical
+performances at all had made up their minds to go and see her.
+
+Besides, the offer of a plated spoon as a souvenir was almost
+irresistible; people who had more solid silver spoons than they had any
+use for fell over each other in their frantic haste to secure seats for
+the evening's performance and make sure of the coveted spoon.
+
+"We haven't had an advance sale like this since the house was built,"
+said the local manager to Mr. Wattles, a short time before the doors
+were opened. "Why, there isn't a seat left in the house except in the
+gallery, and they will be all filled as soon as the doors are thrown
+open. And I understand that there is no sale at all at the other house.
+I don't believe there'll be a baker's dozen there. It was a great idea
+of yours to get Mrs. Anderson to appear."
+
+"I claim no credit for it at all," said Mr. Wattles. "It was all the
+work of that bright young fellow."
+
+"Oh, by the way," interrupted Mr. Perley, taking an envelope from his
+pocket, "here is something that came for you a few minutes ago; I had
+nearly forgotten about it."
+
+Mr. Wattles tore open the note and ran his eyes over its contents. As he
+did so the expression of his face underwent such a remarkable change
+that his companion said, uneasily:
+
+"There's nothing the matter, is there?"
+
+"I should say there was," was the reply. "We're in a nice fix. Mrs.
+Anderson won't play!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AL TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+"Mrs. Anderson won't play?" almost shrieked Mr. Perley.
+
+"That's what I said--Mrs. Anderson won't play," replied the manager of
+the combination, with the calmness of despair. "Read this."
+
+The note which he handed his companion read as follows:
+
+      "MR. A. WATTLES:
+
+      "DEAR SIR: I deeply regret my inability to appear this
+      evening as I promised. My husband objects so strongly
+      that I have no alternative but to yield to his wishes.
+      Trusting that this will cause you no inconvenience, I
+      am,
+
+      "Faithfully yours,
+
+      "BLANCHE ANDERSON."
+
+"'Trusting that it will cause us no inconvenience,'" groaned Mr. Perley.
+"Isn't that like a woman? Well, Wattles, we are in a nice little fix
+now. Of course, we shall have to give three-fourths of the audience
+their money back."
+
+"Yes; but that isn't the worst of it. Think of the roasting the papers
+will give us!"
+
+"Don't speak of it. And it's all your fault; you would be fool enough to
+listen to that kid."
+
+"Don't say any more, Perley. I must have been out of my head."
+
+"It isn't worth while to get excited, gentlemen," said a calm voice.
+
+And looking in the direction from which it proceeded, the two men saw Al
+Allston standing in the doorway.
+
+"You young rascal----" began Mr. Wattles, but Al silenced him by a
+gesture:
+
+"There is no time to waste, gentlemen," he said. "I told you that Mrs.
+Anderson would appear to-night, and she will."
+
+"Do you mean to say," cried Mr. Wattles, "that you can make her do this
+in defiance of her husband's will?"
+
+"Her husband will agree after he has had a short talk with me," was the
+boy's reply. "Go right ahead with your preparations for the performance,
+gentlemen; Mrs. Anderson will be here as per agreement."
+
+And, without waiting for a reply, Al left the room.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, drawing a long breath, "I never saw the equal
+of that kid. Do you know, I think he will do what he has promised."
+
+Mr. Perley shook his head.
+
+"It's out of the question now," he said. "Mayor Anderson is one of the
+stubbornest men in the world; if he has said that his wife shall not
+appear, she will not. The boy was talking through his hat."
+
+"Well," said the manager of the New York Comedy Company, "all we can do
+now is to trust to luck. Go ahead and let the people in, and we'll see
+whether this confounded stage-struck female turns up or not. Somehow, I
+believe the lad knew what he was talking about."
+
+Meantime Al had reached the mayor's house, a pretentious mansion on the
+most fashionable thoroughfare in Boomville.
+
+In response to the rather supercilious "What is it?" from the servant
+who opened the door, he presented his card and asked to see Mrs.
+Anderson.
+
+"I don't think she'll see you," said the flunky, "but I'll give her your
+card if you wish."
+
+"I do wish," said the boy. "Give her the card, and tell her that I wish
+to see her on very important business that will admit of no delay."
+
+The man left with the card. In a few moments he returned, saying with a
+grin:
+
+"She don't know you, and she won't see you."
+
+And with an impudent leer, he extended the card to the boy.
+
+Al took it and hurriedly wrote a few words on the back. Then he returned
+it to the servant, saying:
+
+"Give it to Mrs. Anderson again; I think she will see me."
+
+The man hesitated, then said:
+
+"Well, I'll take it to her, but the chances are she'll give me orders to
+kick you out."
+
+With this cheering assurance he again departed.
+
+"I didn't like to do it," murmured Al, "but there was no help for it."
+
+In a few moments the flunky returned, his manner completely changed.
+
+"Please be kind enough to step into the drawing room, sir," he said,
+with the utmost politeness; "Mrs. Anderson will be down in one minute."
+
+A few minutes after Al Allston had left the theater a showily dressed,
+red-faced man of about thirty sauntered into the manager's private
+office where Mr. Wattles was seated alone.
+
+"So, Wattles, old man," he said, extending his hand, "we meet again."
+
+The manager started to his feet.
+
+"How dare you show your face here?" he cried, angrily.
+
+"Eh! What's all this?" said the newcomer, in real or feigned surprise.
+
+"I don't want to have anything more to do with you. A nice sort of
+advance agent you are, aren't you?"
+
+"There's none better, so they say," replied the fellow, with a tipsy
+leer. "What are you on your ear about?"
+
+"I have no time to bandy words with you. You are discharged."
+
+"What's that--I discharged? What ails you, Wattles?"
+
+"That's enough, Dick Farley. I told you after your last drunk that if
+the same thing occurred again I should have nothing more to do with you,
+and I meant it. Get out!"
+
+"But, Wattles, I haven't been on a booze. I have been drugged and
+kidnaped. Listen and I'll tell you all about it; it's the queerest
+affair you ever heard of."
+
+"I guess it is; I know your talent for inventing yarns. I don't want to
+hear this one."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?"
+
+And Farley's face reddened.
+
+"That would be impossible."
+
+"It would, eh? See here, Gus Wattles, do you mean to say that you are
+going to throw me over and ruin my chances in the business?"
+
+"It is your own fault. I want to have nothing more to do with you."
+
+"Then I'm bounced?"
+
+"That is it, exactly."
+
+"Oh, it is? Well, I'll show you!"
+
+And the drink-maddened ruffian suddenly drew a knife and, brandishing it
+above his head, sprang toward his companion.
+
+In another second the weapon would have descended but for a most
+opportune interruption.
+
+"Stop!"
+
+Farley turned and glared in the direction from which the voice
+proceeded.
+
+Al Allston stood in the doorway, in his hand a revolver, which was
+leveled at the head of the would-be assassin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+AL CLAIMS HIS REWARD.
+
+
+Al was bowed, by the now obsequious servant, into Mrs. Anderson's
+elegantly furnished drawing room.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," said the man, cringingly. "I didn't know that
+you were a friend of the family, or I wouldn't have spoken as I did. You
+see, sir, we're a good deal troubled by book agents and such like."
+
+"Wouldn't it be a good idea to be civil to everyone?" said Al. "It would
+not cost you anything, and you'd be sure to make no mistake."
+
+"Yes, sir. You won't say anything to Mrs. Anderson, will you, sir? It
+might cost me my place."
+
+"No, no!" returned Al, so impatient to see the mayor's wife that he
+scarcely heard what the man said.
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+At this moment the sound of approaching footsteps was heard, and the
+servant hastily bowed himself out.
+
+Scarcely had he gone when Mrs. Anderson entered the room, followed by
+her husband. She was a tall, slender, rather good-looking woman of about
+thirty; he a short, pompous man, at least ten years his wife's senior.
+
+The lady approached Al with outstretched hands.
+
+"My brave, noble boy," she cried, "how delighted I am to see you! And I
+did not even know your name until I received your card just now. I am so
+glad you did not allow yourself to be sent away. But why have you not
+called before?"
+
+"Yes, why have you not called before?" echoed the mayor, seizing the
+boy's hands, which his wife had just relinquished.
+
+Al, considerably embarrassed, murmured something about not wanting to
+intrude.
+
+"Intrude!" cried the lady. "You are, like all heroes, modest to a fault.
+You will always be a welcome guest here. But sit down; you must spend
+the evening with us."
+
+"I cannot," began the boy.
+
+"Nonsense! I will take no refusal. He must stay, mustn't he, Mr.
+Anderson?"
+
+"By all means," smiled the mayor.
+
+"And we will talk about his heroic deed," went on Mrs. Anderson. "It was
+a fortnight ago, but the scene comes up before me as vividly as if it
+had been only yesterday--the maddened horses, our child directly in
+their path, her rescue by this noble boy at the imminent risk of his own
+life. In another moment she would have been crushed under the feet of
+the runaway animals had he not sprang forward and dragged her out of
+danger."
+
+"It was a heroic act," said the mayor.
+
+"It was nothing more than almost anyone would have done, sir," said the
+blushing lad.
+
+"It was more than anyone else did," returned Mr. Anderson, "and I
+understand that the affair was witnessed by a dozen or more persons. But
+why have you not called before? I understood my wife to say that she
+asked you to come that afternoon. You did not come, and we tried in
+every way to discover your identity, even going so far as to advertise
+for you."
+
+"I saw the advertisements, sir," replied Al.
+
+"Ah! and that is why you are here?"
+
+"Oh, no, sir. The advertisements mentioned that you wanted to give me a
+reward."
+
+"Of course we did. You don't mean to say that it was the fear of having
+a reward forced upon you that kept you away?"
+
+"Well, sir," replied Al, "I confess that had something to do with it."
+
+The mayor laughed heartily.
+
+"This is really refreshing," he said. "My lad, I am interested in you
+more than ever, now. Well, I promise you that, if you insist upon it,
+the subject shall not be referred to this evening."
+
+"But I do not insist," said Al. "The fact is, Mr. Anderson, I came here
+to-night to ask you to make your promise good."
+
+Both the mayor and his wife stared at the lad in surprise.
+
+"You mean," said the former, "that you are here to claim your reward?"
+
+"That is what I mean, sir."
+
+There was, perhaps, just a shade of disappointment on the face of Mr.
+Anderson; it may be he was thinking that another idol had been rather
+rudely shattered. But he only said:
+
+"I am glad you have changed your mind, my boy. What reward do you wish?
+My little daughter's life is worth more to me than anything else on
+earth, so you need not be too modest in your request. How much shall it
+be? I will write a check for any reasonable amount you choose to name."
+
+Al's face flushed.
+
+"I don't want money, sir," he said.
+
+"No? Well, what can I do for you, then? Do you want me to find you a
+position in my office? Perhaps I can do something for you in that way,
+if you----"
+
+"Mr. Anderson," interrupted Al, desperately, "you would never guess what
+I want if you tried until doomsday."
+
+The mayor, very naturally, looked surprised.
+
+"Eh?" he stammered. "Why, r-really, you are a most extraordinary youth.
+Well, I will try to satisfy your demands, whatever they are. Out with
+them now."
+
+"You will grant any request I make?" asked Al.
+
+"Anything in reason, my boy."
+
+"Well, sir, I can't explain now just why I ask this favor of you, but I
+will when there is time; just now there isn't."
+
+"Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Anderson. "Come to the point;
+what is it you want me to do?"
+
+"I want you to let Mrs. Anderson appear at the opera house to-night, as
+she promised."
+
+Both the mayor and his wife started from their seats, their faces
+showing all the surprise they felt.
+
+"Why, what is it to you whether she appears or not?" asked Mr. Anderson.
+
+"It is everything."
+
+"I do not understand."
+
+"I cannot explain now; but, sir, I assure you that, perhaps, my whole
+future depends upon whether you grant my request or not."
+
+"Really," gasped the mayor, "this is most extraordinary. Why cannot you
+explain now?"
+
+"Because the curtain goes up in a good deal less than an hour, and Mrs.
+Anderson ought to be at the theater now."
+
+Here the lady herself interposed.
+
+"Mr. Anderson," she said, beseechingly, "do let me go! You know I
+promised, and that in itself is reason enough why I should appear."
+
+"I cannot understand this at all," said the mayor, petulantly. Then
+turning to Al, he added:
+
+"Boy, I will write you my check for five thousand dollars, if you will
+withdraw this absurd request."
+
+Five thousand dollars was a good deal more money than Al had ever had in
+his possession, a good deal more than he was likely to earn as advance
+agent for a long time to come; but his answer was prompt and positive.
+
+"Mr. Anderson, I don't want your money. I would not accept a penny of
+it. I only request that you allow your wife to keep her promise and
+appear to-night. I would not ask this if I thought there would be
+anything disagreeable to her in fulfilling her promise, but----"
+
+Here Mrs. Anderson interrupted.
+
+"Why, of course there would not," she said. "You know, John, I am so
+anxious to make my début on the professional stage. Now, do let me go,
+won't you? You cannot refuse now!"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, the mayor said:
+
+"No, I cannot. You shall go."
+
+It was with difficulty that Al suppressed a sigh of relief.
+
+"There is not a moment to be lost," he reminded the would-be débutante.
+
+"I know it," cried Mrs. Anderson. "Oh, I am so glad you came! Now, don't
+look so downcast, John; you will be very proud of me when you see me on
+the stage."
+
+"Humph! Well, we shall see."
+
+Al rose to go.
+
+"You will not change your mind again, Mrs. Anderson?" he asked, a little
+apprehensively.
+
+"No, no," laughed the lady. "I have never changed it at all. I shall be
+there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ANOTHER ROCK AHEAD.
+
+
+Mr. Anderson accompanied Al to the door.
+
+"I would have granted almost any other request you might have made with
+more willingness," he said. "I have a strongly rooted objection to my
+wife appearing on the stage."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir," said Al. "But, perhaps, as Mrs. Anderson says,
+you will feel differently when you see her."
+
+"I doubt it very much. Now, tell me, why did you insist upon this
+sacrifice on my part? What is it to you whether my wife appears or not?"
+
+"I haven't time to tell you now, sir," the boy replied. "I must return
+to the theater at once."
+
+"Can you call at my office, at the City Hall, to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do so, then, at, say, ten in the morning. I should like to have a talk
+with you; I want to know more of you."
+
+"I will be there, Mr. Anderson. Good-evening, sir."
+
+"Good-evening, my lad."
+
+As Al hurried along to take the good news to Mr. Wattles, he muttered:
+
+"Well, I didn't think I had so much cheek. I wouldn't have insisted upon
+Mrs. Anderson's appearing if there had really been any harm in it, but
+I'm sure it can't damage her or her husband much. Besides, she gave her
+promise, and she ought to keep it."
+
+As the boy hurried through the long corridor leading to the manager's
+office, his attention was attracted by the sound of loud and excited
+voices, and, listening, he heard a portion of the conversation taking
+place between Mr. Wattles and his ex-advance agent. As we have seen, he
+reached the office just in time to see Farley standing over the manager
+with uplifted knife, and to interfere.
+
+The advance agent proved himself a coward, for the weapon dropped from
+his fingers, and, throwing up his hands, he cried:
+
+"Don't shoot! Mercy, mercy!"
+
+Mr. Wattles picked up the knife.
+
+"Allston," he said, "go for a policeman."
+
+As Al turned to leave the room, Farley cried, imploringly:
+
+"Wait! Wattles, old man, I didn't know what I was doing. The fact is, I
+have been drinking pretty hard lately, but I shall be all right in a day
+or two."
+
+"You don't expect to get back in my employ again, do you?" the manager
+asked, sternly.
+
+"No, no, I don't. All I ask is that you will not utterly ruin all my
+chances for life by having me arrested. Things look bad enough for me
+without that."
+
+"Very well, Farley, I'll let you off this time, but I warn you to keep
+out of my way in the future."
+
+"If I keep straight and show you that I am at my best we may do business
+together again, eh, Wattles?"
+
+"No, sir; I shall never have anything more to do with you."
+
+"Perhaps you'll think better of that. You haven't had time to fill my
+place yet."
+
+"I've got a better man for your place than you ever were," said the
+manager.
+
+"Who is he?" demanded Farley.
+
+"There he stands;" and Mr. Wattles pointed to Al.
+
+"That kid?" gasped Farley.
+
+"That young gentleman," said the manager, with theatrical
+impressiveness.
+
+Farley stared at the boy a few moments without speaking; then, with a
+peculiar smile, he said:
+
+"So you are an advance agent, are you, bub?"
+
+"So it seems," replied Al, as coolly as he could.
+
+"Well, you won't remain one long; I will see to that. Take my advice and
+quit the business before the temperature gets too high. See? Yes, I
+think you do. I don't propose----"
+
+"Look here," interrupted Mr. Wattles, "I've had just about enough of
+this. Are you going to get out or are you not?"
+
+Farley backed toward the door.
+
+"I am," he said. "Ta, ta, Wattles! Ta, ta, my young friend! But we shall
+meet again, and don't you forget, either of you, to paste that fact in
+your hat."
+
+And he swaggered out of the room.
+
+"The impudent scoundrel!" exclaimed Mr. Wattles. "I let him off too
+easy. If I am not mistaken, we shall have more trouble with him."
+
+"Never mind about him," interrupted Al. "Do you know that it is almost
+eight o'clock, Mr. Wattles?"
+
+"Good gracious! So it is! And Mrs. Anderson----"
+
+"It's all right."
+
+"She will appear?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+The manager grasped his companion's hand.
+
+"Allston," he said, "you are a wonder."
+
+"That's just what you want for an advance agent, isn't it?" the boy
+asked, with a laugh.
+
+"Yes. Did she come with you?"
+
+"No, but she is probably here by this time."
+
+"How did you do it?"
+
+"I'll tell you some other time, sir."
+
+"That's right; we have no time to waste in talk now. I'll go and see if
+she has arrived. I should be in a nice fix if she changed her mind
+again."
+
+"She won't, Mr. Wattles."
+
+Scarcely hearing the last words, the manager rushed from the room.
+
+"Well," mused Al, "if Mr. Wattles is a man of his word I am his advance
+agent now. It will be my fault if I don't make the best of the
+opportunity. But it's dollars to doughnuts that I shall have trouble
+with that loafer, Farley. Well, I guess I can hold my own."
+
+He was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Mr. Wattles.
+
+"It's all right, my boy," laughed the manager.
+
+"You haven't seen her yet?"
+
+"No, but I've seen Perley, and he tells me she is here, and is dressing
+for the part. He thinks that she is going to make a big hit."
+
+"Of course she will," laughed Al; "she is the leader of society here,
+and it would be treason not to like her."
+
+The manager smiled.
+
+"You know something of the world," he said.
+
+"Not as much as I would like to. But, seriously, sir, Mrs. Anderson is
+not such a bad actress, and I shouldn't wonder if she did make a hit."
+
+"She'll have to be a second Ristori, if she does in that part," grinned
+Mr. Wattles. "There's nothing to it; but, for all that, the woman who
+has been playing it is wild because I have taken it away from her for
+one night."
+
+"Have you explained the circumstances to her?"
+
+"Have I? I've talked myself nearly deaf in doing so, but it was of no
+use."
+
+"She must be very thick-headed if she can't see how you are placed."
+
+"My dear boy, a woman will never see anything she doesn't want to see.
+But never mind about all that. I don't care particularly whether the
+woman is suited or not; I can fill her place at a few hours' notice. And
+now I must go and see how things are going. I have a good stage manager,
+but I have to do a lot of the work myself, for all that. And I must
+acknowledge that I do feel a little nervous at letting an untrained
+amateur appear in the piece without a rehearsal. Come with me, and we'll
+see if everything is going smoothly."
+
+Al followed the manager through the long passage way and out into a
+damp, dingy court, on the opposite side of which was a door bearing the
+inscription: "Stage Door. No Admittance."
+
+Passing through the sacred portals, Mr. Wattles and Al stepped upon the
+stage.
+
+Al had been "behind the scenes" before; the scene that met his eyes was
+not an entirely unfamiliar one, and he trod the boards with the
+nonchalant air of a veteran.
+
+"Well, Sparkley, how does everything go?" asked the manager of an
+anxious-looking elderly man, whom the boy rightly guessed to be the
+stage manager.
+
+"Badly enough," was the reply. "There's been a big row, and your society
+amateur refuses to appear."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE DEBUT.
+
+
+Mr. Wattles sank into a convenient chair.
+
+"Well," he said, with an air of stony resignation, "there's no use in
+fighting against fate. I give it up. We'll return the people their money
+and shut up the house."
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Al.
+
+"Why," replied Sparkley, "Miss Hollingsworth, who has been playing the
+part that Mrs. Anderson is billed for, has been here, and has had an
+interview with her successor, and got her so worked up that she
+absolutely refuses to appear."
+
+"Why, I told the woman that she needn't come at all to-night!" cried Mr.
+Wattles.
+
+"Well, she's here as large as life."
+
+"Why did you let her in, Sparkley?"
+
+"I couldn't very well refuse her admittance; she is a member of the
+company."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"Besides, I had no idea that she was going to raise a row. I think that
+Farley was at the bottom of the business; I saw him talking to her
+outside just before she came in."
+
+"You did? That explains the whole thing. Well, I'm just going to let
+things take their course."
+
+At this moment Mrs. Anderson came rushing toward them, evidently
+greatly excited. She was closely followed by a young woman, quite as
+much agitated as herself.
+
+Both women began talking at once, and it was two or three minutes before
+Mr. Wattles could make himself heard. When at last he succeeded in doing
+so, he said:
+
+"Now, ladies, if you will speak one at a time, and talk slow, I will try
+to straighten things out. What is the trouble, Mrs. Anderson?"
+
+"That woman," sobbed the society belle, indicating the actress, "has
+grossly insulted me. I cannot, I will not play."
+
+"Have you forgotten your promise to me, Mrs. Anderson?" interposed Al.
+
+"No, I have not, and I am very sorry that I cannot fulfill it. But it is
+impossible."
+
+"I only told her," snapped Miss Hollingsworth, a fiery-looking,
+dark-haired, black-eyed woman, "that she was a rank amateur, and so she
+is. Why, it is an insult to give such a woman my part!"
+
+"Yes, that's what she said," cried Mrs. Anderson, in a high-pitched
+voice. "I would never play the part unless she was discharged."
+
+The manager's face lighted up.
+
+"Will you play," he asked, "if I discharge her?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That settles it. Miss Hollingsworth, you are discharged."
+
+"Wha-a-t?" screamed the actress.
+
+"You heard what I said. You are given the usual two weeks' notice."
+
+"I am discharged, I, Olga Hollingsworth, on account of this woman?"
+
+"No, you are discharged because these exhibitions of bad temper on your
+part have tired me out. And now, madam," turning to Mrs. Anderson and
+speaking with the utmost politeness, "will you kindly return to your
+dressing room and complete your preparations for your appearance? You
+will have to go on in less than fifteen minutes."
+
+"I will do so, sir."
+
+And with a withering glance at the actress, the mayor's wife swept away.
+
+"You shan't forget this evening's work in a hurry, Mr. Gus Wattles!"
+hissed the enraged Miss Hollingsworth. "You'll rue the day when you made
+Dick Farley and me your enemies!"
+
+"So Farley is at the bottom of all this, is he?" said the manager. "I
+thought so."
+
+"Never mind whether he is or not," was the actress' reply. "I wish you
+good-evening, Wattles. I don't want your two weeks' notice. I wouldn't
+play in your company again for ten times the miserable salary you paid
+me. Find some one else to play the part to-morrow night or shut up the
+house."
+
+With these words and a vindictive glance, the woman left the theater,
+slamming the stage door violently behind her.
+
+Mr. Wattles drew a long breath of relief.
+
+"I'm glad to get rid of her," he said. "This isn't the first time she
+and I have had words. I'll have another woman here to play the part
+to-morrow night, or I'll cut it out altogether; it isn't of any
+importance, anyhow. And, I say, I believe that Mrs. Anderson has the
+making of an actress in her, after all. She's as good a kicker as if she
+had been in the business all her life. No danger of her suffering from
+stage fright; she has too good an opinion of herself. Well, I must go
+around to the front now. Come with me and see how things look."
+
+The house was, as Al had predicted, packed to the doors; even standing
+room was at a premium. Such an audience had never been seen in the opera
+house before.
+
+The souvenir spoons had proved a great success; everyone was extolling
+the liberality of the management.
+
+"This is immense," chuckled Mr. Wattles, rubbing his hands. "Allston,
+you are a trump. I wish you could do this in every town we visit."
+
+"Well, I'll do my best to repeat the success," smiled Al. "What can't be
+done in one way can in another."
+
+"And you're the lad who can do it. But the curtain is going up. I hope
+Mrs. Anderson will be all right. She comes on in less than five minutes.
+Come up to the manager's box now; it's the only place in the house where
+we can get a seat."
+
+The two elbowed their way through the crowd; and, not without some
+difficulty, reached the box in question. They had hardly taken their
+seats when Mrs. Anderson stepped upon the stage. Her appearance was the
+signal for a perfect whirlwind of applause.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, as the lady stood bowing and smiling, "she is
+a good-looker, anyway. She's as well made up as if she'd been in the
+profesh for years; and, by Jove! she's as cool as a veteran! What a
+reception! Irving himself couldn't ask for a better one."
+
+In fact, it was nearly or quite three minutes before the débutante could
+go on with her part. By this time the stage was half filled with "floral
+tributes," one huge piece being from the board of aldermen. When the
+mayor, who was seated in an opposite box, saw this, his face, which had
+until then worn a rather gloomy expression, lighted up, and he began to
+manifest some signs of interest in the performance.
+
+As Mr. Wattles had said, the part that had been assigned to Mrs.
+Anderson was one of very little importance. It would have been difficult
+to make a failure of it. The lady recited her lines well, and when she
+left the stage she was furiously applauded.
+
+"That shows what the public appreciation of the drama amounts to,"
+remarked Mr. Wattles, sarcastically, although he had applauded Mrs.
+Anderson as loudly as anyone. "You can't hear yourself think for the
+noise they make about this society woman; yet, on the same stage there
+is a little girl who has real talent. But they ignore her."
+
+"You mean the young lady who plays the part of _Ethel Darlington_?"
+questioned Al.
+
+"Yes, of course I do. I see that you, at least, know good acting when
+you see it; but here comes Mrs. Anderson again. Ah! that old fellow in
+the box over there is going to make a speech."
+
+Al recognized in the "old fellow" referred to one of Boomville's
+prominent citizens--a certain Maj. Duncan.
+
+The major, who enjoyed nothing in life more than hearing himself talk in
+public or in private, had risen in his seat and was signaling for
+silence.
+
+In a few moments the house was so still that the fall of the traditional
+pin would have startled the more nervous portion of the audience.
+
+The major, standing at the edge of the box, delivered, in a sonorous
+voice, a fulsome speech of praise, addressed to Mrs. Anderson, ending by
+presenting her with a wreath of laurels.
+
+The lady, not in the least embarrassed, made a brief reply, and was
+about to resume her part, when Maj. Duncan, who had remained standing,
+said:
+
+"But this is not all. There is here to-night a young fellow townsman of
+ours of whom Boomville should be proud. I refer to the gentleman seated
+in the proscenium box on the other side."
+
+And the orator fixed his eyes on Al's face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A STARTLING SITUATION.
+
+
+Everyone in the house stared at Al, and Mr. Wattles whispered in his
+ear:
+
+"Why, he means you! What have you been up to? I tell you, this is a
+great night for Boomville."
+
+Evidently Maj. Duncan expected some acknowledgment of his compliment
+from Al, for after a moment's silence he added:
+
+"I repeat, I refer to the young gentleman yonder, Mr. Allen Allston."
+
+"Get up and bow," whispered the manager, in our hero's ear.
+
+Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Al obeyed.
+
+The entire audience applauded, although there were not three persons
+among them who knew why they did it.
+
+"Will the young gentleman kindly step upon the stage?" went on the
+major.
+
+Without speaking, Mr. Wattles seized the boy by the arm, and fairly
+dragged him through a narrow door in the rear of the box.
+
+"This is the easiest way of getting on the stage," he said. "I wonder
+what they have got on foot. They ought to have told us. In a case like
+this it is always the proper caper to have a witty impromptu speech
+ready, and they ought to have given you a chance to prepare one at your
+leisure--they really ought. But this is not New York. Now, then, my boy,
+step out on the stage. Don't you hear them shouting for you?"
+
+But Al held back.
+
+"I don't understand all this," he said. "What do they want with me?"
+
+"Go and find out."
+
+"But----"
+
+"Allston! Allston!" came from all parts of the theater.
+
+"Go on!"
+
+And Mr. Wattles fairly pushed his companion upon the stage.
+
+It is not necessary to say that Al was greatly embarrassed as he
+confronted the sea of faces. His appearance was greeted with wild
+cheers, though the audience did not know what they were cheering about.
+
+In a few moments silence was again restored through the efforts of Maj.
+Duncan, who then cleared his throat and began:
+
+"It may not be known to many of you that we have a hero, a genuine hero,
+among us, but it is a fact. And that hero now stands blushingly upon the
+stage before us. Ladies and gentlemen, picture to yourselves this
+scene--a team of maddened horses rushing at a terrible rate of speed
+directly for a spot where a defenseless child has fallen on the highway.
+Apparently the little girl is doomed to a horrible death. The spectators
+stand spellbound--all save one, a youth. He rushes forward and, at the
+risk of his own life, saves the child from the fate that a moment
+before seemed inevitable. That youth, ladies and gentlemen, was Allen
+Allston; the little girl he rescued was the child of our mayor."
+
+The major's rather theatrical speech was here interrupted by frantic
+applause, much to the orator's gratification and Al's embarrassment.
+
+When silence once more reigned the major went on:
+
+"It is not necessary that I enlarge upon the heroism displayed by this
+noble youth; it is evident to all of you, and the performance has
+already, perhaps, been delayed too long. I will close by requesting the
+acceptance by Mr. Allston of this token of esteem and appreciation from
+Mayor Anderson, who has delegated to me the most agreeable duty of
+making the presentation speech. Take it, my young friend; and always
+wear it in remembrance of those whom you have placed under so heavy a
+debt of gratitude."
+
+As he spoke Maj. Duncan extended a diamond ring to the boy.
+
+Al was obliged to cross the stage to receive it. By this time he had
+partially regained his usual self-possession. He took the ring with a
+graceful bow, and attempted to speak.
+
+But the effort proved a total failure. The words stuck in his throat; he
+could only give utterance to an inaudible murmur.
+
+"Speech, speech!" cried a dozen or more persons, but Al was unable to
+gratify their wishes. In great confusion he retired to the comparative
+seclusion of the stage, where Mr. Wattles met him and grasped his hand.
+
+"I had no idea you were a hero," he said. "But why didn't you make a
+speech? Oh, I understand--stage fright. Well, never mind, you're the
+hero of the hour, anyway. Isn't that ring a sparkler! Just completes
+your outfit as advance agent; they always wear a diamond ring, you know.
+Well, this is a great night, and no mistake."
+
+By this time the performance had been resumed. It was brought to a
+successful conclusion two hours later, Mrs. Anderson having been called
+before the curtain no less than ten times.
+
+"I'm glad everything went off so well," said Mr. Wattles to Al, when the
+audience had dispersed. "I was a little afraid that fellow, Farley,
+would try to make some trouble for us. He's just about crazy enough from
+drink to do something desperate if the idea occurred to him. Look out
+for him, Allston."
+
+"I'm not afraid of him," said Al.
+
+"Nevertheless, be on your guard. Well, didn't everything go off in great
+shape? That presentation alone will be worth a good many dollars to the
+show. Accounts of it will be published all over the country."
+
+"I wish they had given me the ring in private," said Al.
+
+"You do? Well, I don't! You must get over some of that modesty of yours;
+you won't need it in your career as advance agent. Going now? Well,
+good-night. You'll be ready to start for the next town at noon
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Good. Look out for Farley on your way home."
+
+"I'm not worrying about him," laughed Al. "I guess you're more afraid of
+him than I am, sir. Good-night."
+
+Al lived a little way out of the town. To get home it was necessary for
+him to ride for half an hour in a horse car, and then to walk some
+distance along a lonely country road.
+
+Singular to say, the subject that engrossed his thoughts during the ride
+was not the events of the day, not the new career that he was about to
+begin. One face was constantly before his mental vision, the face of the
+beautiful young girl--Miss Gladys March, the bills called her--who had
+played the part of _Ethel Darlington_.
+
+Why did her face haunt him so persistently? he asked himself. She was a
+complete stranger to him, yet, somehow, he felt as if he had known her
+all his life.
+
+His thoughts were still on her when he left the car and began his lonely
+walk.
+
+So absorbed was he in meditation that he did not notice that from the
+moment he alighted from the car he was followed at a short distance by a
+man whose face was concealed by a high coat collar and a slouch hat.
+
+The full moon was shining brightly, but Al's pursuer lurked in the
+shadows of the trees and shrubbery that lined the road on either side.
+
+For half an hour this pursuit of the boy continued; then the man gave a
+shrill whistle.
+
+As Al turned, three masked men sprang from a clump of bushes on his
+left and seized him. Before he could cry out a gag was thrust into his
+mouth. A few moments later he was bound hand and foot.
+
+Then one of his assailants lifted him in his arms and bore him up a side
+road, near which the assault had been committed. A covered wagon stood
+in waiting here. Al was placed in it; then his captors and the man who
+had followed him from the car, entered, and the vehicle was driven
+rapidly away.
+
+At the expiration of, perhaps, half an hour the wagon was brought to a
+standstill, and Al was lifted out.
+
+It was a strange sight that met his gaze.
+
+Half a dozen masked men were assembled under a tree, over one of the
+boughs of which was flung a stout rope.
+
+One of the strange party stepped forward and removed the gag from the
+boy's mouth, saying:
+
+"If you have any last remarks to make, make 'em now, and be quick about
+it. We don't propose to fool away any time on this job."
+
+"What does all this mean?" gasped Al. "What are you going to do?"
+
+"We're going to string you up in just about two minutes at the outside,"
+was the reply; "so if you have anything to say you'd better hurry."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A CLOSE CALL.
+
+
+"You are going to murder me?" the boy cried.
+
+"Well, we don't put it just that way," was the cool reply of the man who
+had spoken before.
+
+"How do you put it, then?"
+
+"We are going to execute you. In cases like yours the law is a little
+too slow for us, so we have constituted ourselves judge, jury,
+executioners and all the rest of it. Young fellow, you've stolen your
+last horse."
+
+The truth flashed upon Al.
+
+For several weeks residents of the neighborhood of
+Boomville--principally farmers--had been the victims of a clever horse
+thief, who had, since he began operations, stolen a number of valuable
+animals. The authorities seemed to be powerless in the matter, although
+they professed to be using every possible means to bring the thief to
+justice. Only one clew had been gained; one of the stolen horses had
+been sold to a farmer in a village about fifty miles distant by a youth
+of about sixteen, who had given a plausible reason to the simple-minded
+purchaser for having the animal in his possession. The farmer had been
+able to give a quite minute description of the boy. Al had read that
+description, and now remembered, with a sinking of the heart, that it
+would apply to him fully as well as to the thief for whom he was taken.
+
+"See here," he exclaimed, impetuously, "you are making a terrible
+mistake! I am not the person you think me to be."
+
+"That's all right," was the sarcastic response of the spokesman of the
+crowd. "I told you we were not going to waste any words on you, and we
+are not."
+
+"String him up!" shouted another of the party. "Get the job done with!
+We're taking big chances in delaying the thing."
+
+"That's right!"
+
+"H'ist the derned hoss thief, then!"
+
+"We've had enough chin music; let's get to work."
+
+These were a few of the comments of the would-be executioners.
+
+One man now stepped to the front. It was he who had followed Al from the
+town. He had now donned a mask like the rest of the party.
+
+"I'll do the job," he said. "Will you leave it to me, gents?"
+
+Al started. Where had he heard that voice? Before any reply could be
+made he said, in a loud, clear voice:
+
+"Gentlemen, I am innocent of this crime. My name is Allen Allston. I
+live in Boomville. Hundreds of people there know me, and can tell you
+what my reputation is. Why, I should not have the slightest trouble in
+proving an alibi. If you murder me, you will all bitterly regret it some
+day. You do not want to commit a murder; you want to do what you think
+an act of justice. You are making an awful mistake; give me a chance,
+and I will prove it."
+
+These words had a visible effect upon the desperate men. They began to
+converse together in a low tone--all but the man who had followed Al; he
+stood aloof from the rest.
+
+"See here," he presently said, in a voice that Al noticed trembled
+slightly, "if you gents have any more time to fool away here I haven't.
+I don't propose to get into any trouble through this thing. I have tried
+to do you a service, but you don't seem to appreciate it."
+
+"We don't want to make any mistake," said the spokesman.
+
+"But you're not making any mistake. Don't I tell you I know the boy,
+that he is the same one that sold me the horse last week?"
+
+Here Al interposed.
+
+"Do you claim," he asked, "that you are the farmer to whom the horse
+thief sold one of the stolen animals last week?"
+
+"I do; and I recognize you as the person. It's no use, my fine fellow,
+the jig's up. I've been shadowing you for some time, and I've got you
+down fine."
+
+Al turned to the group of men, who had been listening in silence to the
+brief dialogue.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "do any of you know the farmer who bought the
+horse from the thief? Could any one of you swear to his identity?"
+
+The spokesman replied, this time using a gentler tone than before.
+
+"No, my lad," he said, "not one of us ever saw the man until to-night."
+
+"You don't see him now," said Al. "I do not believe that this is the man
+at all. He is some enemy of mine, who has imposed upon you for his own
+personal ends."
+
+"Bah!" interrupted the subject of discussion, "are we to stand here all
+night listening to this sort of stuff? The young villain is only trying
+to gain time. Of course, if he will steal, he will lie."
+
+"All I ask is a fair trial," said Al, "but I see I cannot get that here.
+However, gentlemen, if you must kill some one, don't kill the wrong man.
+It looks to me a good deal as if this fellow were the real thief, and
+that he was trying to throw dust in your eyes. None of you ever saw him
+before, you say. Now, perhaps I have seen him. Let me see his face; it
+may be that I can identify him."
+
+"That's fair enough."
+
+"That's all right."
+
+"Off with your mask, stranger, and let the boy see your face."
+
+It was evident that the sentiment of the crowd was turning in Al's
+favor.
+
+"Why should I show him my face?" said the boy's accuser. "All the rest
+of you are masked."
+
+"We'll take off our masks if you take off yours," said the spokesman.
+"Eh, boys?"
+
+"Ay! ay!" came from the others.
+
+Still the stranger hesitated.
+
+"It's risky for all of us," he said. "Have done with this nonsense. If
+you are going to do away with the thief, get to work; if you're not,
+why, let him go. We can't stand here all night chinning."
+
+"Off with your mask!" said the leader of the crowd, sternly.
+
+"All right," said the fellow, desperately; "I agree. Off with yours,
+then, all of you."
+
+Several of the crowd removed their masks. The stranger raised his hand,
+as if to take his off, but instead of doing so, he turned suddenly and
+made a rush for a thick growth of wood near which the scene we have just
+described had been enacted. In a few moments--before his companions
+could recover from their astonishment--he had disappeared.
+
+"After him, Hammond and Thompson, and you, Porter!" shouted the leader.
+"Don't let him get away from you."
+
+Then turning to Al, he added:
+
+"Boy, I believe we have made a mistake. That fellow is the real thief."
+
+"I don't know about that," said our hero, "but I do know I'm not."
+
+"If he isn't the thief, what motive could he have had in accusing an
+innocent person?"
+
+"Perhaps it is some one who has a grudge against me."
+
+"It must be an awful grudge to induce him to lay such a plot as that
+against you. Do you suspect anyone?"
+
+"I'd rather not mention any names," said Al.
+
+Here an old farmer, one of the three or four who had removed their
+masks, stepped forward.
+
+"Don't let this here boy fule yer," he said. "I b'lieve he's one o' the
+gang. Mark my word, it'll turn aout so."
+
+"You think so, do you, Mr. Chadwick?" said Al, quietly, looking the old
+man full in the face.
+
+"Yeou know me, dew yeou?"
+
+"Yes, and you ought to know me. Have you forgotten Allen Allston?"
+
+The farmer gasped for breath.
+
+"I'll be derned ef it ain't Jack Allston's boy!" he exclaimed. "Why, o'
+course I know yeou."
+
+"I told you my name before."
+
+"I wuz so 'xcited that I didn't take notice. I wuz so sure, yeou see,
+thet we hed the right one. Boys"--turning to the others--"I'll swear
+thet this here lad don't know no more 'baout who stole them hosses than
+we do. I know all his folks, an' there ain't a dishonest hair in the
+heads o' enny o' them. I'd ha' know'd him at fust, but I ain't seen him
+fer a year or more, an' he's grow'd. An' besides, my eyesight ain't what
+it used ter be. Boys, we've hed a narrer escape from committin' a
+murder." The men now crowded round Al and shook his hands, and
+apologized for their rough treatment of him.
+
+While they were thus engaged the three who had gone in pursuit of Al's
+accuser returned.
+
+"Ain't you got him?" cried Farmer Chadwick.
+
+"No, he gave us the slip. The moon has gone under a cloud, and in the
+darkness he got away. But we'll catch him yet."
+
+Then the man turned to Al.
+
+"Boy," he queried, "have you any suspicion as to who the fellow is?"
+
+Our hero hesitated, then he replied:
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"Who do you think he is?" cried two or three of the men together.
+
+"I would rather not say," replied the boy.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because I might be wronging an innocent man."
+
+"But we want to find the thief."
+
+"I cannot help you do that. If the man is the one I think he may be, he
+did not steal the horses."
+
+"Why did he accuse you, then?" demanded one of the party.
+
+"Merely to satisfy a private grudge."
+
+"Then he ought to be found and punished; so why do you try to shield
+him?"
+
+"Because it is my private affair," replied Al, quietly. "And because I
+do not like your way of administering what you call justice. See how
+near you came to making a mistake to-night. But how did you run across
+the fellow who said I was the thief?"
+
+"I'll tell you," replied the spokesman, rather sheepishly. "A few of us
+were in a saloon in Boomville the early part of the evening. We had
+indulged in a few drinks, and we must have talked a little louder than
+we realized, for this fellow overheard us telling how we were going to
+start a search for the horse thief to-night and string him up if we
+found him. He came and told us that he could lead us to him. Well, he
+talked as if he knew what he was saying, and---- Well, you know the
+rest."
+
+"So," said Al, "you took the word of a barroom loafer, or worse, on a
+matter of so much importance as that."
+
+"We were excited and had drunk a little too much."
+
+"Well, it seems to me that you had better leave the future management of
+the business to the proper authorities," suggested Al.
+
+"Maybe you're right," admitted the man he addressed. "Well, you won't
+say anything about this night's affair to anyone?"
+
+"I shall say nothing that can harm you. The thing shall not be made
+public through me."
+
+"We'll take your word for that. And now, get into the wagon, and you
+shall be driven home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR.
+
+
+Al's ride home after his queer adventure was an uneventful one. He was
+glad enough to reach the solitude of his own room. Although his body was
+tired, his mind seemed abnormally active, and for at least two hours he
+lay tossing sleeplessly on his bed, reviewing not only the exciting
+events of the day, but much of his past life.
+
+We have thus far said nothing of our hero's past, nor shall we now; we
+will let him tell the story himself, as he did the next morning when he
+visited the mayor's office.
+
+Ten o'clock was the time Mr. Anderson had appointed for their interview,
+but Al was off hand a little before that hour. Mr. Wattles had told him
+that he must leave Boomville for the next town at noon, and he knew he
+had no time to waste.
+
+The mayor received him cordially.
+
+"I'm delighted to see you, my dear young friend," was his greeting, as
+he grasped the boy's hand. "We had a grand success last night, did we
+not? And it was all due to your efforts. If it had not been for your
+persistency Mrs. Anderson would not have appeared."
+
+"Then you are not sorry that she played, sir?" questioned Al, somewhat
+surprised at the mayor's enthusiasm.
+
+"Sorry? Not a bit of it! Why, it was one of the grandest triumphs in the
+history of the American stage."
+
+Al had his own opinion on that point, but he did not express it; he only
+said:
+
+"The audience seemed to be very much pleased with Mrs. Anderson's work."
+
+"Pleased! Of course they were pleased. How could they help it? As for
+myself, I was as much delighted as I was surprised. I have given my
+consent to Mrs. Anderson's second appearance to-night."
+
+"Indeed, sir?"
+
+"Yes. Mr. Wattles came to me and, in the most respectful manner, asked
+the favor. You see, the woman who has been playing the part was so
+angered by my wife's success that she refused to appear. I could do
+nothing but yield, especially as Mr. Wattles assures me that there was a
+widespread feeling of disappointment on the part of those who were
+unable to gain admission last night. Mr. Wattles, my lad, considers Mrs.
+Anderson one of the greatest geniuses on the American stage; he told me
+so this morning."
+
+Al could not help thinking that the "foxy" manager was overdoing the
+thing a little; but he did not express any opinion. In fact, Mr.
+Anderson did not give him a chance to do so, for he went on as soon as
+he had caught his breath:
+
+"But never mind about all that now. Some day you will doubtless remember
+with pride that you assisted at the début of Mrs. Anderson; but let us
+now talk of yourself."
+
+"We might find a more interesting subject, sir," suggested Al.
+
+"It is like your modesty to say so, but I cannot agree with you. Now, my
+lad, I have taken a great interest in you, and I am going to do what I
+can to help you along in the world. What do you most need now, Mr.
+Allston?"
+
+"Good health, sir," laughed Al; "or, rather, a continuance of it. I have
+about everything else I want."
+
+"Well, I am about to offer you something that you haven't got."
+
+"What is that, sir?"
+
+"A position under the city government, a position with very little work
+and a good salary. It has never been held by anyone as young as you
+before, but I haven't the slightest doubt that you will be able to
+discharge its duties satisfactorily. In fact, it is almost a sinecure."
+
+"You are very kind, sir," said Al, as the mayor paused, "but I cannot
+accept the position."
+
+"Eh? You cannot? Why not?"
+
+"For two reasons, sir."
+
+"What are they?"
+
+"One is that the position you are kind enough to offer to me is not the
+kind I am looking for. I am not looking for an easy berth. I want a
+place where there will be plenty to do."
+
+The mayor stared at the boy incredulously.
+
+"Well," he said, "you are an original. And what is your other reason for
+refusing?"
+
+"It is that I have a good place now, sir."
+
+"Ah, indeed? What is it?"
+
+"Mr. Wattles has engaged me as advance agent for his company."
+
+Mr. Anderson's face clouded.
+
+"And you would rather travel with a show than have an easy, respectable
+position here at home?"
+
+"I would, sir."
+
+"Well, that is a matter of taste. I should prefer the berth I have just
+offered you."
+
+"I hope you are not offended, Mr. Anderson?" said Al, a little
+diffidently.
+
+"Offended! No, no, my boy; but I think you are making a mistake."
+
+"The end will show, sir."
+
+"Yes, yes, the end will show. Well, I can't help feeling an interest in
+you, not only because you rescued my child, but because you seem to me
+to be a rather unusual lad. Do you mind answering me a few questions?
+Believe me, I shall not ask them out of mere idle curiosity."
+
+"Ask as many as you like, sir."
+
+"Do you live in Boomville?"
+
+"A little way out of the town, sir."
+
+"Are your parents living?"
+
+"Only my mother."
+
+"And your father--has he been dead long?"
+
+"He died before I was born, sir."
+
+"Can it be that your father was John Allston?"
+
+"That was his name, sir."
+
+"Why, good gracious!" exclaimed the mayor, with a new interest, "I knew
+him. It was years ago, and we were never intimate, but I had a speaking
+acquaintance with him. Let me see, was there not something peculiar
+about the manner of his death? I remember hearing something said about
+it at the time, but it was so long ago that I cannot remember just what
+it was."
+
+"People said, sir," replied Al, "and I guess they were right, that my
+father died of a broken heart."
+
+"I remember now!" interrupted Mr. Anderson. "His child, your sister, was
+stolen. Her loss was such a blow to him that he only survived the shock
+a few months."
+
+"Yes, sir; that is true."
+
+"It is a sad story. Was your sister never found?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Nor any clew to the mystery gained?"
+
+"Nothing of any importance, sir. It was suspected that her nurse had
+something to do with the affair, and she was shadowed for a long time.
+But nothing was ever learned."
+
+"I can sympathize with your poor father and mother, my boy," said the
+mayor, with more emotion than Al had seen him manifest before. "I can
+understand his feelings. But the depth of a mother's love is something
+we of the grosser sex cannot ever quite comprehend. I suppose your
+mother has never entirely recovered from the blow."
+
+"She never has, Mr. Anderson; and it is in the hope that I may help her
+to do so that I have taken this engagement with Mr. Wattles' company."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+IN PERIL.
+
+
+The mayor stared at Al.
+
+"You have taken this engagement for your mother's sake?" he said. "I
+don't understand."
+
+"I didn't say that," the boy replied. "I took it because I believed the
+work was just the sort I could do well. At any rate, it was just the
+sort I wanted to do. But I also thought that it might give me a good
+chance to look for my sister. What can I ever do if I stay here in
+Boomville? Nothing. I will go out into the world; and who knows----"
+
+He paused, perhaps a little offended, for the mayor was smiling.
+
+"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, my boy," Mr. Anderson said,
+straightening out his features, "but your hopefulness reminds me of my
+own when I started out in life. Alas! those dreams!"
+
+"But you succeeded, sir."
+
+"Yes, I succeeded, but in a far different line from that I marked out
+for myself. But"--in a changed tone--"it is later than I thought, and I
+must reluctantly say good-by. I am sorry you will not take the position
+I have offered you; but I cannot say that I respect you less for having
+refused it. When do you leave town?"
+
+"At noon."
+
+"And it is nearly eleven now. Well, my boy, let me hear from you once in
+a while; and be sure that you will always have a friend in John
+Anderson."
+
+"Thank you, sir. Good-morning."
+
+And Al backed toward the door.
+
+"Wait a moment," the mayor cried, suddenly producing a sealed envelope
+from his pocket. "I want you to take this. Open it at your leisure. I
+trust the contents will prove acceptable to you. And now, good-day,
+good-day."
+
+Al could not help thinking that the manner in which his companion almost
+shoved him out of the room was due to a fear that he would open the
+envelope before he got out. But he put it in his pocket, saying:
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness to me, sir."
+
+"The obligation is on the other side, Mr. Allston," was the reply. "But
+good-day--and good luck to you."
+
+It was after eleven when Al reached Mr. Wattles' hotel.
+
+"I was beginning to be a little nervous about you," said the manager.
+"But I said to myself: 'I don't believe he is one of the kind that go
+back on an agreement.'"
+
+"And you were right, Mr. Wattles."
+
+"You know you must leave by the noon train."
+
+"I am all ready, sir."
+
+"Our next stand, as you are aware, is Rockton. It has the reputation of
+being a bad show town, and if you can create a _furore_ there you will
+do well."
+
+"I'll try, sir."
+
+"There is one morning paper there; do what you can with it."
+
+"I will. If you could only persuade Mrs. Anderson to go there! She was
+born in Rockton, and the whole population would turn out to see her."
+
+"I thought of that, and tried it. But the mayor wouldn't hear of it. But
+he is going to let his wife appear here again to-night, all the same."
+
+"So I have heard."
+
+"Eh? Are the bills out already?"
+
+"I guess not. I have just come from the mayor's office."
+
+"Ah! indeed? Well, that's right; it's policy to keep in with such
+people."
+
+Al's face flushed.
+
+"I didn't go there as a matter of policy," he said, "but only because I
+promised the mayor yesterday that I would."
+
+"Well, he ought to do something handsome for you in return for the great
+service you did him."
+
+"I think he did quite enough in giving me that ring last night. My
+mother says it must be worth at least five hundred dollars, and she
+knows something about such things."
+
+"It is worth more than that. But Anderson ought to do more for you. Why
+doesn't he get you a job under the city with a fat salary and nothing to
+do?"
+
+"That's just what he offered me this morning," laughed Al.
+
+The manager's jaw fell.
+
+"Then I shall lose you before long, of course?"
+
+"Not on account of that political job."
+
+"Eh?"
+
+"I refused it."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Of course. I want a job where there is something to do."
+
+"Well, you've got it with me," said Mr. Wattles, evidently gratified.
+"But he might have given you a check."
+
+"Maybe he did," said Al, reminded of the envelope that the mayor had
+handed him just before he left the office.
+
+He took it from his pocket, tore it open and drew from it a long, narrow
+strip of paper.
+
+The manager, who was looking over the boy's shoulder, exclaimed:
+
+"Well, he has done the handsome thing, and no mistake."
+
+The check was for five thousand dollars.
+
+"I won't take it!" cried Al.
+
+"Yes, you will take it!" said Mr. Wattles, very emphatically. "To return
+it would be to offend him very deeply."
+
+"But----"
+
+"But you must be starting for the train. Come, I'll walk to the depot
+with you. I have a number of points to give you."
+
+When they parted, the manager was better pleased than ever with Al. His
+"points" did not seem to be needed by the boy; a knowledge of and
+adaptability to the business seemed to have been born in him.
+
+"You're all right," said Mr. Wattles, slapping his new advance agent on
+the shoulder just before they parted. "I consider a big house in Rockton
+a dead-sure thing."
+
+Al was not quite so confident, however. In Boomville circumstances had
+favored him, but he could not hope for the same luck in Rockton; there
+he would have to prove his fitness to be the advance agent of the New
+York Comedy Company by tact and hard work.
+
+In conversation with a gentleman on the train, he learned a fact of
+which Mr. Wattles had not informed him--that Barnum's circus was at
+Rockton.
+
+"There won't be a corporal's guard at your show," said his informant,
+unsympathetically. "Everybody for miles around has been saving up to go
+to the circus. Other shows will be simply not in it."
+
+As if to add to Al's annoyance, the circus parade was going on when he
+reached Rockton; at any other time he would have stopped and looked at
+it, but he was not in the mood now.
+
+The sidewalks near the depot were crowded with eager sightseers. Al
+forced his way through their ranks, and attempted to cross the street,
+heedless of the warning cries of those who saw him.
+
+He had reached the middle of the street when he attracted the attention
+of one of the elephants, an animal with a national reputation for
+viciousness. The beast quickened its pace, reached the boy, seized him
+in its trunk and raised him high in the air, with the evident intention
+of dashing him to the pavement.
+
+A cry of horror rose from the crowd. Apparently Al was doomed to a
+frightful death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+INTERVIEWED.
+
+
+The elephant that had seized Al was, as we have said, well known for his
+viciousness. He had killed two keepers and injured half a score of
+persons. One of his escapades had occurred quite recently, and was fresh
+in the minds of most of the witnesses of his attack on the boy.
+
+There was an almost simultaneous cry from the onlookers, followed by a
+dead silence. The animal's small eyes twinkled viciously. It was evident
+enough that in crossing his path Al had excited his ire, and that it was
+his intention to revenge himself in a characteristic manner.
+
+Suddenly a sharp cry broke the silence. It was the voice of the
+elephant's keeper, who had been lagging a little behind, but who now
+came rushing up, shouting a command to his charge in a language
+unintelligible to most of his hearers. To all of them, perhaps, except
+the animal; it was plain enough that he understood it.
+
+His manner changed. He held his captive poised in the air a moment, then
+dropped him.
+
+Al fell heavily to the pavement directly under the feet of the beast. A
+new plan of revenge evidently suggested itself to the elephant. He was
+about to plant one of his huge feet on the boy's chest when the keeper
+again gave utterance to the same cry of command.
+
+The warning had its effect; the animal stepped over his intended victim,
+not touching him.
+
+In another moment Al had sprung out of harm's way.
+
+It was an exciting scene. Men were shouting, children crying and women
+sobbing.
+
+One nervous, hysterical lady, whom the boy had never seen before in his
+life, clasped him tightly in her arms, and wept convulsively on his
+shoulder.
+
+Al was, perhaps, the coolest person in the crowd. Disengaging himself
+from the embrace of his new-found friend, he said:
+
+"There's nothing to cry about, madam; I'm all right."
+
+"You're sure you're not hurt?" sobbed the lady, scarcely knowing what
+she was saying.
+
+"Not in the least; not so much as scratched."
+
+"You've had a mighty narrow escape, all the same, young man," said the
+elephant's keeper--the procession had come to a standstill, and many of
+the employees had crowded around the boy. "This ought to be a lesson to
+you not to try to cross a circus parade again."
+
+"It will be," said Al, with a smile. "At any rate, I shall be careful
+not to get too near the elephants."
+
+Just then a nervous, bustling little man with a notebook in his hand
+forced his way through the crowd to where Al was standing.
+
+"I represent the Rockton _Daily Banner_," he announced. "Please give me
+your name, sir."
+
+"Certainly," replied the boy, with an eye to business. "I am the advance
+agent of Wattles' New York Comedy Company, which plays here to-morrow
+night, appearing in----"
+
+"That's all right," the reporter interrupted. "I know what it appears
+in. But your name, please."
+
+"It is Allen Allston."
+
+"What! not the youth who so heroically saved the life of the child of
+Mayor Anderson, of Boomville? Not the same who was presented with the
+ring at the opera house last night?"
+
+By this time the circus parade had been resumed; but, in the immediate
+vicinity of the scene of the adventure we have recorded, it excited less
+interest than the interview between Al and the reporter.
+
+The boy colored and hesitated.
+
+"Yes," went on the _Banner_ man, "you must be the same. Why, there were
+two columns about you in the paper this morning. You seem born for
+adventure. You being the hero of the hour, your escape of this morning
+will excite great interest. I can make at least a column of it. Here,
+Mr. Allston, come with me. We must get out of this crowd; then we can
+have a talk."
+
+Al resigned himself to the inevitable, and forced his way through the
+crowd, arm in arm with the reporter.
+
+While he shrank from having his personal affairs made public, he also
+had the interests of his employer at heart; he saw that the exciting
+incident of the morning might be used as an advertisement for the show,
+and he decided to sacrifice his feelings and let the ambitious and
+energetic reporter have his own way.
+
+"We'll step in here," said the _Banner_ man, leading the way into the
+lobby of a hotel. "Really, it is lucky for you that this thing happened;
+it can't fail to boom your show. And it needs booming, too, let me tell
+you, for the circus will be here to-morrow night, and is pretty sure to
+gather in about all the surplus cash that will be left in the
+neighborhood after to-day's performances."
+
+"Still," said Al, "my company is a strong attraction."
+
+"Under ordinary circumstances, yes; but not when the circus is in town.
+Still, we'll see what can be done. I've heard a good deal about you
+during the last twenty-four hours, and, honestly, I'd like to help you.
+You give me all the most startling facts in your career, and I'll write
+'em up in good style."
+
+"But," smiled Al, "there has never been anything startling in my
+career."
+
+"Eh?" gasped the reporter. "What did you say?"
+
+Al repeated the statement.
+
+"An advance agent without a startling career!" said the _Banner_ man.
+"Why, such a thing was never heard of before. As a rule we have to cut
+out nine-tenths of the blood-curdling incidents in advance agents'
+careers, and even then what is left sounds like an Arabian Nights
+story."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"Well," he said, "then I am a remarkable exception. Isn't that a
+startling fact?"
+
+"That may help things out a little."
+
+"Besides, it is not myself that I want to boom, but the New York Comedy
+Company."
+
+"Well, you are a _rara avis_! But by booming yourself you may at the
+same time boom the show. Now, tell me all about yourself first. You see,
+the public is more interested about you personally than about Mr.
+Wattles' company. But I'll work in a good notice for the show, too. Now,
+then, please tell me where you were born, when--and all the rest of it."
+
+Within ten minutes the reporter was in possession of most of the facts
+of Al's "career"; and, as the boy had said, there was nothing very
+startling in the story. But when the _Banner_ man had wormed the fact
+out of the lad that his sister had been lost or stolen in infancy, he
+exclaimed:
+
+"Why, that's just what I want. A romance in your life! Nothing could be
+better. A long-lost sister! That will show up in great shape in the
+heading."
+
+"But," interrupted Al, coloring, "I don't want anything said about it.
+Please omit any reference to my family."
+
+"Well," said the reporter, "just as you say; but it is easy to see that
+you have not been an advance agent very long. Why, my dear boy, the
+article which I am going to write will be copied all over the country,
+and might be the means of restoring your sister to you. But there,
+there"--as Al was about to speak--"I'll consider your wishes in the
+matter, and if I say anything about your sister it will only be a
+passing reference, couched in the most delicate terms. And now, then,
+what about the company? How many thousand dollars' worth of diamonds
+has the leading lady lost during the last week? Which of the men of the
+company is engaged to be married to one of Gould's daughters? Don't be
+bashful; tell me all you have to tell, and I'll use all of the stuff I
+can. You've given me an A1 interview, and I'm glad to have a chance to
+do you a good turn."
+
+Al had a few alleged facts about certain members of the New York Comedy
+Company, and he proceeded to retail them to his companion, who made
+notes of them.
+
+"They're rather chestnutty," he said, as he returned his notebook to his
+pocket, "but I'll fix them up in as good shape as I can, and they may
+help you out a little. However, you mustn't expect a big house to-morrow
+night, for you won't have it."
+
+With this cheering assurance the _Banner_ scribe took his leave.
+
+It had occurred to Al, too, that the notices which had been furnished
+him by Mr. Wattles were somewhat "chestnutty."
+
+"Never mind," he said to himself, "somehow or other I'll fix things so
+that we'll have a big house. But, judging from the way I have begun, my
+first engagement as advance agent is not going to be much of a 'snap.'"
+
+Al was busy during the entire day seeing that the paper--that is, the
+posters, window hangers, etc.--of the company was displayed to the best
+advantage.
+
+This work had been done after a fashion some days before by the local
+manager, but the way in which the duty had been performed did not suit
+the young advance agent, and he kept men "hustling" all day.
+
+"What's the use?" said the manager of the theater, with a weary smile.
+"It's sure to be a losing engagement, anyhow."
+
+"Maybe not," returned Al. "You'd better get the 'standing-room-only'
+sign dusted off, in case we need it."
+
+"Rats!" was the response. "Young man, when you know this business and
+this town as well as I do, you'll sing a different tune. We shall have
+about two hundred people in the house to-morrow night--maybe not quite
+so many."
+
+And he exhibited the advance sheet, which Al examined with a sinking
+heart. Only half a dozen seats had been sold for the performance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A STROKE OF LUCK.
+
+
+"Something has got to be done," said the young advance agent.
+
+"Everything possible has been done," returned the manager, pettishly.
+"The amount of the thing is that we have struck an unlucky night, and
+there's no help for it."
+
+"Maybe there is," said Al, quietly. "I mean to have a big house
+to-morrow night somehow or other."
+
+The manager laughed sarcastically.
+
+"I've heard beginners like you talk before," he said. "You think you are
+going to set the river on fire, but the river is not inflammable. I
+admire your nerve. I've heard how you drummed up business in Boomville,
+and you did well. But you can't do that sort of thing all the time. My
+friend, Wattles, wrote and told me that you would work things so that
+the house would be full when his company played, but he made a mistake
+that time."
+
+"Did Mr. Wattles say that?" cried Al.
+
+"He did; and I was surprised at it, for Wattles is not usually a very
+sanguine man."
+
+"If he said it, I'll do it," announced the boy.
+
+Again his companion laughed.
+
+"There's nothing like youthful enthusiasm," he said, "and I acknowledge
+that it cuts lots of ice at times--but not every time. You might as well
+try to square the circle as to get a crowd here to-morrow evening. It
+can't be done."
+
+"We'll see," responded Al, with the most confident air he could assume.
+
+The task before him was a hard one, apparently an impossible one, but he
+resolved that he would try to accomplish it.
+
+"Sail ahead, and do it if you can," said the manager, with something
+very much like a sneer. "I shall watch your methods with interest."
+
+"It's a pity," said Al, "that you have only one morning paper here. Now
+if----"
+
+"Oh," interrupted his companion, yawning, "we'll have another to-morrow
+morning."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"A young dude named Marcus, with more money than brains--and not very
+much of either, by the way--is to issue the first number of a new daily
+to-morrow morning. He is going to call it the _Bugle_, I believe."
+
+"It being the first issue," suggested Al, "it is likely to have a good
+sale. Wouldn't it be a good scheme to spend a little extra in
+advertising in it?"
+
+"My lad," said the manager, wearily, "your ideas are primitive in the
+extreme. I have given them my usual size ad., and even if I wanted any
+more space--which I don't--I couldn't get it, for the paper is about all
+made up now. Oh, we can't do anything against the circus, and that
+settles that matter."
+
+It did not settle the matter with Al, however. He returned to his
+hotel, and spent what was left of the afternoon in trying to devise some
+plan to arouse public interest in the performance of the New York Comedy
+Company.
+
+He worked at the problem until his head ached, but the harder he thought
+the farther he seemed to be from a solution.
+
+In the evening he went down to the restaurant connected with the hotel,
+quite discouraged.
+
+There was no one in the room when he entered; but a few minutes later
+two men, both of them evidently very much excited, came in and seated
+themselves near him.
+
+After a glance at the boy and a hurried order to the waiter, they
+resumed a conversation in which they had been engaged when they entered.
+
+Al could not help overhearing nearly every word they said, for in their
+excitement they spoke louder than they thought.
+
+"I tell you, Marcus," he heard one of the men say, "it's a bad
+knockout."
+
+Marcus! Al remembered that this was the name of the proprietor of the
+new paper. He was, as the manager had said, a rather dudish-looking
+young fellow, but his face was by no means indicative of a lack of
+brains.
+
+"The worst of it is," added Mr. Marcus, "that the _Banner_ people will
+have the grand laugh on us. They have been poking fun at the 'amateur
+daily,' as they call it, ever since the _Bugle_ was announced; now they
+will go for us."
+
+Al was now interested; for the time he forgot his own worries. What
+could the trouble be in the office of the new paper?
+
+"They'll have a good chance," said Mr. Marcus' friend. "Really, my dear
+sir, I can't see how you could have made such a break. The idea of
+accepting a full-page ad. for 'Dr. Gurgles' Metallic Liver Pads,' only
+to find that there is no such thing on the market, and that you have
+been made the victim of a practical joker! I wish I had had charge of
+the business end of the thing, this would not have happened."
+
+"I dare say not, but don't reproach me, for I'm too much broken up to
+stand it. The question is, how are we going to fill up that page? I've
+been boasting, right and left, about the phenomenal amount of bona-fide
+ads. the first number of the _Bugle_ would contain, and now we are a
+full page short. And I've told a number of people that we were to have a
+page ad. from a well-known concern--something the _Banner_ never had."
+
+"Have you told anyone what the concern was?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then perhaps you could get some firm in town to take the page."
+
+"I'd let 'em have it at any price. But, no, it wouldn't do; I should
+have to own up how I had been victimized. Besides, it's too late now,
+anyhow. Why, nearly the whole paper is in type, and one side is
+printed."
+
+"Well, what are you going to do with that page?"
+
+"I give it up."
+
+Al rose from his seat and approached the table where the two gentlemen
+were seated.
+
+"Perhaps I can help out, sir," he said.
+
+Mr. Marcus started from his chair, his face flushed with anger.
+
+"You've been listening, boy!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I have; I couldn't very well help it, for you spoke in a loud tone."
+
+"That's so, Marcus," added the other gentleman. "A public restaurant is
+not just the place to talk over such a matter."
+
+"Well," said Marcus, glaring at Al, "I suppose you mean to go and tell
+everyone in town what you have heard?"
+
+"I don't know anyone in town, and if I did I shouldn't repeat a word. As
+I just said, I think I can help you out."
+
+"You! How?"
+
+"You said you'd let that page go at any price?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"Perhaps I will take it. I couldn't afford to do anything like regular
+rates, but perhaps by helping you out I can get a lot of advertising
+almost free. I tell you frankly that is my object, and I give you my
+word that no one shall know anything about the transaction."
+
+Mr. Marcus and his companion stared at Al in amazement.
+
+"Well," said the former, "you are a queer youngster. Who the mischief
+are you--another practical joker?"
+
+"No. I am Allen Allston, advance agent of Wattles' New York Comedy
+Company, which plays here to-morrow night."
+
+"A lad like you occupying a position like that?" exclaimed Mr. Marcus.
+
+"Just so, sir. Now, what will you let us have that page for?"
+
+"Perhaps your employer would repudiate the bill."
+
+"I'll pay it myself, right here and now."
+
+"I'll take you up. You can have the page for one hundred dollars. When
+can I have the copy?"
+
+"Not at all at that price," replied Al, coolly. "The page wouldn't be
+worth that much to us. I'll give you fifty dollars, cash now, and the
+copy in an hour or less."
+
+After a moment's hesitation, the proprietor of the _Bugle_ said:
+
+"Done! Give me the fifty dollars, and I'll give you a receipt for four
+hundred. But mind, mum's the word about this deal."
+
+"You may depend upon me, sir."
+
+"But," asked Mr. Marcus, "how are you going to have a full page of copy
+ready in an hour?"
+
+"I'll get it ready," replied Al. "Your foreman will have it on time."
+
+He handed the publisher the fifty dollars, and received a receipt for
+four hundred.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Marcus, "you have a head for business, and no mistake."
+
+"I hope so," said Al, modestly; "but this transaction does not prove
+it."
+
+"I think it does."
+
+"My overhearing your conversation was only blind luck."
+
+"Yes; but many a man would not have been smart and quick enough to take
+advantage of it. The successful business man is he who seizes upon the
+lucky accidents that others pass by, and turns them to his own
+advantage. You'll get along, my boy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+AL'S AD.
+
+
+Mr. Marcus' words haunted Al for some time after their parting.
+
+"I don't know but there is something in that," the boy said to himself:
+"I'll look out for the lucky accidents after this."
+
+But the full-page advertisement had to be prepared in less than an hour,
+and Al had to turn his attention to its preparation.
+
+When he went to his room he had not the slightest idea what sort of an
+advertisement he was going to write; he only knew that it must be
+something taking and brief.
+
+"Brevity is the soul of wit, anyhow," he reflected, "so I don't believe
+I shall make any mistake on that point. But what shall I say in the ad.?
+I wonder if I haven't bitten off a little more than I can chew?"
+
+In half an hour he had the advertisement ready, and a few minutes later
+he presented himself with it at the office of the _Bugle_.
+
+Here everything was in confusion, but he found the foreman of the
+composing room ready and waiting for him.
+
+"Have you got your copy all ready?" asked the man, nervously. "There is
+no time to spare."
+
+"Here it is," said Al, producing a slip of paper from his vest pocket.
+
+"I thought you were to have a full page?" said the foreman.
+
+"So I am, according to contract," smiled the boy.
+
+"But there are only half a dozen lines here."
+
+"That's all."
+
+"Oh, you want a display ad.?"
+
+"No--at least not the kind you mean. I want those few lines repeated
+over and over again until the entire space contracted for is filled."
+
+"You want it printed solid?" gasped the foreman.
+
+"That's it."
+
+"But I could give you a much more attractive ad. We can get up a
+full-page display ad. that would be simply out of sight."
+
+"I don't doubt it, but I want another kind."
+
+"All right," said the foreman, with a pitying sigh; "you pay your money
+and you take your choice."
+
+"That's the idea."
+
+The foreman carefully perused the advertisement. This is what he read:
+
+"See the New York Comedy Company, Augustus Wattles, Manager.
+
+"See this great company in 'Loved and Lost.'
+
+"See the real locomotive, under a full head of steam.
+
+"See the real steam yacht.
+
+"See all this.
+
+"But----
+
+"Please don't look at the queer old man in the third row of the
+orchestra."
+
+The foreman stared at Al as if he thought him an escaped lunatic.
+
+"That's a strange ad.," he said.
+
+"Is it?" laughed the boy.
+
+"I never saw anything like it before."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Well, do you want it to go in just as you have written it?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Without any attempt at display?"
+
+"Without the slightest attempt at display."
+
+"That goes, then. Good-night; I must get the men at work on this at
+once."
+
+"I've done all this on my own responsibility," reflected Al, as he left
+the place. "If it turns out a fizzle, Mr. Wattles won't have so much
+confidence in me in the future. Well, there's no use fretting now; the
+thing is done. If it doesn't work I shall know enough not to repeat the
+experiment."
+
+Still Al did fret a little after he got to his room. The apartment that
+had been assigned to him was a large, gloomy room on one of the upper
+floors of the building. It was about half filled with paintings not
+hung, but standing against the wall. These, the hotel clerk had
+explained, were the property of an impecunious artist who had formerly
+boarded in the house, and were being held until his bill was paid.
+
+"We left them right there," explained the clerk, "not thinking that we
+would need to put anyone in the room for some time. But on account of
+the rush to the circus the house is full, and we must put you there."
+
+It made very little difference to Al where he slept, and he said so. He
+was only going to spend one night in the house, and the room was
+comfortable, if it was rather gloomy.
+
+Entering it after his visit to the _Bugle_ office, he threw himself into
+a chair and fixed his eyes on a full-length picture of a man in modern
+dress. He did not even take the trouble to light the gas.
+
+The rays of the moon dimly illumined the room and lighted up the
+picture. The boy sat for nearly half an hour staring absently at the
+portrait, thinking nothing about it, but trying to plan his work for the
+next day or two.
+
+But soon he began to realize that he was very tired. He found himself
+yawning, and his eyelids drooped in spite of himself.
+
+"It's no use," he said to himself, "I'll have to leave business until
+to-morrow. I'll go to bed."
+
+But just as he rose from his chair--could he believe the evidence of his
+senses?--the figure of the man stepped from the canvas and approached
+him.
+
+It was no dream, for in an instant the boy was as wide awake as he had
+ever been.
+
+Apparently the picture had come to life!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+SAVED BY A SHADOW.
+
+
+In a few seconds Al perceived that the picture had not been endowed with
+life; the painted figure remained in its place; it was a being of flesh
+and blood that was approaching him.
+
+The intruder had been standing in front of the picture; the dim light
+and Al's preoccupation had conspired to render the boy unconscious of
+his presence.
+
+"Who are you?" our hero exclaimed, as the man approached him.
+
+The next moment he recognized the fellow, and added in a startled voice:
+
+"Farley!"
+
+"Yes," said the ex-advance agent, "it's Farley, the man you knocked out.
+You're a little surprised to see me, aren't you?"
+
+"What do you want?" demanded the boy.
+
+"I'll show you what I want."
+
+And he darted between Al and the door.
+
+"Get out of my way!" the lad exclaimed, attempting to push him aside.
+
+But Farley seized him by the throat and forced him to the floor.
+
+"You won't escape me this time," he hissed.
+
+Al struggled to release himself, but the grasp of the drink-maddened
+brute was not to be shaken off.
+
+"No, you don't!" he said, in a fierce whisper. "I warned you that you
+had not heard the last of me."
+
+Al tried to cry for help, but could only make an inarticulate sound.
+
+Farley dragged him in the direction of the window, saying:
+
+"You got away from me last night, but you won't this time."
+
+"So," Al managed to gasp, "you were the masked man who accused me of
+being a horse thief?"
+
+"I was the man. You nearly turned the tables on me that time, but you
+won't have the same luck twice in succession."
+
+As he spoke Farley relaxed his grasp on the boy's throat.
+
+"Youngster," he went on, "if it hadn't been for you I shouldn't have
+lost my job with Gus Wattles. Its loss, under the circumstances, means
+ruin for me. I can't catch up again, unless----"
+
+"Is that my fault?" interrupted Al, seeing that the man was crazed with
+drink, and that the wisest policy was to attempt to conciliate him. "I
+didn't take the position until Mr. Wattles had decided to discharge
+you."
+
+"It's a lie!"
+
+"It's the truth."
+
+"If you had not been available he would have taken me back."
+
+"I don't know anything about that. Of course, I had no feeling against
+you in the matter. I wanted the place, but I could not have obtained it
+if your work had been satisfactory."
+
+"You used some underhanded method to oust me."
+
+"I did not."
+
+"You did. If you had not, how could you have gotten the place? There are
+dozens--hundreds--of experienced men, who would have been glad to take
+the position at half my salary. No, you did it for private reasons of
+your own. You were hired to do it to separate me from her."
+
+"From whom?"
+
+"You know well enough who I mean."
+
+"I have not the slightest idea," replied Al.
+
+By this time Farley had permitted him to rise to his feet, but still
+kept between him and the door.
+
+"I mean Gladys--as you know," said the drink-maddened man; "Gladys, for
+whom I would give my very life."
+
+"Miss March?"
+
+It was with genuine surprise that Al asked this question.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You think that I am in a conspiracy to separate you from her?"
+
+"I know it."
+
+"You are entirely mistaken. I know nothing at all about Miss March's
+affairs; in fact, I have never even spoken to her."
+
+"It is a lie. But come, I have no more time to waste. This job must be
+done."
+
+He again seized the boy by the throat, and dragged him toward the
+window. Al was by no means a weakling, but he was absolutely powerless
+in the grasp of his frenzied assailant.
+
+With one hand Farley held his intended victim, while with the other he
+threw up the window sash.
+
+"No one in the street below," he hissed, "is looking, and if they were
+they could not see us. When your body is found, your death will be
+considered an accident."
+
+Al now lay on his back upon the sill; half his body was out of the
+window. Apparently the villain's object was almost accomplished, and in
+a few seconds the boy's mutilated body would be lying upon the pavement
+below.
+
+"I never knew before," said Farley, "how sweet revenge was."
+
+"You won't know just yet," said Al, "if I can help it."
+
+As he spoke, realizing his extreme peril, he made one last, desperate
+effort, exerting all his strength, and succeeded in regaining his
+footing.
+
+The struggle was renewed, but it seemed certain that it must result in
+the boy's defeat.
+
+Suddenly, however, Farley released his hold on Al and rushed to the
+opposite side of the room, crying:
+
+"Interfere, will you?"
+
+At first our hero could not understand this action, but in a moment he
+comprehended it.
+
+The villain had actually been frightened by his own shadow, which was
+strongly outlined on the wall opposite. It might have been mistaken even
+by a sober man for an intruder; and in his excited condition Farley was
+certain that some one had come to the rescue of his intended victim.
+
+Of course, he quickly discovered his mistake, but Al had now time to
+rush to the door, fling it open, and make his escape from the room.
+
+Outside the door stood one of the hotel clerks, who had evidently just
+arrived upon the scene, and who demanded:
+
+"What's going on in there?"
+
+Before Al could reply Farley rushed out of the room and started for the
+staircase. In a moment he had disappeared.
+
+Al started to follow him, but the clerk seized him by the collar,
+shouting:
+
+"You won't get away quite as easily as all that, my fine fellow! Now,
+what's your little game?"
+
+"Don't keep me standing here," cried the boy, trying to shake off the
+man's detaining grasp.
+
+"That's all right," was the response of the zealous employee, who was
+under the impression that he had captured a hotel thief. "You just keep
+quiet. I've got you all right, and your pal won't get out of the house
+as easily as he thinks."
+
+By the time Al had explained the situation so that the clerk understood
+it, Farley had had ample time to make his escape.
+
+The man was somewhat crestfallen when he realized that he had made a
+mistake.
+
+"No matter," he said, "the ruffian can't have gotten out. They'd be sure
+to detain him downstairs."
+
+But, as they learned when they reached the office, Farley had eluded
+them. He had walked leisurely out, lighting a cigar, apparently in a
+perfectly easy, unconcerned frame of mind.
+
+Having notified the police of what had occurred, Al returned to his
+room, and in a few minutes had retired for the night, having first
+assured himself that there were no other unbidden guests in the
+apartment.
+
+The next morning he found a note awaiting him in the office. It read as
+follows:
+
+      "You are a lucky youth, but your luck won't last
+      forever. You don't lead a charmed life. I am on my
+      mettle now, and I am going to settle you if I swing
+      for it."
+
+There was no signature, but of course Al knew well enough who the writer
+of the precious communication was.
+
+He did not feel particularly worried; in fact, he had no time to worry
+just then, for, as he put the note in his pocket, the morning papers
+were placed in his hand by the clerk, with the remark:
+
+"Well, young man, you are a corker and no mistake."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A LESSON IN JOURNALISM.
+
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" he asked.
+
+"Read that interview with you in the _Banner_, and you'll find out. If
+you've been through half the startling adventures that the reporter says
+you have it is a wonder you are alive now."
+
+Our hero opened the paper with a feeling of apprehension which proved to
+be well grounded.
+
+Undoubtedly the interview would prove a good advertisement for the show,
+but it embarrassed Al greatly; he would gladly have given a hundred
+dollars to have been able to withdraw it. But it was too late for that
+now; already it had, doubtless, been read by half Rockton.
+
+The reporter had not kept faith with him.
+
+"If I say anything about your sister," he had told him, "it will only be
+a passing reference, couched in the most delicate terms."
+
+But instead of that he had headed the article:
+
+      A BOY WONDER!
+
+      AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER! A LONG-LOST SISTER!
+
+And there were other headlines that startled and dismayed Al.
+
+According to them he had been a lion hunter, a champion football and
+baseball player, an exceptional sprinter, and the greatest boxer of his
+age that the world had ever known.
+
+"You must have made yourself mighty solid with the _Banner_ man to get
+an ad. like that," remarked the clerk. "It's simply great."
+
+"I wish I hadn't succeeded in making myself quite so solid," groaned Al.
+
+The clerk stared at him, asking in surprise:
+
+"Don't you like the notice?"
+
+"Hardly."
+
+"What's the matter with it?"
+
+"I'm not here to advertise myself but the New York Comedy Company."
+
+"You're the first advance agent I ever saw who wasn't trying to
+advertise himself at the expense, if necessary, of his show."
+
+"That isn't my way of doing business."
+
+"Well, this article will boom the show, and don't you forget it. But if
+you don't like the headlines what will you think of the interview?"
+
+Al sank into a chair and began a hasty perusal of the article.
+
+He was dismayed at the reporter's audacity; the information he had given
+the man had been so altered and distorted that he could only dimly
+recognize himself in the hero of the newspaper man's weird fancy.
+
+The interview was in the highest degree complimentary--at least from
+its writer's standpoint; it was evident that the reporter had written it
+in a friendly spirit, and with the intention of giving its subject a
+good "send off."
+
+The portion that referred to his sister annoyed Al the most. It was near
+the end of the two-column article, and read as follows:
+
+      "But the life of the hero of this strange, though
+      strictly authentic, tale has not been entirely one of
+      adventurous pleasure. Deep in his heart he carries a
+      sorrow about which he was extremely reticent to speak
+      to the _Banner_ reporter. In referring to it this lad,
+      who has faced dangers from which many a stalwart man
+      would shrink appalled, wept like a child. Years ago he
+      lost an idolized sister. She was taken from the home
+      of which she was the pride, not by the hand of death,
+      but by that of a kidnaper. The story is a most
+      romantic one. The little child was playing one morning
+      on the sloping lawn in front of her father's palatial
+      country seat in Tarrytown, adjoining that of the late
+      Jay Gould. Her nurse was called away for a few
+      moments. During the woman's absence the child
+      disappeared. What became of it? Alas! to this day no
+      one save the ruthless destroyer of the happiness of
+      this once peaceful home knows. It was rumored that a
+      rejected suitor of the little girl's mother was the
+      villain, but nothing was ever proven against him. The
+      father of the child died of a broken heart, and his
+      wife would, without doubt, have soon followed him to
+      the grave had it not been for her boy--the subject of
+      this necessarily incomplete article. For his sake she
+      resolved to live. When he was but four years of age
+      she made him promise her that he would devote his life
+      to solving the mystery of his sister's fate."
+
+Al looked up from the paper, his face white with anger.
+
+"The villain!" he exclaimed.
+
+The clerk looked up in surprise.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"Have you read this thing?" Al demanded.
+
+"Why, yes."
+
+"The part that speaks of my long-lost sister?"
+
+"All of it. Of course, it's a fake, but nine people in ten will swallow
+it whole."
+
+"I don't want anyone to believe it."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"Of course I don't."
+
+"Then why did you grant him the interview?"
+
+"Because he insisted, and because he promised me that everything should
+be printed just as I gave it to him."
+
+The clerk laughed.
+
+"It's evident," he said, "that you have not enjoyed a very extensive
+acquaintance with reporters."
+
+"I've known several, but none like this fellow."
+
+"He's considered one of the smartest men in his line in the State."
+
+"Well, I'd like to interview him just now."
+
+"What would you say?"
+
+"I'd at least give him my opinion of his methods."
+
+"You wouldn't have a chance."
+
+"Why wouldn't I?"
+
+"You have met him once, and you ought to know. Why, he wouldn't give you
+an opportunity to get in a word edgewise. Anyhow, I don't see what you
+are kicking about; you've got the best ad. of the season free of cost.
+Hello! here comes your reporter now. If you want to go for him you have
+your chance."
+
+While the clerk was speaking the little reporter of the _Banner_ who had
+interviewed Al only a few hours before entered.
+
+The boy strode toward him.
+
+"You're just the man I want to see," he began.
+
+The scribe pretended not to notice the look of anger in his face.
+Seizing his hand and holding it tightly, he said:
+
+"And you're just the person I want to see. There are one or two little
+mistakes in that interview of ours, and I was looking for you to find
+out whether the fault lies with you or me. But the article shows up
+well, doesn't it?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Don't say another word."
+
+"But----"
+
+"I know exactly what you are going to say, but it will be all right next
+time. It was the fault of the compositor that your name was spelled
+wrong."
+
+"I wasn't----"
+
+"I was going to ask you whether it was three men or only two that you
+knocked out at that scrap referred to in the second column; I'm afraid I
+got that wrong. But never mind, I gave you the benefit of the doubt,
+anyhow. He! he! he!"
+
+"No such incident ever occurred, and I----"
+
+"Tut! tut!" interrupted the reporter, with a shocked look. "What made
+you tell me the yarn, then?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Never mind, we'll have to let it go now; and, after all, it doesn't
+make much difference. But you ought to be more particular in talking to
+reporters in the future, my dear young friend."
+
+"If I----"
+
+"Oh, that's all right---- No thanks. Hello! there goes a man I've got to
+see right now. S'long!"
+
+And the scribe rushed out, leaving Al staring helplessly after him.
+
+"Isn't he a dandy?" said the hotel clerk, admiringly. "You'll never
+catch him. The traditional Frenchman's flea was a graven image compared
+with that fellow. In your line of business you can profit by the lesson
+he has just given you. He is an artist in 'bluffing.'"
+
+Before Al could reply Mr. Wattles entered the office and approached him
+with outstretched hand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+"I WANT YOU."
+
+
+"I thought I should find you here," the manager said. "I want to offer
+you my congratulations before I say another word."
+
+"Your congratulations upon what, Mr. Wattles?" asked Al.
+
+"Why, upon the way you have worked things here, of course. I heard about
+it before I left Boomville this morning. That interview is out of
+sight."
+
+"I wish it was," groaned Al.
+
+"Eh?"
+
+The boy expressed his opinion of the interview in very emphatic terms.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished, "you're 'way off in your
+ideas on that point. Why, the interview is great. I supposed you had
+taken the reporter out and got him full."
+
+"The interview didn't cost me a cent."
+
+"That's so much the better. I'm mighty glad it appeared, and you ought
+to be, too. It'll help biz; and how do you know but that through it you
+may find your sister?"
+
+"That's not possible," said Al. "Why, the facts are all distorted. My
+father never had any palatial country seat in Tarrytown; there was
+never any talk of a rejected suitor of my mother's; there----"
+
+"Never mind," interrupted Mr. Wattles; "it's a good ad., anyway, and we
+got it for nothing. You mustn't be so thin-skinned, my boy. You see
+here"--in a changed tone--"that ad. of yours in the _Bugle_ must have
+cost a young fortune. You ought to have consulted me by wire before you
+did that. The idea is a good one, and everyone is talking about it, but
+it will not be worth to us what it cost."
+
+"How much do you suppose I paid for it, sir?"
+
+"Oh, I don't know; three hundred at least, probably more."
+
+"It cost just fifty dollars; and if it is not worth that to you, I'll
+pay it out of my own pocket."
+
+"Fif---- Is that straight?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"How did you do it?"
+
+Al explained.
+
+"Well, that was a mighty good transaction, and you deserve credit for
+it, as well as for writing the ad. The new paper was selling like hot
+cakes on the train this morning, and everyone was reading that ad. Al,
+my boy, you're a genius!"
+
+"Not quite that, I guess," laughed the boy.
+
+"You are, I tell you. But who is the queer old man in the third row of
+the orchestra?"
+
+"A myth, a creation of my imagination."
+
+"I supposed so, though I did not know but you had hired some one to play
+the part."
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, there'll be lots of people out to see the old man. How did you
+happen to strike the idea?"
+
+"I don't know. I had to get the copy ready in a hurry, and I wanted
+something new and taking."
+
+"Well, you got it. I believe that ad. and the interview are going to
+produce results."
+
+They did; though some of the results were quite different from those Mr.
+Wattles and his advance agent expected.
+
+While Al went into the restaurant for breakfast, his employer hurried to
+the theater to inquire about the advance sale.
+
+He returned an hour later, flushed and excited.
+
+"Well?" questioned the boy.
+
+"Well, we've caught 'em again. Half the house is already sold, and that
+means a crowd to-night. The local manager says you're a corker."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"He didn't think so yesterday."
+
+"He does now. He's going to try to get you to stay here under his
+employ."
+
+"I shall not do it."
+
+"I told him you wouldn't, but he's going to make you an offer, anyhow.
+Oh, by the way!"
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"I nearly forgot that Miss Gladys March, who, with the rest of the
+company, came with me this morning, is very anxious to have a talk with
+you."
+
+"With me? Aren't you mistaken, Mr. Wattles?"
+
+"No; she asked me to tell you as soon as I saw you, but I did not think
+of it."
+
+"What can she want of me?"
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"I don't know her; I never spoke to her in my life."
+
+"So I thought. Well, the best way to find out what she wants is to go
+and ask her. You'll find her upstairs in her room."
+
+"I'll go at once."
+
+A few minutes later Al presented himself at the door of Miss March's
+room and knocked rather timidly.
+
+"Come in," said a sweet voice, which the boy recognized as that of the
+young actress.
+
+He entered the room.
+
+Miss March, who was seated by the window, rose to meet him.
+
+"I supposed that it was one of the servants," she said, with a sweet
+smile, "or I should have welcomed you at the door. Please be seated."
+
+The young girl's perfect self-possession embarrassed Al a little. He
+stammered out something about its being of no consequence, and seated
+himself on the extreme edge of the sofa.
+
+Certainly Miss March was a very beautiful girl; unlike many actresses,
+she looked prettier off the stage than on it.
+
+"I suppose," she began, "that you wonder why I have requested the favor
+of this interview."
+
+"I am a little curious to know," Al admitted.
+
+"When I have told you, I suppose you will think me a very foolish girl;
+probably I am. But I cannot leave a stone unturned."
+
+She paused, evidently agitated. What new mystery was this? Al asked
+himself.
+
+"I have read the interview with you in this morning's Rockton _Banner_,"
+went on the young lady.
+
+"I'm sorry to hear that," said the boy, bluntly.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because there are scarcely ten words of truth in it."
+
+A genuine look of disappointment appeared upon Miss March's face.
+
+"I am very sorry to hear you say that," she said.
+
+Al stared at her in surprise.
+
+"You surely did not believe all that stuff, Miss March?"
+
+"Not all of it, of course," replied the girl, with a faint smile; "but
+there was one part that I thought might be true."
+
+"What part?"
+
+"About your sister, who was stolen in infancy."
+
+"It is true," said Al, "that my sister was stolen."
+
+"Ah!" interrupted the young lady, with an appearance of agitation that
+the boy could not understand.
+
+"But the facts were so twisted and distorted that the story is very
+different from the truth."
+
+"What is the truth?"
+
+Al hesitated.
+
+"Believe me," said Miss March, "I do not ask from mere idle curiosity. I
+have a most important reason for putting the question. Will you not tell
+me the story?"
+
+Her agitation communicated itself to her companion; the boy's voice
+trembled slightly as he replied:
+
+"Certainly, Miss March; for I feel that you have some strong motive for
+desiring to hear it."
+
+"Believe me, I have. Go on, I beg of you."
+
+Al was about to speak when the door was thrown open and a rough-looking
+man strode into the room.
+
+"I thought I should find you here," he said, addressing our hero.
+
+"Who are you, and what do you want?" demanded the boy.
+
+"I'm a deputy sheriff, and I want you. I have a warrant for your
+arrest."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MR. MARMADUKE MERRY.
+
+
+"A warrant for my arrest?" gasped Al, half believing that the sudden
+appearance of the stranger was only a joke.
+
+"That's what I said. Now, young fellow, don't you try to resist me, for
+it won't work."
+
+"I'm not going to resist you if you really have a warrant," said Al.
+
+"Well, I have, and here it is."
+
+And the stranger produced a document from his pocket.
+
+"What am I accused of?" asked the boy.
+
+The deputy, who evidently felt the importance of his position, produced
+a copy of the first number of the Rockton _Bugle_ from his pocket.
+
+Slowly unfolding it, he turned to Al's full-page advertisement, and
+said:
+
+"You writ that, didn't you?"
+
+"I did," admitted our hero, promptly.
+
+"Well, that settles it. Come along."
+
+"But hold on," laughed Al. "It isn't a crime in these parts to advertise
+a theatrical performance, is it?"
+
+"Yes," replied the deputy, without hesitation, "it is--the way you
+advertise."
+
+"What is the matter with my advertisement?" asked the astonished boy.
+
+"You don't know, eh?"
+
+"I certainly do not."
+
+"Well, of course my business here is only to serve the warrant, but I'll
+read the advertisement over to you."
+
+"Go ahead," said Al, thinking that there might be a misprint in the
+page.
+
+The deputy sheriff read:
+
+      "See the New York Comedy Company, Augustus Wattles,
+      Manager.
+
+      "See this great company in 'Loved and Lost.'
+
+      "See the real locomotive, under a full head of steam.
+
+      "See the real steam yacht.
+
+      "See all this.
+
+      "But--
+
+      "Please don't look at the queer old man in the third
+      row of the orchestra."
+
+The deputy laid the paper down and glared at his prisoner with a
+triumphant air.
+
+"Well?" said Al, greatly puzzled.
+
+"Didn't you write that and cause it to be inserted in the _Bugle_?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"That settles it, then."
+
+"It may settle it for you, but it doesn't for me," said the boy. "What
+is the matter with the ad.?"
+
+"You know well enough what the matter is with it."
+
+"I do not. Is it a crime in this town to try to boom a show by any
+legitimate means?"
+
+"No; but it is a crime to try to boom it the way you have; it is a
+crime here and everywhere else, as you will find out if you try the same
+game again in another town."
+
+Here Miss March, who had listened in silence until this moment,
+interposed.
+
+"What is the matter, sir?" she cried. "I read the advertisement, and I
+am sure there was nothing in it that could offend anyone."
+
+The deputy, who until now had forgotten or neglected to doff his hat,
+did so.
+
+"As far as you see, miss," he said, "the ad. is all right."
+
+"Well, what is there--what can there be--that I do not see?" the young
+lady cried.
+
+"You are not acquainted in this town, are you, young lady?" the deputy
+asked.
+
+"I am not."
+
+"That accounts for it, then. But this young fellow is acquainted here,
+and he knew just what he was doing when he wrote that advertisement."
+
+"Yes, I think I did," interposed Al, "But will you please tell me right
+now why you are here?"
+
+"I am here in my capacity of deputy sheriff of this county," replied the
+official, with dignity, "and also as a personal friend of Mr. Marmaduke
+Merry."
+
+"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" exclaimed Al.
+
+"Yes. No wonder you start and turn pale at the mere mention of that
+name."
+
+"But I did not start or turn pale. Who is Mr. Marmaduke Merry?"
+
+"You pretend not to know?"
+
+"I pretend nothing at all; I do not know. I never heard the name of
+Marmaduke Merry before in my life."
+
+"This subterfuge will avail you nothing," said the deputy, who was
+becoming theatrical. "We know all."
+
+"All what?"
+
+Al could not help laughing, and this evidently angered the overzealous
+deputy.
+
+"I am not here to bandy words with you, young man," he said; "I have
+already spent too much time in talk."
+
+"That's what I think," smiled Al.
+
+"I'm glad we agree upon that point. Come along."
+
+"I am ready."
+
+"One moment," interposed Miss March. "Won't you please tell me, sir, of
+what crime Mr. Allston is accused?"
+
+"I will," the deputy replied, with a look that was very evidently
+intended to be languishing. "I can refuse you nothing, miss. He is
+accused of holding one of Rockton's most respected citizens up to public
+ridicule; and Mr. Marmaduke Merry is the man."
+
+"But," interrupted Al, more bewildered than ever, "haven't I told you
+that I never heard of this man, Merry, before?"
+
+"You have told me so--yes."
+
+"Well, I told the truth."
+
+"You will have to convince the court of that."
+
+"But what has my ad. to do with Mr. Merry? His name is not mentioned in
+it."
+
+"Ah, that is where your cunning comes in. But doesn't everyone in
+Rockton know that for years and years Mr. Merry has always occupied a
+seat in the third row of the orchestra at the first performance of a new
+play?"
+
+At last Al grasped the situation.
+
+"Oh!" he exclaimed, "that's what you mean?"
+
+"That is what I mean."
+
+"And you think I meant Mr. Merry when I referred to the 'queer old
+man'?"
+
+"Of course I do, and so does Mr. Merry."
+
+"Both of you are very much mistaken."
+
+"For your own sake, I hope you will be able to prove that statement."
+
+"Why, I never heard of Mr. Merry until you mentioned his name."
+
+"You have said so several times since I have been here, but I do not
+believe you. However, I am not your judge. But if you did not mean Mr.
+Merry, whom did you mean?"
+
+"Nobody at all; the old man was only a creation of my imagination."
+
+The deputy coughed, and had the audacity to wink knowingly at Miss
+March.
+
+"This is a great tale," he said, "and will be believed, I don't think.
+You have got yourself and the local management into a scrape, my lad.
+But what could be expected?"
+
+At this moment there was a tap upon the door. "Come in," the actress
+cried.
+
+A servant entered.
+
+"A card for you, Miss March."
+
+The young lady took the bit of pasteboard and glanced at it; then she
+exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!"
+
+"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" echoed the deputy.
+
+"Show him up, please," the actress said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A STARTLING ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
+
+
+"He is here!"
+
+With this theatrical exclamation, a man pushed his way past the servant
+and entered the room.
+
+"I am Mr. Marmaduke Merry," he announced.
+
+Both Al and Miss March gazed with considerable curiosity and interest at
+the visitor.
+
+He was at least seventy years of age, but was dressed in the most
+youthful fashion, and wore a light blond wig. Much below the medium
+height, shrunken, shriveled and weazened, he presented a decidedly
+ludicrous appearance as he stood, a huge bouquet in hand, bowing and
+smiling at the young actress.
+
+Miss March could not help smiling herself; this evidently encouraged the
+old gentleman.
+
+"You pardon the liberty I have taken, then?" he said. "I was sure you
+would."
+
+"What is your business with me, sir?" the girl asked, composing her
+features.
+
+"It is to offer a tribute to your art and beauty," replied Mr. Merry,
+with a smirk. "But"--for the first time seeing the deputy and Al--"who
+are these persons?"
+
+"Don't you know me, Mr. Merry?" asked the official.
+
+"Why, bless my soul!" ejaculated the old man, adjusting his glasses,
+"it's Bullfinch!"
+
+"Yes, sir; it's me."
+
+"What are you doing here in Miss March's apartment?"
+
+"Attending to business, sir."
+
+"What business?"
+
+And the old man glared suspiciously at the cringing deputy.
+
+"Your business, Mr. Merry."
+
+"I didn't send you here."
+
+"You sent me to find the writer of that infamous advertisement in the
+_Bugle_, didn't you, sir?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, I have found him."
+
+"Where is he? Who is he?"
+
+"There he stands."
+
+And Mr. Bullfinch pointed triumphantly at Al.
+
+"That boy?" gasped the old man.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You must be mistaken."
+
+"I am not. I went to the office of the _Bugle_ and asked who wrote the
+advertisement. They told me it was the advance agent of the company, a
+young man named Allston. I tracked him to this place, and was about to
+drag him forth when you arrived."
+
+"You talk like a fool, Bullfinch," snapped Mr. Merry.
+
+"Sir, I----"
+
+"That will do. If this is the person who is responsible for that
+advertisement take him away."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+And the deputy laid his hand on Al's shoulder.
+
+But Miss March interposed.
+
+"Wait a moment, Mr. Merry."
+
+"Certainly, my dear young lady. What is it?"
+
+"This gentleman, Mr. Allen Allston, never saw or heard of you before he
+came to Rockton. It was not in a spirit of malice that he wrote that
+advertisement. Don't you see, Mr. Merry, that by having him arrested you
+will only subject yourself to ridicule? You acknowledge yourself to be a
+'queer old man.' Why should you do that?"
+
+The old gentleman coughed.
+
+"Ahem! That aspect of the case had not occurred to me," he said. "You
+assure me, Miss March, that the young man did not intend to hold me up
+to ridicule?"
+
+"I am absolutely certain," interrupted the deputy, "that he did."
+
+"Shut up, Bullfinch!"
+
+"Mr. Merry," interrupted Al, "I give you my word of honor that I should
+not have inserted that advertisement if I had for one moment supposed it
+would injure the feelings of anyone. It was only a joke on the public."
+
+"A joke at my expense, young man!"
+
+"I have given you my word of honor, sir, that I did not intend to hurt
+you or anyone else by that ad."
+
+"Your word of honor!" sneered Mr. Merry. "What is your word of honor
+good for? Who are you?"
+
+Al colored.
+
+"You have heard my name from Miss March. I am Allen Allston."
+
+The old man started.
+
+"I did not catch the name before," he said. "Surely you are not Allen
+Allston from Boomville?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"The noble young fellow who saved the life of my grandchild?"
+
+"Is Mayor Anderson's little girl your granddaughter, sir?" asked Al, a
+little embarrassed.
+
+"Of course she is. My boy, I beg your pardon."
+
+And the old man grasped Al's hand and shook it warmly, adding:
+
+"The youth who performed such a heroic act could not be guilty of such a
+crime as that of which you are accused. Bullfinch"--turning fiercely
+upon the deputy--"you are a fool!"
+
+"Sir----"
+
+"What put it into your head that he could have had any malicious intent
+in writing that advertisement?"
+
+"I only acted upon your instructions, sir," responded the deputy, very
+humbly.
+
+"Nonsense! I thought you had a little common sense. Leave the room, sir.
+Your presence is an insult to me and to my friends."
+
+"But the arrest, sir----"
+
+"There will be no arrest to-day; I withdraw the complaint."
+
+"But the warrant----"
+
+"Tear it up--do anything you like with it, only don't worry me any
+further with your nonsensical remarks. Go, sir!"
+
+The deputy slunk out of the room.
+
+Mr. Merry turned to the actress.
+
+"I am extremely pained," he began, "that such a scene should have
+occurred in your room. I am----"
+
+"Will you please state your business, sir?" interrupted Miss March.
+
+The old gentleman was a little disconcerted at first, but he quickly
+recovered himself and said:
+
+"I come, as I remarked before, to pay a tribute to genius and beauty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+Al had not supposed the girl capable of assuming such a frigid air as
+that with which she now confronted her aged admirer.
+
+"Will you accept these flowers?" stammered the old man. "They are a
+tribute to----"
+
+"Thanks," interrupted the actress. "You may leave them on the table."
+
+"You are very kind. And now----"
+
+"And now you must excuse me; I have business of importance with Mr.
+Allston."
+
+"Oh, certainly! May I call again?"
+
+"I am too much occupied to receive callers. Good-morning."
+
+And with perfect self-possession the young girl opened the door.
+
+Mumbling a few inaudible words, the aged admirer of the drama left the
+room.
+
+"I am sorry to say," remarked Miss March, "that I have seen men like
+him before. He means no harm, but I cannot endure such silliness. But
+never mind about him; let us talk about ourselves. Sit down, please, and
+I will try to commence where I left off. When we were interrupted I had
+asked you to tell me the story of your sister's disappearance----"
+
+"And I was about to do so."
+
+"Exactly. Go on."
+
+Al hesitated.
+
+"Why do you want to hear the story, Miss March?" he asked.
+
+"Because--because----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Because I believe that I may be your sister!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE LOCKET.
+
+
+Al started. Could Miss March seriously mean what she said?
+
+"You surely do not think," the girl said, earnestly, "that I would jest
+on a subject so sacred?"
+
+"No, no," Al assured her, "but what ground have you for thinking that we
+may be related?"
+
+"No logical ground, perhaps," the actress replied; "but from the moment
+I first saw you--and I have seen you when you were not aware of my
+presence--I was strangely attracted to you. You may laugh at this, you
+may think it only the foolish fancy of a foolish girl, but it is true."
+
+"And I, too," said Al, thoughtfully, "have had the same feeling toward
+you. I remember I could think of nothing but your face all the way home
+on the night of your first performance in Boomville. Can it really be
+that you are my sister, restored to me in this strange way? If she is
+alive she must be about your age."
+
+"Tell me all you know about her," entreated the girl; "the circumstances
+under which she was lost--all. But no"--with sudden change of manner--"I
+will tell you my story first, if you will listen to it."
+
+"Go on, please, Miss March."
+
+"My first recollections are of a miserable home on the upper floor of a
+tenement house in New York. I lived with a hard-featured woman who
+called herself my aunt. Her name was Ann Thompson. Did you ever hear of
+her?"
+
+And Miss March gazed anxiously into the boy's face.
+
+Al shook his head.
+
+"Never!"
+
+"Aunt Ann, as I used to call her," went on the actress, "was always more
+or less under the influence of liquor. Gin was her favorite drink. She
+would work until she had money enough for a debauch, and then--but I
+cannot bear to recall my unhappy childhood."
+
+Miss March paused and turned away her face; her trembling voice showed
+the emotion she felt.
+
+"I can imagine it all," said Al, sympathetically. "Go on, please, and
+spare yourself unnecessary pain."
+
+"How kind you are!" the young girl said, gratefully. "I will, then, omit
+many details which I am sure would be as painful for you to hear as for
+me to relate. When under the influence of alcohol Aunt Ann was sometimes
+very cruel to me. She would beat and otherwise ill-treat me; and to-day
+I bear scars inflicted by her. But I bore all as patiently as I could,
+and for what reason, do you suppose?"
+
+"I should think you would have left her," said Al, as the actress
+paused.
+
+"I should have done so but for one thing."
+
+"And that was?"
+
+"Sometimes while intoxicated she would hint to me that in reality we
+were not flesh and blood, that I was in no way akin to her, that there
+was a secret in my life that she could reveal if she would, a secret the
+publication of which would be greatly to my advantage. But she never
+became so intoxicated that she told me the whole truth; I could only
+guess it. Sometimes during her sober intervals I would tax her with what
+she had said; but she would always reply by telling me that I must pay
+no attention to anything she said when she was drunk--that she was at
+such times out of her mind, and did not know what she was saying. Once,
+when I persisted, she became greatly enraged, and gave me such a beating
+that I was taken to a hospital and she was arrested and sentenced to a
+term of imprisonment."
+
+At this point in her story Miss March burst into tears.
+
+"Postpone telling the rest of it until another time," said Al, to whom
+the recital was almost as painful as to the girl.
+
+"No," said the actress, "I must go on. I was discharged from the
+hospital on the day on which Aunt Ann was released from jail, and the
+old life was renewed."
+
+"You went back to live with the woman?" cried Al.
+
+"Yes. I had no other home. Besides, I still hoped that I might be able
+to learn from her the secret of my birth--for that there was a secret I
+was now more firmly convinced than ever. At the time of which I have
+just been telling you, I was about twelve years of age. Three years
+later Aunt Ann, while under the influence of liquor, met with an
+accident which terminated her miserable life in two days. When she was
+told that she was really dying, she sent for a priest and confessed to
+him. When the clergyman was gone she summoned me to her bedside, and
+told me that at the suggestion of the good father she was about to tell
+me at last the secret that I had been striving so long to learn."
+
+"And she said----" demanded the boy, breathlessly.
+
+"She began by telling me that she was not my aunt, that we were in no
+way related. Years before she had been my nurse. My poor mother had in
+some trivial way offended her, and under the influence of her
+anger--and, I suppose, of alcohol--she determined to revenge herself by
+kidnaping me. She carried this resolution into effect, and her guilt was
+never proven, although it was suspected. 'My name is not Ann Thompson,'
+she said to me, 'but you shall know now what it really is, and who your
+parents are. Your father is dead, but your mother still lives. For years
+she has mourned you unceasingly.' The woman then bade me unlock and open
+a certain drawer in her bureau. I did so, and took from it at her
+direction a small package. 'That bundle,' she said, 'contains proof of
+your identity. Take it to your mother and show her what is in it. Tell
+her what I have said, give her my real name, and she will acknowledge
+you as her 'daughter.' 'What is your name?' I cried, breathlessly--'what
+is mine?' The woman opened her lips to reply, but not a sound escaped
+them. The next moment she fell back upon her pillow. I bent over her,
+crying in an agony of suspense: 'Speak, speak!' But she could not, she
+was dead!"
+
+"What did the package contain?" asked Al.
+
+"Only a few articles of infant's clothing and two pieces of jewelry.
+Some time they may be of assistance to me in finding my parents, but
+thus far they have proved of no value as a clew. Well, after Aunt Ann's
+death I was adopted by a family in moderate circumstances. They had no
+interest in my personal affairs, all they wanted of me was my services
+as housemaid, and I served in that capacity for two years. Then came an
+opportunity to adopt a stage career, and I eagerly seized it, against
+the advice of all who were in any way interested. I must say that, so
+far, I have had no reason to regret my decision in the matter. I find
+that the stories of the temptations of stage life that I had heard were
+gross exaggerations, and that a woman can be as good and pure on the
+stage as off it. And now, my friend, you have heard my story; can you
+help me find my mother? Do you think it possible that I am the sister
+for whom you have been searching?"
+
+Al's voice trembled with emotion as he replied:
+
+"That question can very soon be decided. Have you the package of
+infant's clothing that you spoke of?"
+
+"Yes; I always have it with me wherever I go."
+
+"May I see it?"
+
+"I am very anxious to show it to you."
+
+And the actress rose and opened her trunk, from which she took a small
+parcel.
+
+Her face was very pale, her hands trembled as she unfastened the little
+package.
+
+"Look!" she said.
+
+Al took the garments, yellowed with time, in his hands.
+
+"I have heard my mother describe the clothing that my little sister wore
+when she disappeared," he said, "a thousand times. She would be able to
+tell you if these are the ones, but I cannot. But the jewelry--where is
+that?"
+
+"Here."
+
+And the girl handed him a box.
+
+The lad took from it a baby's ring and a chain, to which was attached a
+locket.
+
+"My sister wore a chain and locket like these when she was lost," he
+said, "In a moment I will tell you if this is the locket."
+
+"How can you?" the actress cried.
+
+"Because the locket contains my father's picture."
+
+"There is no picture in this," said Miss March, with a look of deep
+disappointment.
+
+"You do not know whether there is or not," said Al. "There is a secret
+spring and I can find it. Look!"
+
+As he spoke the locket flew open.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+BROTHER AND SISTER.
+
+
+As Miss March bent over the locket she uttered an exclamation of wonder
+and delight.
+
+The portrait revealed was that of a singularly handsome man in the prime
+of life. The calm, thoughtful eyes and the sensitive mouth were those of
+the young actress herself; the likeness was not only unmistakable, but
+remarkable.
+
+"Is it possible that this picture has been here all these years, and I
+have never known it?" the girl exclaimed.
+
+"You might never have discovered it," replied Al. "I should not have
+known but for the fact that I have a locket precisely like it, which
+opens in the same way."
+
+"Then there can be no doubt----"
+
+"That you are my sister."
+
+"Brother!"
+
+The next moment the singularly united couple were folded in each other's
+arms.
+
+It was a moment that in all their after lives neither of them ever
+forgot, a joy that no future sorrow had the power to efface from their
+memories.
+
+When the first transports of emotion were over, the young girl said,
+tremulously:
+
+"My mother--when shall I see her? Oh, I must go to her at once! I must,
+I must!"
+
+"Of course, Mr. Wattles will give you leave of absence as soon as we
+tell him what we have discovered."
+
+"I do not see how he can."
+
+"Why can't he?"
+
+"I have no understudy. No, I must remain; he has been very kind to me,
+and I could not ask a favor that I knew it would be so very difficult
+for him to grant."
+
+"That is right, sister. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll telegraph
+to mother to come on here at once. She will arrive before the evening
+performance."
+
+"Do so, brother---- Oh, how strange, yet how delightful, it is to utter
+that sacred name! But do not tell her the truth until she comes."
+
+"No, indeed. Why, I think the shock would almost kill her. We must break
+it to her gently."
+
+At this moment Mr. Wattles came bustling into the room.
+
+"The advance sale," he began, "is something unheard of in Rockton.
+Why---- But what's the matter? Nothing wrong, is there?"
+
+"No, indeed," Al replied. "Everything is all right."
+
+And he proceeded to acquaint the manager in a few words with what had
+happened.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished, "you beat the deck,
+young man. I'm going to write a romance about you when the season is
+over. You're no sooner done with one startling adventure than you're
+right in the midst of another. Why, you're almost equal to one of
+Dumas' heroes! Well, I sincerely congratulate you both."
+
+After a hearty handshake the manager added:
+
+"And now I must be off to give this story to the papers."
+
+"No, no!" cried Miss March.
+
+"Not by any means," added Al.
+
+Mr. Wattles stared at them.
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked.
+
+"We mean," said Al, "that this is a private affair with which the papers
+have nothing to do."
+
+"But, my dear boy, think--only think--what a grand ad. it would make for
+the show!"
+
+"No matter; we don't want a word printed about it."
+
+"Of course not," said the actress. "I should think you would understand
+our feelings in the matter, Mr. Wattles."
+
+"Well, I don't," returned the manager, evidently chagrined. "I cannot,
+to save my life, see why you are willing to throw away such a chance for
+a stunning free ad. Nor"--addressing Al--"can I understand your
+scruples. By Jove! you are the queerest combination of impudence and
+modesty that I ever met. But have it your own way, my children; throw
+away the chance if you want to."
+
+As he was about to leave the room the old gentleman turned again,
+saying:
+
+"I almost forgot that I had a letter for you, Miss March. Here it is,
+and I think I know the handwriting."
+
+As the actress glanced at the superscription on the envelope she changed
+color.
+
+"It is from that wretch, Farley!" she exclaimed.
+
+"So I thought," said Mr. Wattles. "You had better look out for that man,
+my dear. He is, or thinks he is, desperately in love with you, and he
+may give you some trouble yet. If you don't mind, I should like to know
+the contents of that letter. Believe me, it is not from mere idle
+curiosity that I ask you to let me read it."
+
+"I know that, Mr. Wattles," said Miss March. "Ever since I have been in
+your company you have been like a father to me. You shall open the
+letter yourself if you will."
+
+She handed the epistle to the manager, who tore it open. As he glanced
+at its contents a frown appeared upon his usually cheerful countenance.
+
+"The scoundrel!" he muttered, crushing the letter in his hand; "if I
+ever meet him again I will thrash him within an inch of his life--I
+will, by Jove!"
+
+"What does he say?" the girl asked, anxiously.
+
+"It will do you no good to know the contents of this precious epistle,"
+replied Mr. Wattles. "You had better let me destroy it."
+
+But Miss March's feminine curiosity was now aroused, and she insisted
+upon knowing what was in the letter.
+
+"Well, if you will have it," said the manager, resignedly, "I'll read it
+to you. But if you don't sleep nights for the next week or two you
+mustn't blame me."
+
+"Go on, go on!"
+
+The old gentleman read as follows:
+
+      "GLADYS: This is to remind you that, although we are
+      separated, I am near you. Do you remember what I told
+      you the last time we met, that no power on earth could
+      make me give you up? I meant what I said, I mean it
+      still. I am not far away; you will see me sooner than
+      you think."
+
+"Is there no signature?" asked Miss March.
+
+"None, but there can be no doubt as to the identity of the writer."
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"I don't want to alarm you, my dear, but you ought to be very careful."
+
+"I shall be."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"I don't think there is much danger," he said. "That letter sounds like
+an extract from a sensational novel. A barking dog never bites, you
+know."
+
+"I don't know anything of the sort," returned Mr. Wattles. "Some barking
+dogs do bite; and this one, as you have reason to know yourself, has
+sharp teeth. Well, just let me lay my hands on him and I'll settle him
+in short order."
+
+"What will you do?" smiled Al.
+
+"First, as I said before, I'll give him a sound thrashing. Oh, you may
+laugh, but I can do it, if I am not a boy. And then I'll hand him over
+to the authorities. By Jove! I had no idea that the fellow was such a
+scoundrel when he was in my employ, or I wouldn't have kept him an
+hour. But now I really must be off. Do your best to-night, Miss March;
+you'll have one of the biggest houses of the season--thanks to the
+exertions of that sharp young brother of yours."
+
+And the manager rushed out of the room.
+
+"Brother!" the girl said, softly. "How sweet the name sounds. To think
+that I have a brother! And a mother!"
+
+"Don't cry--please don't!" entreated Al, with a boy's horror of feminine
+tears.
+
+"They are tears of joy, brother. And now you must go and send the
+telegram."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+AN AWFUL CATASTROPHE.
+
+
+A telegram, carefully worded so that Mrs. Allston's maternal alarms
+might not be aroused, was sent. In it Al requested her to come to
+Rockton by a certain train, and promised to be at the depot to meet her.
+
+A reply came within an hour:
+
+"Yours received. Shall be there. Hope nothing has happened."
+
+"I should say something had happened," laughed Al, when he and his
+new-found sister had read the message.
+
+"Poor mother!" sighed the girl. "She fears that you have met with some
+accident."
+
+"In a very few hours that fear will be dispelled. What will she say when
+she learns the truth?"
+
+"Ah, what?" responded Miss March. "I dread almost as much as I long for
+the meeting."
+
+The anxious mother arrived on time. It is not our purpose to chronicle
+the first meeting between the long-separated couple. Such scenes defy
+the skill of the storyteller's pen or the artist's brush. Suffice it to
+say that the proofs of her identity presented by the young girl were
+perfectly satisfactory to Mrs. Allston, and that the reunion of mother
+and daughter was all that the fancy of either had ever pictured it.
+
+True, the somewhat Puritanical old lady was a little shocked at finding
+her daughter a member of the theatrical profession; she had always
+regarded player folk as far beneath herself, both socially and morally,
+and her own daughter was probably the first actress she had ever seen
+off the stage.
+
+"I wish, my dear," she said, "that you would give up this dreadful
+business and go home with me. To think of my child, my daughter, a play
+actress! It is dreadful!"
+
+"Not quite as dreadful as you think, mother," the girl replied, quietly.
+"I could not conscientiously leave Mr. Wattles until he had secured some
+one else to play the part. Then, however, if you wish me to give up the
+stage, I shall do so. We will talk it all over after the performance
+to-night."
+
+"Yes, we will talk it over after the performance," echoed the mother.
+
+The house was crowded to the doors that night. Not a seat was to be had
+at eight o'clock; even standing room was at a premium.
+
+Again Al had demonstrated his ability as a hustler.
+
+Everyone in town had read and re-read his strange advertisement; many
+eyes were bent on the third row of the orchestra, in search of the
+"queer old man." And Mr. Marmaduke Merry was there, too, not a whit
+abashed, a huge bouquet in his withered hand.
+
+A good many people had heard of his attempt to have Al arrested in the
+morning--such news travels fast--and he was the unconscious butt of many
+a covert jest.
+
+Some one--it will never be known who, though there may be reason to
+suspect Mr. Augustus Wattles--had caused the report to be spread that
+the pretty actress, Miss Gladys March, was the long-lost sister of the
+young press agent, Al Allston, and that they had been reunited through
+the article in the _Banner_. That more than one person knew about it was
+evident when Al made his appearance in a box, with his mother on his
+arm; the applause that greeted him was as unexpected as it was
+embarrassing.
+
+At first the boy did not realize that he was the object of these unusual
+demonstrations.
+
+"What are they making all that noise about?" he said.
+
+"Why, they are applauding you," his mother said.
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"Don't you see that every eye is fixed on this box?"
+
+"I don't know but you are right," gasped Al, feeling symptoms of a
+return of the "stage fright" with which he had been seized on the
+occasion of the first performance in Boomville.
+
+"Of course I am."
+
+"Of course she is," added Mr. Wattles, suddenly appearing upon the
+scene. "Bow, my boy, bow! And couldn't you make a little impromptu
+speech?"
+
+"Not much!" replied Al, very emphatically. "I tell you, Mr. Wattles, if
+I had had any idea that the duties of a press agent included so many
+public appearances, I should not have gone into the business."
+
+He bowed; then some one--probably under the manager's direction--called
+out:
+
+"Speech! speech!"
+
+But Al shook his head so emphatically that the audience saw he meant his
+refusal, and the applause soon subsided.
+
+A few moments later the curtain rose.
+
+There was very little applause until Miss March made her entrance; her
+appearance was the signal for another demonstration of enthusiasm.
+Probably seven-eighths of the audience did not know why they were
+applauding, but the other eighth did, and its enthusiasm was, as a
+matter of course, contagious. The applause was literally deafening. In
+its midst Mr. Merry hurled his bouquet upon the stage. It fell at the
+feet of the young actress, who picked it up, smiling and blushing, to
+the evident delight of the elderly "masher."
+
+Mrs. Allston shuddered.
+
+"This life of feverish excitement will kill my child," she said. "She
+must abandon it."
+
+"Wait till you see her play, mother," said Al.
+
+"That will not alter my determination."
+
+"Wait," added the boy, quietly.
+
+He was not wrong in the conclusion he had reached. Miss March's part was
+small, but it was a strong one. It was that of a persecuted young girl
+who had been driven from home because of a misunderstanding. It was a
+pathetic rôle, and before the actress had been on the stage five minutes
+the entire female portion of the audience were in tears, and there was a
+suspicious moisture in the eyes of more than one of the sterner sex.
+
+"Isn't she fine?" whispered Al in his mother's ear, as the girl left the
+stage, after her first scene.
+
+"It is wonderful! I am amazed."
+
+"You did not think there was so much talent in the family, did you? Now,
+wouldn't it be a pity to rob the stage of such an ornament?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I thought you would say so. I believe she has a great future. But let
+us leave the decision to her."
+
+"We will do so, my boy."
+
+At this moment there came a shrill cry from the gallery.
+
+"Fire!"
+
+For one instant there was a dead silence; then three-quarters of the
+audience sprang to their feet.
+
+Then came a mad rush for the exits.
+
+It was a scene of indescribable confusion. Women and children were
+trampled beneath the feet of those who should have been their
+protectors, but whose only thought now was to save their cowardly
+selves.
+
+The shrieks of the terrified women, the groans of the injured, the
+curses of the rougher element, who, though face to face with death, did
+not fear to blaspheme--these added to the horror of the scene.
+
+It was evident that the alarm had not been a false one, for the house
+was rapidly filling with smoke, and the crackling of flames could be
+plainly heard.
+
+The doors soon became blocked. It seemed certain that many must perish
+in the flames.
+
+Al quickly led his mother through the door that connected the box with
+the stage, and conducted her in safety out of the building through the
+stage entrance.
+
+As he passed Mr. Wattles at the door he uttered one word:
+
+"Gladys?"
+
+"She is safe," the manager replied. "She went out but a moment ago."
+
+"Thank Heaven! Mother, are you afraid to go back to the hotel alone?"
+
+"No, no; it is but a very short distance. But what are you going to do,
+my boy?"
+
+"I think I can be of some assistance in getting the people out. Good-by!
+I shall be with you again soon."
+
+And he rushed around to the front of the house, where the confusion was
+greater than ever.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+AN EVENTFUL NIGHT.
+
+
+The Rockton police force were evidently not equal to the emergency--two
+or three Hibernians in blue uniform were rushing wildly about, issuing
+orders to which no one paid the slightest attention.
+
+Meanwhile nearly a thousand people were confined within the burning
+building, most of them apparently doomed to a horrible death.
+
+At the doors--of which there were only two--men were fighting like
+maniacs to escape, and actually retarding their own progress in their
+mad excitement.
+
+What could one boy hope to do against this panic-stricken throng?
+
+This is the question that Al Allston asked himself.
+
+"I'm afraid I shan't accomplish much," he said to himself; "but I'm
+going to try, anyhow."
+
+Assuming as cool an air as he could, he ran up to the entrance.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "there is no danger. Take it easy; walk out just
+as you would at any other time, and everything will be all right. Keep
+cool."
+
+Probably not more than half a dozen persons heard the words, but the few
+who did hear them were impressed by the calm, fearless demeanor of the
+boy, which was in such striking contrast to that of everyone else in the
+crowd.
+
+An example of this sort is contagious; word was passed from one man to
+another that the danger was not as great as had been supposed. The
+conduct of the throng changed almost immediately.
+
+"Walk out quietly," went on Al, who was now able to make himself heard.
+"Those on the right-hand side go in the direction of Grand Street, and
+those on the left in the direction of Market Street. Don't block the
+sidewalk. Keep cool, and everyone will get out all right. There is
+nothing to get excited about."
+
+These words had almost a magical effect. In reality, there was quite
+enough in the situation to excite anyone, but Al's apparent calmness and
+his assertion that the danger did not amount to anything produced just
+the result he desired.
+
+The crowd became more rational, and to make a long story short, within
+three minutes the building was emptied, even of the women and children
+who had fainted or been injured.
+
+Five minutes later the roof of the building fell in, but there was every
+reason to believe that not a single human life had been sacrificed.
+
+Al started for his hotel as quietly as if nothing unusual had happened.
+But he had gone only a few steps when he was overtaken by Mr. Wattles.
+
+To his astonishment, the manager folded him in his arms, exclaiming:
+
+"By Jove! I wish you were my son!"
+
+"What's the matter now?" asked the boy, disengaging himself.
+
+"Matter? Why, the matter is that you have in all probability saved the
+lives of several hundred people."
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"That's just what you have done, all the same. You have a cool head for
+such a young fellow--I can tell you that. If it hadn't been for you--I
+shudder to think of what might have happened. You are, as I have had
+occasion to remark before, a wonder."
+
+"Nonsense, Mr. Wattles! But I must go now; mother is sure to be worrying
+about me."
+
+"But there are a score of people waiting to be introduced to you, and I
+have promised to bring you back with me."
+
+"I can't go, Mr. Wattles."
+
+"But----"
+
+"Tell them that I---- Oh, just tell them the plain truth."
+
+"That you have a morbid horror of being lionized?"
+
+"If you want to put it in that way; and that my mother is waiting for
+me."
+
+"Well, well, I won't urge you--particularly as I know that you generally
+mean what you say and stick to it. But, let me tell you, young man, you
+will have to stand considerable lionizing before you leave this town,
+whether you like it or not."
+
+"I don't think so," smiled Al. "There is an early train in the morning,
+if I am not mistaken."
+
+"But you won't take it."
+
+"You will see. Well, good-night, Mr. Wattles. Oh, wait a moment!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"You are sure my sister got out all right?"
+
+"Oh, yes; everyone on the stage escaped within two minutes after the
+first alarm. Don't you know I told you that I saw her go out? You will
+find her with your mother when you get back to the hotel."
+
+Al said good-night once more, and walked away.
+
+"Well," muttered the manager, as he stood and watched the lad's slim
+figure until it was lost to view, "that boy is a corker. I don't believe
+he is afraid of anything on earth--except speech-making. I should like
+to see him really agitated for once."
+
+Mr. Wattles had his wish in less than fifteen minutes.
+
+He had just lighted the gas in his hotel room when there was a quick
+knock upon the door.
+
+Before he could say "Come in!" Al rushed into the room.
+
+One glance at his face showed the manager that something unusual must
+have happened. Never before had he seen the boy so intensely excited; he
+was panting for breath, and his face was ghastly pale.
+
+"What is the matter?" the old gentleman gasped.
+
+"Gladys--my sister----" the boy began.
+
+"Has anything happened to her?"
+
+"We cannot find her."
+
+"She has not returned to the hotel?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Oh, there can be no occasion for alarm. I told you she got out of the
+theater all right."
+
+"But she may have returned."
+
+"What should she return for? But she did not; that I am sure of."
+
+"Where is she, then?"
+
+"Oh, don't worry, my boy; she will turn up all right. Perhaps she has
+gone to visit friends."
+
+"Would she be likely to visit friends under such circumstances?" said
+the boy, almost angrily. "She has no acquaintances in this place--she
+told me so only this afternoon; and if she had, this is not the time she
+would choose for making a social call."
+
+"No, of course not, my boy. Well, what do you think has become of her?"
+
+"I believe that she has been the victim of foul play. Have you forgotten
+Farley's letter?"
+
+Mr. Wattles started.
+
+"It may be so."
+
+"I am sure it is."
+
+"But I have seen nothing of Farley."
+
+"He would not be likely to let you see anything of him if he could help
+it."
+
+"True. Well, what shall we do? Command me, my boy; I am at your
+service."
+
+Before Al could reply the door, which the boy had only partially closed,
+was opened, and a man entered.
+
+Both our hero and the manager recognized him as one of the stage hands
+in the Rockton Theater.
+
+When he saw Al he started, then he said:
+
+"Mr. Wattles, I came here on purpose to get this here young gentleman's
+address."
+
+"My address?" cried Al. "What do you want that for?"
+
+"Is it true, sir," the man asked, "that the young lady as was on the
+bills as Miss Gladys March is your sister?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, sir, I have some information for you."
+
+"Do you know where she is?" demanded the boy, breathlessly.
+
+"No, sir; but I know that she is in a trap, and that if you want to save
+her you must act quick. I've come here, sir, to make a clean breast of
+my part in the affair."
+
+Overcome by excitement, Al seized the fellow by the throat and forced
+him to his knees.
+
+"Speak!" he hissed. "Tell the truth, or I will strangle you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A CLEW.
+
+
+Mr. Wattles stepped forward and gently forced Al to relax his hold on
+the man's throat.
+
+"Don't get excited, my boy," he said. "This is just the time when you
+need a cool head."
+
+"That's so, sir," added the visitor. "I don't blame the young gent for
+the way he feels, but if he expects to get the best of that villain,
+Jack Farley, he has got to keep his wits about him."
+
+"Then," gasped Al, "it was Farley that enticed her away?"
+
+"It was him, sir."
+
+"And what had you to do with it?"
+
+"More than I wish I had. The truth is, sir, I did not realize what I was
+doing at the time. I was not onto his game until it was too late, and
+then I----"
+
+"Don't beat about the bush any longer," interrupted Mr. Wattles,
+impatiently. "What was Farley's game?"
+
+"Where is my sister?" added Al, in an agony of suspense.
+
+"It's like this, gents," replied the man. "Just before the alarm of fire
+was given a man came to the stage door, where I happened to be standing
+at the time. His collar was turned up, and his hat was pulled down, and
+at first I did not recognize him. 'I want you to do me a favor,' he
+says. 'What is it?' says I, 'and who are you?' 'Don't you know me?' he
+asks me. 'No, I don't,' I tells him, 'and I ain't got no time to stand
+here fooling with you.' You see, I thought maybe he was a stage-door
+masher, though he didn't look much like one, to tell the truth, for he
+was dressed in a way that----"
+
+"Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Wattles again. "Get to the point.
+The man told you he was Farley?"
+
+"He did, sir."
+
+"Why were you any more willing to talk to him then? Had you ever met him
+before?"
+
+"Oh, yes."
+
+"By your own admission you knew he was a villain. Why, then, were you
+willing to do him a favor?"
+
+"He did me a great service once, sir, and I was glad of a chance to
+repay him."
+
+"Even at the risk of a young girl's life happiness, perhaps her life
+itself?"
+
+"I did not think it was as serious as all that then, sir. You see, all
+he asked me was to tell Miss March that a friend bearing important news
+was waiting just outside the stage door to see her, and that he would
+not detain her more than a minute. He also told me not to say that it
+was him if she should ask."
+
+"And you did this?"
+
+"I took the message to Miss March, and, as she had at least half an
+hour's time before she had to go on again, she went with me to the door
+without any hesitation."
+
+"And then?" cried Al, breathlessly.
+
+"There was no one else around at the moment. Miss March stepped out. I
+was surprised to see that there was a carriage waiting in the alley. He
+said something to her that I could not hear, and led her to the door of
+the carriage. The next moment, to my surprise, he lifted her in his arms
+and put her into the carriage. She didn't have time to make any
+resistance at all. I am not sure, but I think there was another person
+in the carriage."
+
+"And you made no attempt to interfere?" cried Mr. Wattles.
+
+"What could I do, sir?"
+
+"I am pretty sure that if I had been in your place I should have done
+something," said the old gentleman, warmly.
+
+"The carriage drove off like mad as soon as the young lady was put into
+it, sir."
+
+"Didn't Farley enter it, too?"
+
+"Oh, yes, he jumped right in after her. The driver seemed to know what
+to do; anyway, he received no directions from Mr. Farley in my hearing.
+I suppose it had all been arranged between them beforehand."
+
+"Of course. You might have given the alarm at once; why didn't you?"
+demanded Al.
+
+"By that time, sir, the alarm of fire had been given, and there was a
+terrible commotion in the theater. In the confusion I did not know what
+to do."
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, "better late than never. But what put it into
+your head to come here at all?"
+
+"I don't know that I should have come, sir, but when I heard of the
+heroic way in which this young gent behaved, and how he saved the lives
+of maybe half the audience--when I heard all this, and was told that the
+young lady, Miss March, was his sister, I made up my mind that I would
+come here and make a clean breast of my part of the affair."
+
+"And you have really told us all you know?"
+
+"All, sir, so help me Heaven!"
+
+"I believe you, my man," said Mr. Wattles.
+
+"And so do I," added Al. "But we must not spend any more time in talk;
+we have got to do something at once."
+
+"I will do anything in my power to help you, sir," said the man.
+
+"I don't see that you can do much more than you have done," said Al.
+"You can give me a description of the carriage and the horse, though."
+
+"The carriage was an ordinary livery coach. There were two horses, both
+of them gray. It was a livery turn-out--there can't be any doubt about
+that--and not a first-class one, either."
+
+"You don't know what stable it came from?"
+
+"No, sir; but it won't be a very hard job to find that out, for there
+are only three stables in town. Two of them are quite swell, but the
+other isn't, and I guess it was from that one that the coach came."
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, springing to his feet, "we can get to work
+now. Come, my boy, this man shall take us to the stable at once, and we
+will see what they have to tell us there."
+
+"I don't want to drag you out, Mr. Wattles," said Al. "I can manage this
+business alone."
+
+"You can, eh?" said the manager, almost indignantly. "Well, maybe you
+could, but you won't get the chance. I am going to be right in it with
+you. Why, do you suppose I could sleep a wink to-night with this thing
+on my mind? I tell you, my boy, I thought more of that girl than you
+imagine, and if anything should happen to her----"
+
+Mr. Wattles choked and turned away his head. Al was surprised at this
+exhibition of emotion; he had not given his employer credit for the
+possession of so much feeling.
+
+He extended his hand.
+
+"Mr. Wattles," he said, "you are a good friend of mine and hers. Have it
+your own way, then. Come!"
+
+The manager pressed the boy's hand.
+
+"I don't like scenes--off the stage," he said, rather shamefacedly. "I
+dislike emotion, and am seldom betrayed into it. But--but---- Oh, well,
+we mustn't stand here talking all night. Lead the way to the stable you
+spoke of, my man."
+
+Ten minutes later the trio reached the stable. Here several delays
+awaited them. In the first place, the man who had been on duty in the
+office at the time the coach must have been hired, was asleep in a room
+above the stable, and when awakened refused to get up. After some
+persuasion, he agreed to do so, and came downstairs half dressed. He was
+also half asleep, and for several minutes could not recall the event
+about which his visitors were so anxious to be informed. It had been an
+unusually busy evening, and he was not sure whether the coach had come
+from that stable or not.
+
+At last, however, his memory having been stimulated by a five-dollar
+bill, which Mr. Wattles slipped into his hands, he remembered having
+rented the team to a man who answered Farley's description.
+
+"There was a lady with him, too," the man added.
+
+"What sort of a looking woman?" asked the manager.
+
+"Tall, dark, with very black eyes."
+
+"Miss Hollingsworth!" exclaimed Mr. Wattles.
+
+"Just the idea that occurred to me," added Al.
+
+"It was she, beyond the shadow of a doubt. She is in the scheme, too,
+then. That woman is capable of anything. At last we have a clew, and a
+strong one."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+ON THE TRACK.
+
+
+"But why," questioned Al, "should Miss Hollingsworth lend herself to
+such a scheme?"
+
+"For several reasons," Mr. Wattles replied. "In the first place, she is
+a woman who likes mischief for its own sake--there are such people, you
+know. Then, she is under the influence of Farley; that is a fact that I
+have known for a long time. That man can make her do almost anything he
+wishes."
+
+"Is she in love with him?"
+
+"Sometimes I have thought so, and sometimes I have thought she almost
+hated him. He seems to exercise a sort of hypnotic influence over her;
+that is the only way in which I can explain it."
+
+"If she is in love with him," suggested Al, "it is rather strange, isn't
+it, that she should help him to abduct a rival?"
+
+"Not when you consider everything. Remember that the woman has a grudge
+against you. You haven't forgotten that episode at the Boomville Opera
+House, have you? You were the indirect means of throwing her out of an
+engagement."
+
+"That is so."
+
+"You can depend upon it," went on the manager, "that the woman in the
+case--and in the carriage--was Miss Olga Hollingsworth. But we mustn't
+stand talking here any longer."
+
+Mr. Wattles had observed that the stableman was listening to the
+dialogue with considerable interest.
+
+"Where did the couple say they were going?" he added.
+
+"They said," was the reply, "that they wanted to catch a train, but that
+they had to make a call first."
+
+"Did they say where they were going to call?"
+
+"They did not."
+
+"Did they say what train they wanted to catch?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Where is the driver that took them out? Has he returned yet?"
+
+"He came back long ago, and has gone home."
+
+"Did he say where he took them?" questioned Al.
+
+"No, sir, he said nothing about the matter; all we were talking about
+was the theater fire."
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, with a wink at Al, "we are much obliged for
+your information. Good-night."
+
+And he took the boy's arm and walked him rather unceremoniously out of
+the place.
+
+"I wanted to ask a few more questions," said Al, when they were outside.
+
+"It wouldn't have done any good, my boy. The man told us all he knew
+about the case."
+
+"I'm not so sure about that," demurred Al. "It seems rather queer to me
+that the driver should say nothing at all about such a peculiar case
+when he got back to the stable. According to the report of the stage
+hand he must have been posted about Farley's intention. He was really a
+party to the crime."
+
+"Exactly; and that, of course, is just the reason he said nothing when
+he got back. But we can find out all that later on. Now, in my opinion,
+they--Farley, Hollingsworth and their victim--did really take a train.
+The question now is, what train?"
+
+"Perhaps we can learn that at the railway station."
+
+"Just what I was going to say. We will go to the station now and find
+out what trains leave at about the time that our friends would have been
+likely to reach the place."
+
+"Rockton is not a very big place; there are not many trains a day."
+
+"No; we shan't have any trouble in getting the information we want."
+
+They found the station agent at the depot. He was a small, shriveled-up
+old man, and he glared suspiciously at them when they questioned him.
+
+It took them some minutes to elicit the information that two trains left
+the station at nine-ten--about the hour that the carriage would have
+reached the place if it had gone there direct from the theater.
+
+"And where do these two trains go?" asked Mr. Wattles.
+
+"One goes to New York."
+
+"And the other?"
+
+"The other is the Boston express."
+
+The manager then described the occupants of the carriage.
+
+"I remember them; what of it?" said the station agent, crustily.
+
+"What do you remember about them?"
+
+"I remember that one of the ladies--the smaller one--seemed to be sick;
+at any rate, she had to be helped into the waiting room, where they all
+three stayed till the train arrived."
+
+"Which of the two trains did they take?" cried Al.
+
+"That I don't know."
+
+"You don't know?"
+
+"That's what I said. Do you suppose I keep tabs on everyone that comes
+into this place? Hardly."
+
+"The New York train and the Boston train were here at the same time?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And they might have taken either?"
+
+"They might."
+
+"It is of a good deal of importance to us," said Al, "to learn which of
+those two trains they took."
+
+"I can't help that," was the reply. "I'm no clairvoyant or
+fortune-teller."
+
+"Isn't there some one about the station who could give us some
+information?"
+
+"I don't think there is. The ticket-seller that they bought their
+tickets from might tell you something, but he's off now; there is
+another man in his place."
+
+Al and Mr. Wattles stared at each other in perplexity.
+
+Just then a hang-dog looking young fellow of about Al's age came
+slouching up.
+
+"Here, Smith," called out the station agent, "these folks want some
+information; perhaps you can give it to 'em. Tell this chap what you
+want, gents, and maybe he can help you out."
+
+Al explained the situation to the fellow, who said, readily enough:
+
+"Oh, yes; I remember that party."
+
+"And which of the two trains did they take?"
+
+"The one goin' to Boston."
+
+"At last," exclaimed Mr. Wattles, "we have a little information. Now,
+then, my boy, what shall we do?"
+
+"I shall follow them," replied Al, promptly.
+
+"I wish I could go with you, but----"
+
+"I know it would be impossible, Mr. Wattles; and probably I shall get
+along just as well alone."
+
+"Maybe; but I'd like to be with you to witness the discomfiture of that
+arch-villain. Well, come along and get your ticket for Boston."
+
+They were now walking in the direction of the ticket office.
+
+"No," said Al, "I shall get a ticket for New York."
+
+"Eh?"
+
+The boy repeated the statement.
+
+"But that fellow said they went to Boston; you must have misunderstood
+him."
+
+"Oh, no, I didn't."
+
+"He certainly said Boston."
+
+"I know he did."
+
+"And yet you are going to get a ticket for New York?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"I'll explain. You didn't see the wink he gave the station agent when he
+told us the Boston train yarn, did you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I did."
+
+"You think he was lying to us?"
+
+"I am sure of it. Farley probably paid him to put us off the track."
+
+"Allston, you are a smart young fellow, but there is such a thing as
+being too smart. It may be that by going to New York you will lose
+them."
+
+"I don't think so, Mr. Wattles; I am sure I am right. At any rate, I
+will take the chances."
+
+Twenty minutes later Al was on his way to the metropolis.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+"DR. FERGUSON."
+
+
+As may be imagined, Al was very tired when he boarded the train for New
+York. It had been a hard day for him; yet, though physically fatigued,
+he was mentally alert.
+
+Next him sat a clerical-looking man of about fifty, who presently
+remarked:
+
+"You got on at Rockton, young gentleman, did you not?"
+
+Al, glad of the chance to speak to anyone, replied in the affirmative.
+
+"I once had a charge there," went on the old man.
+
+Al did not understand him.
+
+"A charge?" he said, interrogatively.
+
+"Yes; I am a minister of the Gospel."
+
+"Indeed, sir?"
+
+"Yes; I was pastor of the wealthiest church in Rockton. I left it to
+accept a call to New York."
+
+As this statement possessed no especial interest to the boy, he made no
+reply.
+
+There was a silence of some minutes' duration. Then the old gentleman
+broke out with:
+
+"May I offer you my card?"
+
+At the same time he thrust a bit of pasteboard into Al's hand.
+
+Upon it was inscribed the name, David Ferguson, D. D.
+
+"I haven't a card with me, Dr. Ferguson," said the boy; "but my name is
+Allen Allston."
+
+His traveling companion grasped his hand, and shook it with a remarkable
+exhibition of warmth, considering their short acquaintance.
+
+"I am delighted to meet you, my young friend," he said. "Are you going
+far?"
+
+"To New York, sir."
+
+"Indeed! Then we shall be traveling companions for nearly three hours.
+How delightful!"
+
+The prospect did not seem quite so delightful to Al; for, although he
+was glad to have some one to talk to, he began to fear that the Rev. Dr.
+Ferguson might not prove a wholly congenial companion.
+
+"Are you a resident of Rockton?" went on the doctor.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Only a visitor there?"
+
+"That's all."
+
+"Rockton is a beautiful place."
+
+Al acquiesced.
+
+"And you don't live there?" continued Dr. Ferguson.
+
+"I do not."
+
+"You were visiting friends?" questioned the old man, whose bump of
+curiosity seemed to be well developed.
+
+"I was not, sir; I was there on business."
+
+"On business! Really? You are quite young to be actively engaged in
+business."
+
+As this was a point upon which Al was a little sore, he made no reply.
+He was now quite willing to let the conversation end right there and
+then.
+
+But Dr. Ferguson would not have it so.
+
+"What was the nature of your business, if I may ask?" he resumed.
+"Pardon me, if I seem inquisitive."
+
+"Well," said Al, with a sigh, "I don't know that I have any reason to be
+ashamed of my business."
+
+"I trust not, my dear young friend--I most sincerely trust that you have
+not."
+
+"I am connected with Wattles' New York Comedy Company."
+
+Dr. Ferguson gasped for breath.
+
+"You are an actor--at your age?" he cried.
+
+Al laughed, a little sarcastically, it is to be feared.
+
+"It isn't quite as bad as that," he said.
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"I am only the advance agent."
+
+"And what, may I ask, is an advance agent?"
+
+Al explained.
+
+"It is not, then, quite as bad as I thought," said his companion.
+
+"It might be a heap worse," responded the boy, laconically.
+
+"But still," went on the reverend gentleman, "a position such as that
+you hold may lead to something worse. You may in time--pardon me, if I
+hurt your feelings--you may in time become an actor."
+
+"I guess not," said Al, who had some difficulty in repressing a smile.
+
+"You cannot tell, my dear young friend; one wrong step leads to another,
+and once on the road to destruction, there is no knowing where or when
+the end will come."
+
+"I hope I am not on the road to destruction yet," said Al, "and I feel
+pretty sure that I am not."
+
+"Pride cometh before a fall, my dear young friend," said the doctor,
+impressively. "The moment you begin to be too sure of yourself, you have
+taken the first downward step. You may not be conscious of it, but it is
+taken."
+
+Al began to shift about uneasily in his seat.
+
+"I know that what I say is not pleasant for you to hear," continued the
+old gentleman, "but I speak for your own good."
+
+He then went on to deliver a long homily on the evils of theatrical
+life, and actually succeeded in tiring Al to such an extent that he fell
+asleep.
+
+He was awakened by a voice shouting in his ear:
+
+"This ain't a sleeping car, young man. All off!"
+
+Al leaped to his feet, only half awake. The car was empty of everyone
+except himself and a brakeman.
+
+"Where are we?" he cried.
+
+"In New York," was the reply. "Say, young fellow, you are a pretty sound
+sleeper."
+
+"Well, I'm awake now," said the boy. "I'm sorry to have given you any
+trouble."
+
+"Oh, that's all right. But you haven't lost anything, have you?"
+
+"No. Why?"
+
+"I don't see your baggage anywhere?"
+
+"I didn't bring anything with me."
+
+"That's all right, then. I was afraid that duck in the seat with you
+might have got away with your stuff."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"That was a clergyman," he said--"the Rev. Dr. Ferguson."
+
+"Reverend nothing," grinned the brakeman. "Say, young man, you must be
+from 'way back."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Why, that fellow is one of the cleverest confidence men in the
+country."
+
+"Do you know what you are talking about?" asked the boy, in amazement.
+
+"You can bet I do. Oh, he has fooled sharper ones than you or I. You
+didn't lend him anything, did you?"
+
+"I did not."
+
+"Nor invest in green goods or anything of that sort?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, you are one of the lucky ones, then. When I saw him giving you so
+much chin music I thought he had you sure."
+
+"Well, he didn't."
+
+And Al left the car on very good terms with himself.
+
+"Now, then," he mused, "I'll start in on the business that brought me
+here. I'll go to the nearest police station first. I don't know where it
+is, so to save time I'll take a cab."
+
+As he thus ruminated, he mechanically felt in his pocket.
+
+The next moment he uttered an involuntary exclamation.
+
+His money was gone, and so were his watch, and the ring that had been
+presented to him in Boomville.
+
+He had not, after all, escaped scot-free from the "Reverend David
+Ferguson."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+AN UNLUCKY ERROR.
+
+
+Al's self-esteem had suffered a severe shock.
+
+He had considered himself quite competent to look out for "Number One,"
+but this plausible swindler, the very first person he had met on the
+train, had easily succeeded in swindling him out of all the valuables he
+had about him.
+
+He had lost about a hundred and fifty dollars in cash, his watch, which
+was worth at least another hundred, and the valuable diamond ring that
+had been presented to him on the stage of the Boomville Opera House.
+
+He was alone and penniless in a great city at two o'clock in the
+morning, with a mission to perform that would almost necessarily involve
+the outlay of money.
+
+While he stood at the entrance of the Grand Central Depot the brakeman
+who had addressed him on the car came along. Noticing the look of dismay
+on the boy's face, he said:
+
+"There's nothing the matter, is there?"
+
+"I should say there was."
+
+"What is it? That bunco man didn't get the best of you, after all, did
+he?"
+
+"Rather."
+
+And Al proceeded to inform the man of his loss.
+
+His companion uttered a low whistle.
+
+"Well, he did soak it to you, for fair," he said. "He don't generally
+play that game; as a rule he works the thing in a more artistic way than
+that. Well, he got the money, all the same. It was a pretty good haul,
+too."
+
+"I don't see how he got that ring off my finger without waking me up,"
+said Al, ruefully.
+
+"Oh, he can do more than that," grinned the brakeman. "He'd manage to
+rob you of your eyeteeth if he happened to take a fancy to them. He's a
+daisy!"
+
+"I wish you had warned me when you saw him talking to me on the train."
+
+"I couldn't very well do that; but I kept an eye on you both, and if I
+had seen him up to any funny business, I should have spoken. Hasn't he
+left you any money at all?"
+
+"Not a cent."
+
+"Well, see here, I'll let you have a few dollars if you'll promise to
+return 'em as soon as you get funds."
+
+"Of course I will, and I am very much obliged to you," said Al,
+surprised at this unexpected offer.
+
+"Here you are, then."
+
+And the man handed him a small roll of bills.
+
+"Give me your address," said Al, "and I'll return this to you within a
+day or two, with something to boot."
+
+"I don't want anything to boot. I'll write down my address, if you'll
+lend me a pencil a minute."
+
+Al handed him a pencil. The man was about to write the address on the
+back of an envelope, when, to his amazement, his companion made a rush
+for a cab that stood at the curbstone, gave the driver a few hasty
+directions in a low tone, and then leaped into the vehicle, which
+immediately started off at a rapid pace. Before the brakeman could
+recover from his astonishment, the cab had turned a corner and
+disappeared.
+
+"Well," gasped the man, "if I haven't been buncoed myself, and by a kid
+at that. I'll bet he and the other fellow were pals. And I never
+suspected it! Well, I'll get my ten dollars back if it costs me a
+hundred to do it. This is the last time I'll ever lend money to a
+stranger. I wish I could hire some one to kick me round the block."
+
+The brakeman could scarcely be blamed for forming this opinion of Al,
+erroneous though it was. Appearances were certainly against the boy, and
+the reader is, perhaps, wondering if he had suddenly become insane or
+developed into a kleptomaniac.
+
+The reason for our hero's strange action was this: Just as he handed the
+brakeman the pencil a carriage was passing the depot, from the window of
+which peered the face of the very man for whom Al was seeking--Jack
+Farley.
+
+There was no time for explanations; the carriage was going at a rapid
+rate. Al rushed out to the cab that stood at the entrance and said to
+the driver:
+
+"Do you see that carriage yonder?--the one that is just about to turn
+the corner? Follow it wherever it goes and I'll pay you well."
+
+"Enough said!" the man responded.
+
+As we have seen, the boy entered the cab, and was driven away.
+
+"That brakeman will think that I am a thief, too, I'm afraid," Al mused.
+"Well, I can't help it; it will be all right to-morrow. But he is a good
+fellow, and I don't like the idea of being misunderstood in that way by
+him even for a few hours. There's no help for it, though; I couldn't
+afford to let Farley get away from me!"
+
+The two vehicles kept at an even distance from each other until Tenth
+Street was reached. At the corner of that thoroughfare and Fifth Avenue
+the carriage in advance came to a sudden halt.
+
+Al's driver stopped almost at the same moment.
+
+"What shall I do now, sir?" he called out to his passenger.
+
+"Go right ahead," the boy directed. "When you get to the spot, stop, if
+the other coach has not started again in the meantime; if it has, go on
+as long as it does."
+
+In less than a minute later Al's carriage once more come to a
+standstill.
+
+At the same moment a man leaped from the other carriage, advanced to the
+cab and threw open the door.
+
+"What do you mean," he demanded, "by following my carriage? I have been
+onto you ever since you started. Who are you, and what do you want?"
+
+The man was not Jack Farley; he did not resemble him in any way.
+
+He was an elderly man, fashionably dressed, and had the appearance of
+one who was on his way home after a ball, or some other social
+function, with just enough wine on board to make him quarrelsome.
+
+"What is your little game?" continued the man. "Come, out with it; I am
+going to know."
+
+Al was decidedly embarrassed.
+
+"It is all a mistake," he stammered.
+
+"That's too thin," said the stranger. "I'm onto you; you are a
+detective! Now, what are you shadowing me for?"
+
+Al could not help laughing.
+
+"I am no more a detective than you, sir," he said. "I told my driver to
+follow a certain carriage, and he has made a mistake; that's all there
+is to it."
+
+"I made no mistake," interposed the driver, surlily. "This is the
+carriage you told me to follow."
+
+"You are wrong; the man in that carriage was not this gentleman.
+Remember, it turned the corner before we left the depot, so you lost
+sight of it for half a minute or so."
+
+"That's so," admitted cabby.
+
+"It had probably turned out of the street before we turned into it, and
+you, seeing this gentleman's carriage, supposed it to be the same, and
+followed it."
+
+"I guess that explains it."
+
+"Well, it doesn't explain it to me," said the aggrieved stranger. "I
+consider this affair an outrage, and I am going to have it
+investigated."
+
+"Go ahead and investigate, then," said Al, losing his patience. "You are
+making a mountain of a mole hill."
+
+"I am, eh? Well, you'll see whether I am or not. Cabman, I have your
+number."
+
+"That's all right; keep it," growled the jehu.
+
+"I shall keep it, and make good use of it, too. You will hear from me
+again."
+
+And the man climbed back into his carriage, flushed almost as much with
+anger as with wine.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+AN EXCITING INTERVIEW.
+
+
+As the carriage rolled away Al and the cabman stood and stared at each
+other. Then the latter burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"Well, sir," he said, "this is the funniest job I have had for many a
+long day."
+
+Al failed to appreciate the humor of the situation.
+
+"It does not strike me as being particularly funny," he said.
+
+"It doesn't?"
+
+"Decidedly not. Why did you lose sight of the other cab?"
+
+"Why, you explained that yourself just now. The two carriages looked
+just alike; I believe they were the same."
+
+"No, they were not. The man I saw looking from the window of the
+carriage that passed the Grand Central Depot was not the man we have
+just been talking to."
+
+"Are you sure?"
+
+"Yes. You followed the wrong carriage; that is all there is to it."
+
+"Well," admitted the cabby, "I think you are right. Where shall I take
+you now?"
+
+"Nowhere; I'll walk. How much do I owe you?"
+
+"Ten dollars," was the calm reply.
+
+"Ten what?" demanded Al.
+
+"Dollars."
+
+"Ten dollars for driving me that short distance?"
+
+"Do you call that a short distance?"
+
+"Yes; I could have walked it in a good deal less than half an hour."
+
+"Why didn't you, then?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Now, see here," interrupted the cabman, with a threatening air, as he
+put his face in very close proximity to Al's, "I don't want no muss with
+you. See? But I get that ten dollars. Do you think I'm driving this here
+thing for fun? Not on your life!"
+
+This was Al's first experience with one of the class known in New York
+as "night-hawks," and for a moment he hesitated. Imagining that he had
+gained an advantage, the man added:
+
+"Now, look lively! I've got something else to do besides standing here
+chinning with you."
+
+"Yes," said the boy, quietly, "you have. On second thoughts, I'll keep
+your cab a little longer. Drive me to the nearest police station."
+
+The man stared at him, then asked, rather uneasily:
+
+"What for?"
+
+"So that I can find out just what I ought to pay you. It won't take
+either of us long to get the information."
+
+The night-hawk saw that he had, for once, met his match.
+
+"See here, young gent," he said, "I don't want no trouble with you."
+
+"If there is any trouble, you will bring it on yourself," responded the
+boy.
+
+"I've got no time to waste. Give me a V and I'll call it square."
+
+"I'll give you nothing of the sort."
+
+"What will you pay, then?"
+
+"Two dollars is quite enough."
+
+"Make it three, boss."
+
+"I can't do it," said Al, who saw that he had by luck hit upon about the
+right price. "Will you take two, or will you go with me to the nearest
+police station and let them settle the matter there?"
+
+"Give me the two," said the man, sullenly. "I'll take it, but I'm losing
+money on the job. If I'd stayed up at the station I might have picked
+up----"
+
+"You might have picked up a bigger greenhorn than you did," added Al.
+"Well, I'll wish you good-morning."
+
+He was about to turn away when a heavy hand was laid on his shoulder,
+and a familiar voice exclaimed:
+
+"Well, this is luck. I didn't expect to find you as easy as all this."
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" cried Al, recognizing the friendly brakeman who
+had loaned him the money. "I'm mighty glad I ran across you."
+
+"You are, eh?" sneered the man.
+
+Al looked at him in surprise.
+
+"Yes, I was going to hunt you up."
+
+"Oh, you were?"
+
+"Of course I was. I wanted to explain to you why I left you so suddenly.
+You must have thought----"
+
+"I thought the truth--that I had been made the victim of a swindler. I
+made up my mind that I would hunt you up, but I didn't expect to find
+you quite so soon; that was blind luck."
+
+"See here," said Al, his anger rising, "you are going a little too far.
+I was, and am, much obliged to you for lending me that money, but I----"
+
+"Lending nothing," interrupted the cabman, who had been a silent
+listener to the conversation. "Why, the young villain has just been
+telling me how he euchered a brakeman up at the Grand Central out of a
+wad."
+
+"It is a lie!" burst from the lips of the indignant boy, and he advanced
+toward the treacherous fellow with clinched fists.
+
+But the cabman retreated and leaped upon his box.
+
+"If I didn't have my cab here," he said, as he gathered up the reins,
+"I'd teach you to call me a liar. Boss"--to the brakeman--"you're in
+luck to find the young rascal so easy. Don't let him off; I know him
+well, and, in spite of his innocent looks, he is one of the toughest
+youngsters in the city."
+
+With these words the rascal whipped up his horses and started up the
+avenue at as rapid a pace as his steeds were capable of.
+
+"Do you believe that fellow's story?" demanded Al, looking his companion
+squarely in the eyes.
+
+"You can bet I do," was the prompt reply.
+
+"You think I am a thief?"
+
+"Haven't I pretty good proof of it?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Now, see here, young fellow," interrupted the indignant brakeman, "I am
+not going to sit up till daylight to discuss this matter with you. You
+can talk it over with the judge later. You buncoed me in a very neat
+manner; I admit you did the job well, but luck happened to be on my
+side, and the game is lost for you. But see here; just to avoid trouble,
+if you hand me back my ten dollars, I'll let you off."
+
+"I'll give you all I have left of it," said Al; "and some day I'll prove
+to you that I am not----"
+
+"That's all right," interrupted the uncompromising brakeman. "I don't
+care what you are; all I want is my ten dollars, not what you have left,
+but just what I gave you."
+
+"I have just paid that cabman two dollars," said Al, "and all I can give
+you is eight. I am very sorry I accepted the loan at all."
+
+"You ain't as sorry as I am," sneered the brakeman. "But, see here, I'm
+not going to fool any more time away with you. I've had a hard day, and
+I've got to start in again at eleven o'clock. To save myself trouble, I
+have offered to let you off if you would give me my money back. If you
+won't, you will go with me to the station house, where I shall make a
+formal complaint against you. Now, what do you say?"
+
+Before Al could reply a man suddenly turned the corner of Eleventh
+Street.
+
+As he approached, the boy grasped his companion's arm.
+
+"Now," he said, "I'll prove to you that you have made a mistake."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Do you see this man coming?"
+
+The brakeman looked, then started.
+
+"It's your pal!" he exclaimed, recognizing the individual who had been
+introduced to the reader as the "Rev. David Ferguson."
+
+"He's no more my pal than you are," said Al. "Just keep your eyes and
+ears open, and I'll convince you on that point, at any rate."
+
+The alleged reverend gentleman was approaching rather slowly. His eyes
+were on the pavement. He was smiling; evidently his thoughts were of an
+agreeable nature.
+
+He did not observe Al and his companion until he was within a few feet
+of them; then the boy suddenly stepped forward, saying:
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+A DANGEROUS JOB AHEAD.
+
+
+The reverend gentleman started; a decidedly uneasy expression appeared
+upon his face.
+
+"I don't know you, young gentleman," he said.
+
+"Oh, you can't have forgotten me, Mr. Ferguson," said Al. "My name is
+Allston; don't you remember the interesting conversation we had on the
+train this morning?"
+
+"Ahem! I think I do recognize you now."
+
+"I thought you would. Isn't this rather early for you to be out, Mr.
+Ferguson?"
+
+"I have not yet returned to my home; I have been on an errand of mercy.
+And now I must ask you to excuse me, for I am greatly fatigued."
+
+"Wait a minute."
+
+"Well, what is it?"
+
+"I suppose you have often heard it said that justice and mercy ought to
+go hand in hand."
+
+"It is a very true saying, my lad."
+
+"Well, you say you have just been on an errand of mercy; suppose you now
+perform an act of justice."
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Ferguson, uneasily.
+
+"I guess you know. I mean that I want you to hand back the money and
+jewelry that you stole from me."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me, or are you mad?" almost shouted the alleged
+clergyman. "Do you dare accuse me, me, David Ferguson, of theft?"
+
+"That's about the size of it," replied Al, coolly. "And, remember, I
+know now that your name is no more David Ferguson than mine is."
+
+"Do you dare----" began the fellow.
+
+"That'll do," interrupted Al. "Bluff will not work with me. Are you
+going to return my property?"
+
+He had not uttered the last word when "Mr. Ferguson" abruptly turned on
+his heel and started to run.
+
+He did not go far, however. Out went Al's foot, and the next moment the
+adventurer lay sprawling on the pavement. He was helped to his feet by
+Al and the brakeman, who both kept a tight hold on him.
+
+The sanctimonious expression had entirely vanished from the fellow's
+face, which now wore a look of rage and fear.
+
+The transformation was wonderful; he did not seem the same man.
+
+"Well," he said, "what are you going to do about it?"
+
+"I'm going to hand you over to the police in short order if you don't
+return my property."
+
+"If I give it all back," demanded the man, "will you agree not to make
+any charge against me?"
+
+"Don't agree to anything of the sort," interrupted the belligerent
+brakeman.
+
+But Al said:
+
+"I ought not to do it, but I have no time to attend to the case, so, if
+you hand back what you took from me you can go."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson" fished the roll of bills from his pocket and handed it to
+Al, who carefully counted it.
+
+"Now, the watch and ring," he said.
+
+The "crook" produced the timepiece and gave it to its owner.
+
+"I can't return the ring," he whined.
+
+"Why can't you?"
+
+"I've pawned it."
+
+"Give me the ticket, then."
+
+"I can't do that, either."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I've lost it."
+
+"Well," said Al, "that's unlucky--for you. Now, see here, my reverend
+friend, I have no more time to waste. If your story is true, you'll come
+along with me to the police station. If it is a lie, which I believe,
+you had better hand over that ring in quick time."
+
+"I----"
+
+"I advise you to hurry, for here comes a policeman, and if the ring is
+not on my finger by the time he gets here, I shall hand you over to him
+as sure as I am standing here."
+
+The "crook" hesitated no longer.
+
+"Here you are, then," he said.
+
+As he spoke, he thrust the ring into Al's hand.
+
+"Now," he asked, in a voice that trembled with nervousness, "may I get
+out?"
+
+"Skip," responded Al, laconically.
+
+In less than ten seconds the fellow had disappeared from view.
+
+The brakeman extended his hand to his companion.
+
+"I have wronged you," he said.
+
+"That's what I told you," replied Al, quietly, "but you wouldn't take my
+word for it."
+
+"I hope you'll accept my apology."
+
+"Of course I will; and you must accept your money back."
+
+And the boy handed his companion a ten-dollar bill.
+
+"I hope you don't feel hard toward me?" persisted the man.
+
+"Not at all," Al responded, readily. "You were very kind to offer me the
+money at the depot. I was a perfect stranger to you."
+
+"But I sized you up as a square lad."
+
+"It didn't take you long to change your mind, though."
+
+"You must admit that I had some reason to change it."
+
+"I do admit it. Appearances were very much against me, and if I had been
+in your place I should, very likely, have thought just what you did."
+
+"Nevertheless, I'm sorry I was so hasty. Now, see here, young fellow,
+I've taken a liking to you--honest, I have. I'd like to help you. Now, I
+have an idea that you are in some sort of trouble."
+
+"You are not far out of the way there," admitted the boy.
+
+"Of course, it's none of my business, and I'm not one of the sort that
+cares much about other people's affairs; but--but what is your trouble?
+I only ask, thinking that I may be able to help you in some way."
+
+Al hesitated, then said:
+
+"I need help badly enough, but I don't see what you could do. However, I
+will tell you why I am in New York."
+
+In a few words he told the story of his sister's abduction. When he
+explained why he had left the depot so suddenly his companion
+interrupted him.
+
+"Why," he cried, excitedly, "I saw the cab that you wanted to follow! I
+can tell you just where you can find its driver, too."
+
+"You can?"
+
+"Yes. As it happens, he is an old friend of mine, and there isn't much
+that he won't do for me. He drives for a stable up on Fifth Avenue, but
+he ought to be home by this time. I can get a good deal more information
+out of him than they would give you if you went up to the stables. Do
+you want to go round to his house with me now and see if he is in?"
+
+"Is it far from here?"
+
+"Not ten minutes' walk."
+
+"Let us go, then. But, perhaps, we ought to go to a police station
+first."
+
+"We shall pass one on our way there. Come on; I'll bet that you won't be
+sorry you met me."
+
+Within five minutes Al had given a description of his sister to the
+police, and an alarm was about to be sent out when he left the station.
+
+"Now, to see my friend, Tim Story," said the brakeman, "who, if I am not
+mistaken, will be able to give us as much information in five minutes as
+the police will gain in twenty-four hours."
+
+Tim Story's home proved to be a floor in a West-Side tenement. The
+cabman had just returned home, and did not seem to be in a very
+communicative mood. But in a few minutes Al's new friend had obtained
+information from him that gave the boy a new hope.
+
+"We have found her!" he exclaimed. "How can I thank you?"
+
+"Don't thank me yet," was the reply. "Remember the old saying, 'There's
+many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.' You have a dangerous job ahead
+of you, my boy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+HARD LUCK.
+
+
+Among the passengers that arrived at the Grand Central Depot by a train
+which reached the city about three hours before Al Allston's arrival,
+were a trio who attracted some attention from their fellow passengers;
+attention that was evidently unwelcome and annoying to at least two of
+the three.
+
+There were two women and a man. One of the women, slight and heavily
+veiled, was supported, almost carried, by her companions. She seemed to
+be very ill.
+
+As she was lifted from the car, one of the passengers, an elderly
+gentleman, overheard her say:
+
+"Where am I? Where are you taking me?"
+
+The gentleman stepped forward and asked:
+
+"Can I be of any assistance? The lady seems to be sick."
+
+His voice and manner showed very plainly that he suspected there was
+something wrong, but the two persons he addressed either did not notice
+this, or willfully ignored it.
+
+"You are very kind, sir," responded the male member of the party of
+which the apparent invalid was one. "The lady is ill, and we are anxious
+to get her to her home as soon as possible. Would you be kind enough to
+call a carriage for us? I would not ask this of a stranger had you not
+so kindly proffered your assistance."
+
+"I will do so with pleasure," replied the gentleman, evidently a little
+surprised at the manner in which his offer was received. "But may I ask
+what is the matter with the lady?"
+
+The man he addressed tapped his forehead significantly.
+
+"Brain disease?" questioned the gentleman.
+
+"Yes. Brought on by overwork at school. Poor girl! But we have hope that
+in a few weeks she will be herself again."
+
+"It is very sad."
+
+"Very; and now, sir, if you will kindly call the carriage for me, I
+shall be greatly indebted to you."
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+As the gentleman hurried away, the woman whom we have mentioned as the
+third member of the party, a tall, showy-looking brunette, said:
+
+"What's your game, Jack? Why did you send that old fellow for a
+carriage?"
+
+"It was the easiest way to get rid of him," was the reply. "Didn't you
+see that he was very suspicious?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"The way in which I accepted his offer took him off his guard, and,
+perhaps, saved us some trouble."
+
+"Hush! here he comes."
+
+"I see him. Don't say a word. Leave all to me."
+
+"I have found a very good coach for you," announced the old gentleman,
+hurrying toward them. "Come this way, please."
+
+Murmuring his thanks, Jack Farley, whom the reader has, perhaps, ere
+this, recognized, hurried toward the entrance, supporting the alleged
+invalid, who was now moaning piteously.
+
+A few moments later the three were ensconced in the carriage.
+
+"Where shall I tell the driver to go?" asked the gentleman.
+
+Farley gave an address.
+
+As the carriage started, Miss Hollingsworth asked:
+
+"Why did you give that address?"
+
+"You didn't suppose I was going to give the right one, did you?" said
+Farley, petulantly. "When we are out of sight of the depot I'll tell the
+driver where to go."
+
+As soon as the coach had turned a corner he leaned out of the window and
+called out:
+
+"Driver, I've changed my mind."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"Take us to this address."
+
+And he handed the man a card.
+
+"You think of everything," said Miss Hollingsworth.
+
+"I have to."
+
+"I was afraid that we were going to have some trouble with that old
+man."
+
+"So was I at first, but it turned out all right. I tell you, Olga, it
+takes a smart one to get the better of Jack Farley."
+
+Miss Hollingsworth gave a peculiar laugh.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" demanded Farley. "What have you got in your
+head now?"
+
+"Oh, nothing."
+
+"Yes, you have. What is the matter with you, anyway? Your whole manner
+to-night has been unnatural and peculiar."
+
+"That is only your imagination."
+
+"It is not. Olga, you are not thinking of rounding on me, are you?"
+
+"Of course not. What an idea!"
+
+"Because if you are, I warn you not to try it; if you do, I'll make you
+wish you had never been born."
+
+"Why should I round on you, as you put it? Are not our interests one? Am
+I not helping you in this affair? Am I not unquestioningly obeying you
+in everything? Jack, you are nervous and excited."
+
+"Well, I guess that's so. What I need is a bottle of fizz; and, as soon
+as I get the girl to your flat, I'll go down to Billy's and get it."
+
+"Don't do that," said Miss Hollingsworth, uneasily.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It is too late."
+
+"It's only a little after twelve o'clock."
+
+"But you will stay there gambling and drinking until morning, and I do
+not want to be left alone with this girl."
+
+"I shan't stay more than an hour or so; as for the girl, give her
+another dose of the stuff, and she'll be quiet enough."
+
+At this moment the carriage halted in front of a tall apartment house on
+a fashionable thoroughfare within a stone's throw of Fifth Avenue.
+
+Farley alighted first, carrying the unconscious girl, and was followed
+by Miss Hollingsworth.
+
+"Wait for me, driver," he ordered. "I shall need you again in a few
+minutes."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+Ten minutes later Farley emerged from the house.
+
+"Do you know Billy Rawlins' place?" he asked the cabman.
+
+It was a notorious gambling house, and the man knew it well, as did most
+of his fraternity.
+
+"Take me there, and wait for me."
+
+Twenty minutes later the resort of vice was reached. Farley entered, and
+did not emerge for more than an hour. When, at last, he did come out,
+his face was flushed with wine, and wore a look of disgust and anger.
+
+"That's the last time I'll ever set foot in that place," he said,
+addressing the sleepy driver. "I believe I've been hoodooed by some one.
+I never have any luck in Billy's nowadays, anyway."
+
+"Luck against you to-night, sir?" asked the cabman, sympathetically.
+
+"I should say luck was against me. I went in there with two hundred
+dollars, and all I have got left now is only a little more than enough
+to pay you."
+
+"Hard luck," commented the man, evidently relieved by the latter part of
+the sentence.
+
+"Home," ordered Farley, leaping into the carriage.
+
+As the vehicle passed the Grand Central Depot he happened to look out;
+it was at the precise moment when Al Alston handed the brakeman the
+pencil.
+
+"That boy here!" muttered Farley. "Well, he hasn't lost any time. I
+believe he is my evil genius. Somehow or other the sight of him sends a
+cold chill over me. I wonder if he saw me? I hope not. Pshaw! Why should
+I bother my head about the kid? I'll try to dismiss him from my mind for
+to-night."
+
+The task did not prove an easy one, however, though Farley stopped at
+two saloons on the way; when the carriage reached its destination his
+mind was still busy with the boy he hated.
+
+Having paid the driver with almost the last cent he possessed, he
+entered the house and ascended to the second story.
+
+Unlocking a door at the head of the stairs, he entered a plainly
+furnished flat.
+
+Miss Hollingsworth met him at the door. There was something in her face
+that he did not like, as she said:
+
+"Back at last, are you?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+A WOMAN'S VENGEANCE.
+
+
+Farley stared at her, scowling savagely, as he said:
+
+"What's the matter? Got one of your cranky fits? If so, you had best not
+worry me, for I'm in no mood for nonsense."
+
+"Neither am I," was the quiet reply. "But I am going to talk a little
+solid sense to you."
+
+"I won't listen to you. I'm tired, and want to sleep."
+
+"You will sleep soon, and soundly. Come into the drawing room."
+
+Farley followed her, asking:
+
+"How is the girl?"
+
+"Asleep, under the influence of another dose of the drug."
+
+"Good! Well, what have you to say?"
+
+And he threw himself into a chair.
+
+"I shall not detain you long. I see by your manner that you have lost
+again to-night."
+
+"Nearly every cent I had with me."
+
+"As usual."
+
+"I shall never enter Billy's place again."
+
+"No, I don't think you will."
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Farley, uneasily. "I don't understand you
+to-night, Olga."
+
+"Don't you? Well, I will try to make myself understood."
+
+"Go on, then, and be quick about it. I'm dead tired."
+
+"I have stood by you for five years, have I not, Jack Farley?" demanded
+the woman, fixing her large, dark eyes firmly on those of her companion.
+
+"Well, what of that?" growled the man. "It has been to your interest to
+do so, hasn't it? Have you ever had a decent engagement that I have not
+obtained for you? And haven't I stuck to you, too? See here, Olga, I am
+in no mood for recriminations this morning, and you may as well quit
+just where you are. I see you are going to have one of your tantrums;
+well, you can have it all by yourself."
+
+Farley rose to leave the room, but his companion placed herself between
+him and the door.
+
+"Wait," she said, in a strange, hard tone.
+
+"What's the matter with you to-night?" demanded Farley. "Have you gone
+crazy?"
+
+"Perhaps. At any rate, I will compel you to listen to me."
+
+"You will compel me?" sneered the man. "And how do you propose to do
+that?"
+
+"Do you see this?"
+
+And Miss Hollingsworth opened her hand, revealing a small cylindrical
+object.
+
+"What is it?" asked Farley, curiously.
+
+"Dynamite."
+
+The man recoiled.
+
+"You're joking, Olga."
+
+"I am not. There is enough of the explosive here to tear this house to
+pieces."
+
+"Where did you get it? What are you going to do with it?"
+
+"Never mind where I got it. As for what I am going to do with it, that
+you will learn very soon. Now, Jack Farley, will you listen to me?"
+
+"Yes, yes; but give me that stuff, Olga."
+
+"Sit down."
+
+Farley obeyed, with a very pale face.
+
+"Well, what is it?" he asked.
+
+"We are going to have a settlement at last. You no longer love me, Jack
+Farley."
+
+"Nonsense, Olga. You know----"
+
+"I know that I am speaking the truth. You have thought me merely the
+creature of your will; I have let you think so, I have borne your
+indignities patiently----"
+
+"What indignities?" interrupted Farley. "I don't know what you are
+talking about."
+
+"Was it not an indignity to almost force me to assist you in abducting
+my rival?"
+
+"Your rival! Nonsense!"
+
+"This girl has supplanted me in your affections."
+
+"This is folly. I only did what I have to revenge myself on that kid,
+Allston, the girl's brother."
+
+"It is a lie, and I know it. But all will soon be over now."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Just what I say, Jack Farley."
+
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"Explode this dynamite, and end all at once. Jack, in two minutes you,
+she and I will be in eternity!"
+
+"Are you stark, staring mad? Give me that stuff!"
+
+The woman laughed wildly.
+
+"No, the hour has come!" she cried.
+
+She lifted the cylinder above her head, with the evident intention of
+hurling it to the hard wood floor.
+
+But at that instant her arm was seized and the dynamite forced from her
+hand.
+
+"You have saved at least twenty lives!" gasped Farley, sinking, pale and
+trembling, into a chair.
+
+"Where is my sister?" demanded Al Allston--for the newcomer was
+he--paying no attention to his enemy's words.
+
+"She shall be restored to you," said Farley, who was thoroughly sobered
+by the shock.
+
+"She shall not," cried the woman. "She shall not leave this house
+alive!"
+
+It was plain to Al that Miss Hollingsworth was mentally deranged, and
+not wholly responsible for her conduct and words.
+
+"Where is she?" he repeated.
+
+"She is asleep in yonder room," said Farley, pointing to a door at the
+farther end of the drawing room. "Take her with you and go."
+
+The plotter seemed entirely unnerved; he was ready to surrender at once
+and without protest all that for which he had schemed so long.
+
+The boy advanced toward the apartment designated. Miss Hollingsworth
+made no attempt to detain him as he passed her; but there was a strange,
+meaning smile on her face, the significance of which our hero did not
+comprehend.
+
+He entered the adjoining room. His sister lay upon the bed, fully
+dressed and apparently asleep. He was about to lift her in his arms when
+there came from the other room a strange, wild peal of laughter. It was
+immediately followed by a terrific explosion.
+
+Al was thrown to the floor, half stunned by the shock.
+
+In a few moments he had risen. The wall separating the two rooms was
+partially destroyed; the drawing room was in flames, there was no
+possibility of escape in that direction.
+
+The boy rushed to the window and threw it open.
+
+An exclamation burst from his lips; there was a fire escape outside.
+
+He lifted the still unconscious girl in his arms, and a moment later he
+had begun the perilous descent of the frail iron ladder.
+
+It was made in safety; in a few moments Al had deposited the girl in a
+carriage which had been in waiting for him.
+
+By this time, early as was the hour, the street was thronged with
+people, attracted by the terrific explosion.
+
+The upper part of the house was in flames, the fire escape was now
+crowded, and the half-dressed tenants of the building were rushing out,
+panic-stricken, from the various exits.
+
+Al was fortunate enough to attract but little attention; five minutes
+later he and his sister were in a place of safety.
+
+His sudden appearance on the scene may be briefly explained.
+
+The hack driver, Tim Story, had given him the card which he had received
+from Farley, and Al had lost no time in going to the address given.
+
+In their excitement Farley and his companion had left the outer door of
+their flat unfastened, and the boy had been able to effect an entrance
+without difficulty. As had happened more than once before in his life,
+his natural energy and push had been supplemented by good luck.
+
+A physician, whom Al at once summoned, gave it as his opinion that
+Gladys was under the influence of an opiate, but that in all probability
+there was no danger of serious results from the adventure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+AND LAST.
+
+
+It was nearly ten o'clock that morning when the girl awoke from her
+stupor; and, to Al's intense relief, she seemed none the worse for her
+experience.
+
+All she could remember of the events of the previous night was that she
+had been forced to enter the carriage at the stage door of the Rockton
+Theater, and that as soon as she was inside the vehicle a handkerchief
+saturated with some drug--chloroform, she believed--had been pressed to
+her nostrils. Then she lost all consciousness of her surroundings.
+
+She had no recollection whatever of the journey to New York, or of any
+of the subsequent events.
+
+The afternoon papers contained exciting accounts of the explosion. Al
+had unreservedly given the police all the facts in the case; and in the
+hands of the reporters the story lost nothing.
+
+The building had been saved from total destruction by the efforts of the
+firemen, and it was known that no lives had been lost, except those of
+Miss Hollingsworth and Jack Farley; it seemed certain that they must
+have perished. It was found that the former had premeditated her
+horrible crime, and had prepared for emergencies; she had, on the
+previous day, supplied herself with no less than half a dozen of the
+dynamite cylinders, so that the loss of the one which Al had taken from
+her was no obstacle to the accomplishment of her plan.
+
+Once more Al was the hero of the hour. When he rejoined Mr. Wattles, two
+days after the events we have just related, he was met at the station by
+a crowd of citizens, who unhitched the horses from the carriage that was
+in waiting for him and his sister, and insisted upon dragging the
+vehicle to the hotel, much to the embarrassment of the two young people.
+
+Al suspected Mr. Wattles to be the instigator of this proceeding, and
+accused him of having incited the populace to behave as they had.
+
+"What is the matter with you?" the old gentleman asked. "Such a tribute
+of admiration would turn the head of almost anyone, but you kick about
+it."
+
+"Didn't you work up the demonstration?" persisted Al.
+
+"Suppose I did?"
+
+"Well, don't do it again."
+
+"I shan't have to. I've set the ball rolling, and the chances are that
+something of the sort will happen at every town we visit during the next
+two weeks."
+
+Al groaned.
+
+"I believe I'll throw up the job," he said, half in jest, and half in
+earnest.
+
+"Well, I believe you won't," said the manager, very much in earnest.
+"You're just the sort of agent I want. Why, you can't help having
+adventures and getting into the papers."
+
+"That sort of thing won't last forever."
+
+"I suppose not; but, when you cease to be a popular hero, I think I can
+trust to your good judgment and business ability to manage things. Throw
+up the job! I should say not! I couldn't get along without you. And,
+besides, if you left me, your sister would go, too."
+
+"That need not necessarily follow."
+
+"She would go; and I tell you I could not get along without her,
+either."
+
+Mr. Wattles always spoke of Miss March with an awkward, embarrassed air
+that puzzled Al.
+
+"But, of course," he continued, hastily, "you do not mean what you said.
+Remember, you promised me----"
+
+"I never went back on my word yet," interrupted Al, "and I shall not
+now. But I wish these public demonstrations would cease. They seem to me
+ridiculous, and they annoy me a good deal more than you seem to think."
+
+"Well, you are the queerest press agent I ever struck," said the
+manager. "However, I guess you won't be much bothered--after to-night."
+
+"Eh?" cried Al. "After to-night? What do you mean by that? What is to be
+done to-night?"
+
+"Oh, nothing in particular. I ought not to have mentioned it."
+
+"Yes, you ought. Come, out with it!"
+
+"Well, I suppose I may as well. The fact is, the citizens of this place
+have decided to----"
+
+"Not another speech-making affair at the theater?" interrupted the boy,
+in horrified accents.
+
+"Well," blurted out Mr. Wattles, "that's just it."
+
+"I shan't be here. You know I've got to go ahead to the next town this
+afternoon."
+
+"Oh, no, you haven't," smiled the old gentleman. "The fact is, the sale
+is so big that I have felt justified in canceling the next two towns,
+and we are to stay here the remainder of the week. There's no getting
+out of it, my boy; the thing has got to come off, and this time you will
+have to make a speech."
+
+At first Al would not hear of this, and declared that he would start for
+home. But he at last allowed his companion's eloquence to overcome his
+objections, and agreed to remain.
+
+How he dreaded the ordeal no one but he ever knew, but he made up his
+mind that, as he put it to himself, he would "see the thing through." He
+prepared a brief speech, which he memorized, and which he hoped to be
+able to deliver without breaking down.
+
+Evening came only too soon, and Al, arrayed in a new dress suit, awaited
+the inevitable call for his appearance. Everything had been "cut and
+dried," and he knew that there was no escape.
+
+At the end of the first act of the play there arose a shout, "Allston!
+Allston!"
+
+"Go on, my boy," said Mr. Wattles, who, with his protégé stood upon the
+stage, just behind the curtain. "What are you trembling for? This ought
+to be the proudest moment of your life."
+
+With these words he fairly pushed the boy before the audience.
+
+Then arose a whirlwind of applause. When it had subsided, Al tried to
+begin his speech. But to his utter consternation, he found that he had
+forgotten every word of it.
+
+But he was not, after all, obliged to deliver it. As he stood, trying to
+remember at least one word of the carefully prepared effort, a man
+suddenly advanced from the rear of one of the proscenium boxes, leveled
+a pistol at the boy's head and fired.
+
+The bullet whistled past Al's ear, but did not graze it. The next moment
+the would-be assassin was struggling in the hands of the other occupants
+of the box. He managed to free himself; then came another report, and
+the next moment Jack Farley lay dead on the floor of the box, a suicide.
+
+How he had escaped from the doom with which he had been threatened on
+the previous night, how he had succeeded in entering the theater without
+attracting attention, will never be known.
+
+Al's speech was forgotten in the excitement, and he was not obliged to
+make it, after all.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In a few weeks Al ceased to be a popular idol, but he was daily learning
+new "points" and becoming more and more valuable to his employer; he was
+already recognized as one of the brightest advance agents on the road.
+
+One morning, about two months after the tragedy that we have just
+recorded, his sister came to him and said:
+
+"Al, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you grant it?"
+
+"I promise in advance," was the prompt reply.
+
+"Then congratulate me."
+
+"On what?"
+
+"I am going to be married."
+
+"Married!" gasped the boy. "To whom?"
+
+"To Mr. Wattles."
+
+"You're joking."
+
+"Indeed, I am not!"
+
+"Why, he is forty years your senior."
+
+"He is a good, true man, and I love him; that's enough for me."
+
+"Then it is enough for me, too, sister," was Al's quick reply, "and I do
+heartily congratulate you."
+
+We need add but a few words. The marriage proved a most happy one, and
+Mrs. Wattles--whose real name we should give, if we were permitted--is
+now one of the most popular actresses and most estimable ladies on the
+American stage.
+
+Al is now no longer an advance agent, but a manager. He is rapidly
+making a fortune; and, what is better, has earned a reputation for
+integrity and uprightness second to that of none in his business.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+The original edition of this book did not contain a table of
+contents. A table of contents has been created for this
+electronic edition.
+
+The following typographical errors in the original edition were
+corrected.
+
+In Chapter III, "would, perhaps, he a good scheme" was changed to
+"would, perhaps, be a good scheme", and "his eyes over s contents" was
+changed to "his eyes over its contents".
+
+In Chapter IV, "your prepartions for the performance" was changed to
+"your preparations for the performance".
+
+In Chapter VI, "his attention was atrracted by the sound" was changed to
+"his attention was attracted by the sound".
+
+In Chapter XI, "I want you take this" was changed to "I want you take to
+this".
+
+In Chapter XXVI, "Where are ye?" was changed to "Where are we?"
+
+In Chapter XXVIII, "the boy grasped his ccompanion's arm" was changed to
+"the boy grasped his companion's arm".
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AHEAD OF THE SHOW***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 39454-8.txt or 39454-8.zip *******
+
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+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Ahead of the Show, by Fred Thorpe</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Ahead of the Show</p>
+<p>       The Adventures of Al Allston, Advance Agent</p>
+<p>Author: Fred Thorpe</p>
+<p>Release Date: April 14, 2012  [eBook #39454]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AHEAD OF THE SHOW***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>E-text prepared by Steven desJardins<br />
+    and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br />
+    from page images generously made available by the<br />
+    Google Books Library Project<br />
+    (<a href="http://books.google.com">http://books.google.com</a>)</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      the the Google Books Library Project. See
+      <a href="http://books.google.com/books?vid=r08TAAAAYAAJ&amp;id">
+      http://books.google.com/books?vid=r08TAAAAYAAJ&amp;id</a>
+	</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 392px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="392" height="600" alt="cover of Ahead of the Show, Bound-to-Win Library No. 77" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="thin" />
+
+<h1>Ahead of the Show<br />
+<span class="smallertext">OR</span><br />
+<span class="smalltext">The Adventures of Al Allston, Advance Agent</span></h1>
+
+<p class="center"><i>By</i> FRED THORPE, <i>author of "Blind Luck," "The<br />
+Boy in Black," "Chris, the Comedian," "Git Up and<br />
+Git," "Walt, the Wonder Worker," etc....</i></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 173px;">
+<img src="images/logo.png" width="173" height="180" alt="S&amp;S logo" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="center">STREET AND SMITH, PUBLISHERS<br />
+238 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK</p>
+
+<p class="center smalltext">Copyright, 1897<br />
+By Norman L. Munro</p>
+
+<p class="center smalltext">Ahead of the Show</p>
+
+<hr class="wide" />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<table class="figcenter" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Table of Contents">
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum smalltext">CHAPTER</td>
+<td class="chapname smalltext">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="chappage smalltext">PAGE</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">I.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Al Makes Application.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">5</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">II.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Al Talks Business.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">12</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">III.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Al's Scheme.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">17</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">IV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Al to the Rescue.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">24</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">V.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Al Claims His Reward.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">29</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">VI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Another Rock Ahead.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">35</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">VII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">The Debut.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">41</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">VIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Startling Situation.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">47</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">IX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Close Call.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">53</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">X.</td>
+<td class="chapname">An Interview with the Mayor.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">61</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">In Peril.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">67</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Interviewed.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">73</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Stroke of Luck.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">80</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XIV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Al's Ad.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">87</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Saved by a Shadow.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">91</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XVI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Lesson in Journalism.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">97</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XVII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">"I Want You."</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">103</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XVIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Mr. Marmaduke Merry.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">109</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XIX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Startling Acknowledgment.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">115</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">The Locket.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">121</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Brother and Sister.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">127</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">An Awful Catastrophe.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">133</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">An Eventful Night.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">139</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXIV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Clew.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">145</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXV.</td>
+<td class="chapname">On the Track.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">151</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXVI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">"Dr. Ferguson."</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">157</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXVII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">An Unlucky Error.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">163</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXVIII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">An Exciting Interview.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">169</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXIX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Dangerous Job Ahead.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">175</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXX.</td>
+<td class="chapname">Hard Luck.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">181</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXI.</td>
+<td class="chapname">A Woman's Vengeance.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">187</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="chapnum">XXXII.</td>
+<td class="chapname">And Last.</td>
+<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">193</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<hr class="wide" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="AHEAD_OF_THE_SHOW" id="AHEAD_OF_THE_SHOW"></a>AHEAD OF THE SHOW.</h2>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapterone"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AL MAKES APPLICATION.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"If I had that fellow here I'd make him wish he'd never heard the name
+of Augustus Wattles. And I'll do it some day, too."</p>
+
+<p>The manager and proprietor of Wattles' New York Comedy Company was very,
+very "mad." His naturally florid face was redder than usual, and his
+fists were clinched in a manner that augured no good to the "fellow"
+referred to, had that individual chanced to appear upon the scene at
+this precise moment.</p>
+
+<p>He stood at the door of the Boomville Opera House, in company with the
+local manager, Mr. Cyrus Perley, who seemed in some degree to share his
+discomfiture and anger.</p>
+
+<p>A group of stragglers listened in silence to their conversation, gazing
+at them with that peculiar and unaccountable reverence that many people
+feel for members of the theatrical profession.</p>
+
+<p>"It's pretty tough," said Mr. Perley, "but it isn't my fault."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it isn't. Well, this is the last time that loafer will play that
+trick on me. He thinks that because I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> have been easy with him in the
+past there is no end to my patience. I'll show him that he is making the
+mistake of his life."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, you will discharge him?"</p>
+
+<p>"You had better believe I will. A healthy sort of advance agent he is!
+Think of my bringing my company to a town of the importance of
+Boomville, to find that absolutely no advance work has been done, that
+my advance agent, to whom I pay a fancy salary, has not even showed his
+face in the town."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he has succumbed to his old complaint?" said Mr. Perley.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; he is drunk beyond the shadow of a doubt, and may not show
+up again for a week. Well, when he does, he'll meet with a warm
+reception from me. We ought to have had an eight-hundred-dollar house
+to-night, and now we'll be lucky if we take in half that amount."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't expect we'll do as well as that. It wouldn't have made so much
+difference under ordinary circumstances, but, as luck will have it,
+they've got the strongest attraction of the season at the other
+house&mdash;the 'Crack of Doom' Company. You know that's a big puller
+everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure. They have a railway collision, a tank of real water, a buzz saw
+and two real lunatics in the insane asylum scene."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and their advance man has worked the show up in great shape here.
+According to him, the leading lady lost nine thousand dollars' worth of
+diamonds on her way<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> here, and the soubrette is going to marry Chauncey
+Depew. And they give souvenirs to-night in honor of the five hundredth
+performance of the piece."</p>
+
+<p>"They've been giving that five hundredth performance in every town
+they've played in for the last month; and their souvenirs are not worth
+over fifty cents a gross."</p>
+
+<p>"All very true, but the public will have 'em. I hoped your advance man
+would have some taking counter-attraction."</p>
+
+<p>"So he did have, but&mdash;&mdash; Oh, well, it's no use talking about that.
+What's done can't be helped, but I won't be left in this way again.
+Where is the nearest telegraph office?"</p>
+
+<p>"On the next block. What are you going to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wire to New York for a new advance agent. I happen to know of an A1 man
+who is out of an engagement. There are two or three others after him,
+but I guess I can make it worth his while to go with me. I won't get
+left in this way again, you can bet your boots!"</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," growled Mr. Perley, "but it doesn't help out the
+present engagement any."</p>
+
+<p>"No, but we are joint sufferers in that, and we may as well grin and
+bear it."</p>
+
+<p>And the irate manager of the New York Comedy Company started for the
+telegraph office with fire in his eyes and a look of determination on
+his face.</p>
+
+<p>Neither he nor Mr. Perley had observed the presence in the little group
+of listeners to their conversation of a rather good-looking,
+well-dressed boy of about eighteen.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>This lad did not lose a word of the excited discussion, and, as the
+manager started to walk away, he muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"This is the chance I have been looking for; I won't let the opportunity
+slip. It doesn't seem as if there would be much hope for me, but there's
+no harm in trying, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>He followed Mr. Wattles, and just before that gentleman reached the
+telegraph office he tapped him on the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>The manager turned quickly. When he saw the boy, he asked, impatiently:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can I speak with you a few minutes, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not now, not now."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles was about to resume his walk, but the boy laid a detaining
+hand on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see you on business, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You have business with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Important business, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, I'll see you in a few minutes; I've got to send an
+important telegram now."</p>
+
+<p>"But I want to see you before you send that telegram."</p>
+
+<p>"Before I send the telegram? Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I think I can prove to you that it is not necessary to wire to
+New York at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh? Why, how did you know that I was going to wire to New York?"</p>
+
+<p>"I overheard what you said to Mr. Perley in front of the opera house
+just now."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! I was excited, and spoke a little louder than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> I ought. Well,
+why do you think it will not be necessary for me to send the telegram?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I am sure you can find just the person you want right here in
+Boomville."</p>
+
+<p>"An advance agent to be picked up offhand in this place? That would be
+too much luck. What is your man's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Allen Allston."</p>
+
+<p>"I never heard of him. What company was he with last?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has never been with any company, sir, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles surveyed the boy with a look of supreme disgust.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose for one moment," he interrupted, "that I am going to
+take an inexperienced jay from a town like this and send him ahead of an
+organization like Wattles' New York Comedy Company? Well, hardly. I've
+got to have an experienced man."</p>
+
+<p>"And you're going to telegraph for one now, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"This minute."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose you can't get the man you want&mdash;will you talk with me then,
+sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, in that case you might send your friend to see me, though it
+seems nonsense. But I shall get my man all right."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are going to request an immediate answer to your
+telegram, Mr. Wattles?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am; I shall get it within an hour, in all probability."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>"Where can I find you after you have received it?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the hotel next door. You are a persistent young rascal; your friend
+has a good advocate in you."</p>
+
+<p>The boy smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the best friend he has in the world," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you are you had better advise him to stick to farming, or
+whatever he is doing, and keep out of the theatrical business; we have
+too many farmers in it already."</p>
+
+<p>"He wouldn't take the advice, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles laughed as he entered the telegraph office.</p>
+
+<p>"If the boy's friend has got as much 'go' as he has," he muttered, "he
+might do something in the business."</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the message had been sent. An hour and a half later a
+messenger entered the lobby of the hotel with a telegram.</p>
+
+<p>"For me?" questioned the manager, who had been impatiently pacing the
+floor for the last twenty minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles tore open the envelope.</p>
+
+<p>A muttered exclamation escaped his lips as he hurriedly perused the
+message.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?" said a voice at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>Turning, he confronted the lad with whom he had had the brief interview
+which we have recorded.</p>
+
+<p>"You here? Well, you do mean business."</p>
+
+<p>"Is your offer accepted, sir?" the boy asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Confound it, no! The man I wanted signed yesterday<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> with another
+manager. Well, send your friend round and I'll talk with him."</p>
+
+<p>"He is here, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Where?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Allen Allston."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AL TALKS BUSINESS.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles stared at the boy a moment in speechless surprise, then
+burst into a loud laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean to say," he almost gasped, "that you made that
+application for yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what I mean to say, sir," replied the lad, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you must be crazy!"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I am."</p>
+
+<p>"You are only a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll get over that in time, Mr. Wattles; and besides, that fact is no
+proof that I am crazy."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pshaw! I can't stand here bandying words with you."</p>
+
+<p>Al was not in the least taken aback.</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what I was thinking," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"That we had been standing up too long. Let's sit down."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the manager, "you have cheek enough, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>"Cheek is necessary for an advance agent, isn't it, sir?" laughed the
+boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but&mdash;oh, really, this is ridiculous, you know!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is ridiculous?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>"Your applying for this position."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is it ridiculous?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who ever heard of a boy advance agent?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just the point. Nobody ever did, and it will be a complete
+novelty, and a big ad. for the show."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles gazed at the boy almost admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you are a corker!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"A good advance agent ought to be a corker, oughtn't he, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so&mdash;yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Shan't we sit down and talk the matter over?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>And the manager sank into a convenient chair, gazing at his youthful
+companion with an expression indicative of bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got him now sure," murmured the lad, but his companion did not
+hear him; Al did not intend that he should.</p>
+
+<p>When they were both seated the boy said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sir, you want an advance agent, and I want a position. It is lucky
+we met."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," interrupted Mr. Wattles, "but what the mischief do you know about
+the business of an advance agent?"</p>
+
+<p>"A lot," was the calm reply.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you learn it?"</p>
+
+<p>"By reading and observation."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! You might as well talk about learning to swing on a trapeze
+by reading and observation."</p>
+
+<p>"There's a big difference, sir."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>"Not much."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I've always thought I should like to do work of that sort, and I
+think I could do it well."</p>
+
+<p>"Stage-struck, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit of it, Mr. Wattles. Now, will you listen to me a few moments,
+sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead."</p>
+
+<p>And the manager assumed an air of resignation.</p>
+
+<p>"I generally keep my eyes open," began the boy, "and I have had a chance
+to watch the movements of most of the theatrical people who come to this
+town, particularly the advance agents."</p>
+
+<p>"Why the advance agents in particular?" interrupted Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have been in the editorial office of the Boomville <i>Herald</i>,
+and have had a chance to see how they work the press. Some of them are
+very slick, but I think that if I had a little experience I should be as
+slick as any of them."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said the manager, "that's the point. You haven't had experience."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I've got to begin some time, sir. If all managers had talked like
+you the race of advance agents would have been extinct long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"There's something in that," laughed Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"There's lots in it."</p>
+
+<p>The manager of the New York Comedy Company surveyed his companion for a
+few moments without speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"My boy, I rather like you," he said, at last.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>"Well, that's one point in my favor, sir," said Al.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to give you a chance, but I really do not see how I can."</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You must remember that the New York Comedy Company is not a common,
+fly-by-night organization, but a first-class enterprise. I have put a
+good many dollars into the thing, and I can't afford to experiment. If
+so much did not depend upon the result, if I were running a cheap side
+show, I might give you the trial you ask, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't have anything to do with any such show," interrupted the
+boy. "I don't intend to be that sort of advance agent. But I can
+understand how you feel, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you can also understand how impossible it is for me to engage your
+services."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I can't understand that at all, Mr. Wattles. Now let me ask you
+a question."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard you tell Mr. Perley that you did not expect there would be four
+hundred dollars in the house to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I said. I shall be agreeably disappointed if there is as
+much as that."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet the opera house will hold twelve hundred dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"I see you are posted, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I am. Now, Mr. Wattles, it is a little out of the line of an advance
+agent's work, but, just to show you that I have a little snap and
+business ability, I will guarantee to fill the opera house to its utmost
+capacity to-night, if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> you will agree to give me a chance as advance
+agent after that."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know what you are talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>And the manager stared in renewed amazement at the youth.</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"You will undertake to fill the house to-night, in spite of the
+disadvantages under which we are laboring?"</p>
+
+<p>"The 'Standing Room Only' sign will be displayed before eight o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is your scheme?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will agree to follow my suggestions?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not until I hear them."</p>
+
+<p>"If you don't like them you will agree not to repeat anything I may say
+to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'll give you my idea. I see you are getting ready to guy me,
+sir," as a rather cynical smile appeared upon the manager's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't think I can knock out such a strong opposition as the 'Crack
+of Doom' Company, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll show you that I can, and get you not only a full house, but
+the elite of the place."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," interrupted Mr. Wattles, impatiently, "have done with
+preliminaries and let me know how you propose to accomplish all this."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AL'S SCHEME.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time
+met a few stage-struck amateurs&mdash;people who thought they knew it all,
+and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of
+anyone who ever trod the boards?"</p>
+
+<p>The manager laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say yes. The woods are full of them."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we have one here."</p>
+
+<p>"Only one?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are others, but one whom it will be worth your while to know."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is she?&mdash;for it is a woman, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, it is a woman; she is the wife of the mayor."</p>
+
+<p>"The wife of the mayor of Boomville stage-struck?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the worst way, Mr. Wattles; she believes herself the only legitimate
+successor of Charlotte Cushman."</p>
+
+<p>"They all do. Well, what has all this to do with your scheme?"</p>
+
+<p>"A good deal. Mrs. Anderson&mdash;that is her name&mdash;is very anxious to appear
+on the professional stage."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't you give her a chance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Eh? I? How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Send her word that one of your actresses has been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> taken suddenly ill,
+and ask her to take her place. She'll do it, take my word for that, and
+all Boomville will go to see her."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you must be crazy, young man," said Mr. Wattles, in a tone of
+disgust. "So that is your scheme, is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is part of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it won't work."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"For a dozen reasons. If I had two or three weeks to work up the thing
+it would be different; then it would, perhaps, be a good scheme. But you
+seem to forget that the performance takes place to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"There's plenty of time to work up business," said Al, calmly. "It is
+not ten o'clock yet. See Mrs. Anderson, get her consent to play, and
+I'll prove my executive ability by doing all the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"But, good gracious! how could the woman memorize a part between this
+and night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Give her a short part&mdash;any old part. Two or three lines will do. What
+she wants is a chance to show herself on the professional stage."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a small part," hesitated Mr. Wattles, "one that she could
+learn in half an hour. But, no, it won't do. The woman might queer the
+performance, and I should be the laughingstock of the profession for the
+next year."</p>
+
+<p>"She's not as bad as all that," said Al. "She has appeared in amateur
+performances here and made a success. Better see her, Mr. Wattles. I
+know she'll be tickled to death with the idea. You'll be in plenty of
+time to get a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> big ad. in this afternoon's <i>Herald</i>, and you'll have the
+biggest house of the season."</p>
+
+<p>The manager brought his fist down on the table by his side, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"By jingo, boy, I will do it! Lots of money has been made out of
+stage-struck society women, and perhaps I may come in for a little of
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll come in for a lot of it to-night, sir, if you just follow my
+advice. And now I'll show you the way to the mayor's house."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute. You said this amateur racket was only a part of your
+scheme; what is the rest of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Souvenirs. This town is wild on souvenirs. The 'Crack of Doom' Company
+give hand-painted fans to-night. Why don't you go one better, and
+announce that every lady attending your performance will receive a
+heavily plated silver souvenir spoon?"</p>
+
+<p>"But where the mischief could I get the spoons?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll provide them."</p>
+
+<p>"You?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"But where are you going to get them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I've got them. You see, sir, I am a sort of speculator. I attend
+auction sales and that sort of thing, and if I see a big bargain I take
+advantage of it. It's better than clerking at five dollars a week. A few
+days ago I struck a bankrupt sale in New York, and bought a lot of
+plated spoons at 'way below cost. I meant to sell them to the stores
+here, but I'll let you have them at just what they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> cost me&mdash;you can
+afford to give them away if you buy them at that price&mdash;and there will
+be plenty to go round."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles surveyed his companion in amused wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you are a queer sort of lad," he said. "You seem to have a pretty
+old head on those young shoulders of yours!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I have enough to look out for number one, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I should say you did. I should like to know more of you."</p>
+
+<p>"You will, sir, when I become your advance agent."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we'll see all about that. And now I'd better be off for the home
+of the stage-struck mayoress. Meet me in half an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be here, sir."</p>
+
+<p>As the manager walked away, he muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid I'm going on a fool's errand. Confound it! I believe that
+young rascal has hypnotized me. But, after all, I can't afford to
+neglect the chance. The treasury is pretty low, and if this scheme
+doesn't work there may be trouble on salary day. I'll do my best to get
+this woman to play, and I guess I shall succeed; people used to say that
+Gus Wattles was the champion jollier, and I don't think he has lost his
+powers yet."</p>
+
+<p>Al was doing a little soliloquizing, too.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think I had so much nerve," he mused. "I'm beginning to have a
+little more confidence in myself. If to-night's performance is a success
+I shall get the job<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> sure&mdash;he can't refuse me. But if it isn't a
+success, if Mrs. Anderson refuses to have anything to do with the
+scheme&mdash;I won't let myself think of that."</p>
+
+<p>It was nearly an hour before Mr. Wattles returned.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?" questioned the boy, breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right."</p>
+
+<p>"She will play?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not only that, but she is going to pay me for the chance. Oh, there are
+no flies on Augustus Wattles, my boy! Yes, she is going to play, and she
+is delighted because the part will give her a chance to exhibit herself
+in a new costume which she has just imported from Paris. Now, then, my
+lad, we must get up the ads. How much time have we before they must be
+in the newspaper office?"</p>
+
+<p>"An hour at least. And you had better get out some posters announcing
+Mrs. Anderson's appearance. They can be on the walls in two hours. Will
+you leave that part to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but first you can help me with the advertisement. Undoubtedly you
+can give me some points."</p>
+
+<p>Al was able to do so. The manager was plainly delighted and surprised at
+the aptitude he displayed.</p>
+
+<p>"I begin to think," he said, "that you were cut out for this business."</p>
+
+<p>"That is what I have thought for a long while, sir," replied the boy,
+as, copy in hand, he started for the office of the <i>Herald</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Within a few hours everyone in Boomville knew that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> Mrs. Anderson, the
+mayor's wife, was to assume a r&ocirc;le in the drama, "Loved and Lost," at
+the opera house that evening, and all the lady's friends, all her
+enemies and almost everybody else who ever attended theatrical
+performances at all had made up their minds to go and see her.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, the offer of a plated spoon as a souvenir was almost
+irresistible; people who had more solid silver spoons than they had any
+use for fell over each other in their frantic haste to secure seats for
+the evening's performance and make sure of the coveted spoon.</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't had an advance sale like this since the house was built,"
+said the local manager to Mr. Wattles, a short time before the doors
+were opened. "Why, there isn't a seat left in the house except in the
+gallery, and they will be all filled as soon as the doors are thrown
+open. And I understand that there is no sale at all at the other house.
+I don't believe there'll be a baker's dozen there. It was a great idea
+of yours to get Mrs. Anderson to appear."</p>
+
+<p>"I claim no credit for it at all," said Mr. Wattles. "It was all the
+work of that bright young fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, by the way," interrupted Mr. Perley, taking an envelope from his
+pocket, "here is something that came for you a few minutes ago; I had
+nearly forgotten about it."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles tore open the note and ran his eyes over its contents. As he
+did so the expression of his face<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> underwent such a remarkable change
+that his companion said, uneasily:</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing the matter, is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should say there was," was the reply. "We're in a nice fix. Mrs.
+Anderson won't play!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AL TO THE RESCUE.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"Mrs. Anderson won't play?" almost shrieked Mr. Perley.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I said&mdash;Mrs. Anderson won't play," replied the manager of
+the combination, with the calmness of despair. "Read this."</p>
+
+<p>The note which he handed his companion read as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Mr. A. Wattles</span>:</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>: I deeply regret my inability to appear this
+evening as I promised. My husband objects so strongly
+that I have no alternative but to yield to his wishes.
+Trusting that this will cause you no inconvenience, I
+am,</p>
+
+<p class="sig1">"Faithfully yours,</p>
+
+<p class="sig2">"<span class="smcap">Blanche Anderson</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>"'Trusting that it will cause us no inconvenience,'" groaned Mr. Perley.
+"Isn't that like a woman? Well, Wattles, we are in a nice little fix
+now. Of course, we shall have to give three-fourths of the audience
+their money back."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but that isn't the worst of it. Think of the roasting the papers
+will give us!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak of it. And it's all your fault; you would be fool enough to
+listen to that kid."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>"Don't say any more, Perley. I must have been out of my head."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't worth while to get excited, gentlemen," said a calm voice.</p>
+
+<p>And looking in the direction from which it proceeded, the two men saw Al
+Allston standing in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"You young rascal&mdash;&mdash;" began Mr. Wattles, but Al silenced him by a
+gesture:</p>
+
+<p>"There is no time to waste, gentlemen," he said. "I told you that Mrs.
+Anderson would appear to-night, and she will."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to say," cried Mr. Wattles, "that you can make her do this
+in defiance of her husband's will?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her husband will agree after he has had a short talk with me," was the
+boy's reply. "Go right ahead with your preparations for the performance,
+gentlemen; Mrs. Anderson will be here as per agreement."</p>
+
+<p>And, without waiting for a reply, Al left the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, drawing a long breath, "I never saw the equal
+of that kid. Do you know, I think he will do what he has promised."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Perley shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"It's out of the question now," he said. "Mayor Anderson is one of the
+stubbornest men in the world; if he has said that his wife shall not
+appear, she will not. The boy was talking through his hat."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the manager of the New York Comedy Company, "all we can do
+now is to trust to luck. Go ahead and let the people in, and we'll see
+whether this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> confounded stage-struck female turns up or not. Somehow, I
+believe the lad knew what he was talking about."</p>
+
+<p>Meantime Al had reached the mayor's house, a pretentious mansion on the
+most fashionable thoroughfare in Boomville.</p>
+
+<p>In response to the rather supercilious "What is it?" from the servant
+who opened the door, he presented his card and asked to see Mrs.
+Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think she'll see you," said the flunky, "but I'll give her your
+card if you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"I do wish," said the boy. "Give her the card, and tell her that I wish
+to see her on very important business that will admit of no delay."</p>
+
+<p>The man left with the card. In a few moments he returned, saying with a
+grin:</p>
+
+<p>"She don't know you, and she won't see you."</p>
+
+<p>And with an impudent leer, he extended the card to the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Al took it and hurriedly wrote a few words on the back. Then he returned
+it to the servant, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to Mrs. Anderson again; I think she will see me."</p>
+
+<p>The man hesitated, then said:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll take it to her, but the chances are she'll give me orders to
+kick you out."</p>
+
+<p>With this cheering assurance he again departed.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't like to do it," murmured Al, "but there was no help for it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>In a few moments the flunky returned, his manner completely changed.</p>
+
+<p>"Please be kind enough to step into the drawing room, sir," he said,
+with the utmost politeness; "Mrs. Anderson will be down in one minute."</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes after Al Allston had left the theater a showily dressed,
+red-faced man of about thirty sauntered into the manager's private
+office where Mr. Wattles was seated alone.</p>
+
+<p>"So, Wattles, old man," he said, extending his hand, "we meet again."</p>
+
+<p>The manager started to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"How dare you show your face here?" he cried, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh! What's all this?" said the newcomer, in real or feigned surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to have anything more to do with you. A nice sort of
+advance agent you are, aren't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"There's none better, so they say," replied the fellow, with a tipsy
+leer. "What are you on your ear about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no time to bandy words with you. You are discharged."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that&mdash;I discharged? What ails you, Wattles?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's enough, Dick Farley. I told you after your last drunk that if
+the same thing occurred again I should have nothing more to do with you,
+and I meant it. Get out!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Wattles, I haven't been on a booze. I have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> drugged and
+kidnaped. Listen and I'll tell you all about it; it's the queerest
+affair you ever heard of."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess it is; I know your talent for inventing yarns. I don't want to
+hear this one."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to insult me?"</p>
+
+<p>And Farley's face reddened.</p>
+
+<p>"That would be impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"It would, eh? See here, Gus Wattles, do you mean to say that you are
+going to throw me over and ruin my chances in the business?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is your own fault. I want to have nothing more to do with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'm bounced?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is it, exactly."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is? Well, I'll show you!"</p>
+
+<p>And the drink-maddened ruffian suddenly drew a knife and, brandishing it
+above his head, sprang toward his companion.</p>
+
+<p>In another second the weapon would have descended but for a most
+opportune interruption.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!"</p>
+
+<p>Farley turned and glared in the direction from which the voice
+proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>Al Allston stood in the doorway, in his hand a revolver, which was
+leveled at the head of the would-be assassin.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AL CLAIMS HIS REWARD.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Al was bowed, by the now obsequious servant, into Mrs. Anderson's
+elegantly furnished drawing room.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, sir," said the man, cringingly. "I didn't know that
+you were a friend of the family, or I wouldn't have spoken as I did. You
+see, sir, we're a good deal troubled by book agents and such like."</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't it be a good idea to be civil to everyone?" said Al. "It would
+not cost you anything, and you'd be sure to make no mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. You won't say anything to Mrs. Anderson, will you, sir? It
+might cost me my place."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no!" returned Al, so impatient to see the mayor's wife that he
+scarcely heard what the man said.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the sound of approaching footsteps was heard, and the
+servant hastily bowed himself out.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he gone when Mrs. Anderson entered the room, followed by
+her husband. She was a tall, slender, rather good-looking woman of about
+thirty; he a short, pompous man, at least ten years his wife's senior.</p>
+
+<p>The lady approached Al with outstretched hands.</p>
+
+<p>"My brave, noble boy," she cried, "how delighted I am to see you! And I
+did not even know your name until I received your card just now. I am so
+glad you did not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> allow yourself to be sent away. But why have you not
+called before?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, why have you not called before?" echoed the mayor, seizing the
+boy's hands, which his wife had just relinquished.</p>
+
+<p>Al, considerably embarrassed, murmured something about not wanting to
+intrude.</p>
+
+<p>"Intrude!" cried the lady. "You are, like all heroes, modest to a fault.
+You will always be a welcome guest here. But sit down; you must spend
+the evening with us."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot," began the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! I will take no refusal. He must stay, mustn't he, Mr.
+Anderson?"</p>
+
+<p>"By all means," smiled the mayor.</p>
+
+<p>"And we will talk about his heroic deed," went on Mrs. Anderson. "It was
+a fortnight ago, but the scene comes up before me as vividly as if it
+had been only yesterday&mdash;the maddened horses, our child directly in
+their path, her rescue by this noble boy at the imminent risk of his own
+life. In another moment she would have been crushed under the feet of
+the runaway animals had he not sprang forward and dragged her out of
+danger."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a heroic act," said the mayor.</p>
+
+<p>"It was nothing more than almost anyone would have done, sir," said the
+blushing lad.</p>
+
+<p>"It was more than anyone else did," returned Mr. Anderson, "and I
+understand that the affair was witnessed by a dozen or more persons. But
+why have you not called before? I understood my wife to say that she
+asked you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> to come that afternoon. You did not come, and we tried in
+every way to discover your identity, even going so far as to advertise
+for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I saw the advertisements, sir," replied Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! and that is why you are here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, sir. The advertisements mentioned that you wanted to give me a
+reward."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course we did. You don't mean to say that it was the fear of having
+a reward forced upon you that kept you away?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," replied Al, "I confess that had something to do with it."</p>
+
+<p>The mayor laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"This is really refreshing," he said. "My lad, I am interested in you
+more than ever, now. Well, I promise you that, if you insist upon it,
+the subject shall not be referred to this evening."</p>
+
+<p>"But I do not insist," said Al. "The fact is, Mr. Anderson, I came here
+to-night to ask you to make your promise good."</p>
+
+<p>Both the mayor and his wife stared at the lad in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean," said the former, "that you are here to claim your reward?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is what I mean, sir."</p>
+
+<p>There was, perhaps, just a shade of disappointment on the face of Mr.
+Anderson; it may be he was thinking that another idol had been rather
+rudely shattered. But he only said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>"I am glad you have changed your mind, my boy. What reward do you wish?
+My little daughter's life is worth more to me than anything else on
+earth, so you need not be too modest in your request. How much shall it
+be? I will write a check for any reasonable amount you choose to name."</p>
+
+<p>Al's face flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want money, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"No? Well, what can I do for you, then? Do you want me to find you a
+position in my office? Perhaps I can do something for you in that way,
+if you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Anderson," interrupted Al, desperately, "you would never guess what
+I want if you tried until doomsday."</p>
+
+<p>The mayor, very naturally, looked surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh?" he stammered. "Why, r-really, you are a most extraordinary youth.
+Well, I will try to satisfy your demands, whatever they are. Out with
+them now."</p>
+
+<p>"You will grant any request I make?" asked Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything in reason, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, I can't explain now just why I ask this favor of you, but I
+will when there is time; just now there isn't."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Anderson. "Come to the point;
+what is it you want me to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to let Mrs. Anderson appear at the opera house to-night, as
+she promised."</p>
+
+<p>Both the mayor and his wife started from their seats, their faces
+showing all the surprise they felt.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>"Why, what is it to you whether she appears or not?" asked Mr. Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>"It is everything."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot explain now; but, sir, I assure you that, perhaps, my whole
+future depends upon whether you grant my request or not."</p>
+
+<p>"Really," gasped the mayor, "this is most extraordinary. Why cannot you
+explain now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because the curtain goes up in a good deal less than an hour, and Mrs.
+Anderson ought to be at the theater now."</p>
+
+<p>Here the lady herself interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Anderson," she said, beseechingly, "do let me go! You know I
+promised, and that in itself is reason enough why I should appear."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot understand this at all," said the mayor, petulantly. Then
+turning to Al, he added:</p>
+
+<p>"Boy, I will write you my check for five thousand dollars, if you will
+withdraw this absurd request."</p>
+
+<p>Five thousand dollars was a good deal more money than Al had ever had in
+his possession, a good deal more than he was likely to earn as advance
+agent for a long time to come; but his answer was prompt and positive.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Anderson, I don't want your money. I would not accept a penny of
+it. I only request that you allow your wife to keep her promise and
+appear to-night. I would not ask this if I thought there would be
+anything disagreeable to her in fulfilling her promise, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>Here Mrs. Anderson interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course there would not," she said. "You know, John, I am so
+anxious to make my d&eacute;but on the professional stage. Now, do let me go,
+won't you? You cannot refuse now!"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's hesitation, the mayor said:</p>
+
+<p>"No, I cannot. You shall go."</p>
+
+<p>It was with difficulty that Al suppressed a sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>"There is not a moment to be lost," he reminded the would-be d&eacute;butante.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it," cried Mrs. Anderson. "Oh, I am so glad you came! Now, don't
+look so downcast, John; you will be very proud of me when you see me on
+the stage."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! Well, we shall see."</p>
+
+<p>Al rose to go.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not change your mind again, Mrs. Anderson?" he asked, a little
+apprehensively.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," laughed the lady. "I have never changed it at all. I shall be
+there."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">ANOTHER ROCK AHEAD.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Anderson accompanied Al to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"I would have granted almost any other request you might have made with
+more willingness," he said. "I have a strongly rooted objection to my
+wife appearing on the stage."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry, sir," said Al. "But, perhaps, as Mrs. Anderson says,
+you will feel differently when you see her."</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it very much. Now, tell me, why did you insist upon this
+sacrifice on my part? What is it to you whether my wife appears or not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't time to tell you now, sir," the boy replied. "I must return
+to the theater at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you call at my office, at the City Hall, to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Do so, then, at, say, ten in the morning. I should like to have a talk
+with you; I want to know more of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be there, Mr. Anderson. Good-evening, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-evening, my lad."</p>
+
+<p>As Al hurried along to take the good news to Mr. Wattles, he muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I didn't think I had so much cheek. I wouldn't have insisted upon
+Mrs. Anderson's appearing if there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> had really been any harm in it, but
+I'm sure it can't damage her or her husband much. Besides, she gave her
+promise, and she ought to keep it."</p>
+
+<p>As the boy hurried through the long corridor leading to the manager's
+office, his attention was attracted by the sound of loud and excited
+voices, and, listening, he heard a portion of the conversation taking
+place between Mr. Wattles and his ex-advance agent. As we have seen, he
+reached the office just in time to see Farley standing over the manager
+with uplifted knife, and to interfere.</p>
+
+<p>The advance agent proved himself a coward, for the weapon dropped from
+his fingers, and, throwing up his hands, he cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't shoot! Mercy, mercy!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles picked up the knife.</p>
+
+<p>"Allston," he said, "go for a policeman."</p>
+
+<p>As Al turned to leave the room, Farley cried, imploringly:</p>
+
+<p>"Wait! Wattles, old man, I didn't know what I was doing. The fact is, I
+have been drinking pretty hard lately, but I shall be all right in a day
+or two."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't expect to get back in my employ again, do you?" the manager
+asked, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, I don't. All I ask is that you will not utterly ruin all my
+chances for life by having me arrested. Things look bad enough for me
+without that."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Farley, I'll let you off this time, but I warn you to keep
+out of my way in the future."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>"If I keep straight and show you that I am at my best we may do business
+together again, eh, Wattles?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; I shall never have anything more to do with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you'll think better of that. You haven't had time to fill my
+place yet."</p>
+
+<p>"I've got a better man for your place than you ever were," said the
+manager.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is he?" demanded Farley.</p>
+
+<p>"There he stands;" and Mr. Wattles pointed to Al.</p>
+
+<p>"That kid?" gasped Farley.</p>
+
+<p>"That young gentleman," said the manager, with theatrical
+impressiveness.</p>
+
+<p>Farley stared at the boy a few moments without speaking; then, with a
+peculiar smile, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"So you are an advance agent, are you, bub?"</p>
+
+<p>"So it seems," replied Al, as coolly as he could.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you won't remain one long; I will see to that. Take my advice and
+quit the business before the temperature gets too high. See? Yes, I
+think you do. I don't propose&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," interrupted Mr. Wattles, "I've had just about enough of
+this. Are you going to get out or are you not?"</p>
+
+<p>Farley backed toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>"I am," he said. "Ta, ta, Wattles! Ta, ta, my young friend! But we shall
+meet again, and don't you forget, either of you, to paste that fact in
+your hat."</p>
+
+<p>And he swaggered out of the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>"The impudent scoundrel!" exclaimed Mr. Wattles. "I let him off too
+easy. If I am not mistaken, we shall have more trouble with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind about him," interrupted Al. "Do you know that it is almost
+eight o'clock, Mr. Wattles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Good gracious! So it is! And Mrs. Anderson&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right."</p>
+
+<p>"She will appear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure."</p>
+
+<p>The manager grasped his companion's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Allston," he said, "you are a wonder."</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what you want for an advance agent, isn't it?" the boy
+asked, with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Did she come with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but she is probably here by this time."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you some other time, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right; we have no time to waste in talk now. I'll go and see if
+she has arrived. I should be in a nice fix if she changed her mind
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"She won't, Mr. Wattles."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely hearing the last words, the manager rushed from the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," mused Al, "if Mr. Wattles is a man of his word I am his advance
+agent now. It will be my fault if I don't make the best of the
+opportunity. But it's dollars to doughnuts that I shall have trouble
+with that loafer, Farley. Well, I guess I can hold my own."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>He was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right, my boy," laughed the manager.</p>
+
+<p>"You haven't seen her yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I've seen Perley, and he tells me she is here, and is dressing
+for the part. He thinks that she is going to make a big hit."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she will," laughed Al; "she is the leader of society here,
+and it would be treason not to like her."</p>
+
+<p>The manager smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"You know something of the world," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Not as much as I would like to. But, seriously, sir, Mrs. Anderson is
+not such a bad actress, and I shouldn't wonder if she did make a hit."</p>
+
+<p>"She'll have to be a second Ristori, if she does in that part," grinned
+Mr. Wattles. "There's nothing to it; but, for all that, the woman who
+has been playing it is wild because I have taken it away from her for
+one night."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you explained the circumstances to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have I? I've talked myself nearly deaf in doing so, but it was of no
+use."</p>
+
+<p>"She must be very thick-headed if she can't see how you are placed."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear boy, a woman will never see anything she doesn't want to see.
+But never mind about all that. I don't care particularly whether the
+woman is suited or not; I can fill her place at a few hours' notice. And
+now I must go and see how things are going. I have a good stage manager,
+but I have to do a lot of the work<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> myself, for all that. And I must
+acknowledge that I do feel a little nervous at letting an untrained
+amateur appear in the piece without a rehearsal. Come with me, and we'll
+see if everything is going smoothly."</p>
+
+<p>Al followed the manager through the long passage way and out into a
+damp, dingy court, on the opposite side of which was a door bearing the
+inscription: "Stage Door. No Admittance."</p>
+
+<p>Passing through the sacred portals, Mr. Wattles and Al stepped upon the
+stage.</p>
+
+<p>Al had been "behind the scenes" before; the scene that met his eyes was
+not an entirely unfamiliar one, and he trod the boards with the
+nonchalant air of a veteran.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sparkley, how does everything go?" asked the manager of an
+anxious-looking elderly man, whom the boy rightly guessed to be the
+stage manager.</p>
+
+<p>"Badly enough," was the reply. "There's been a big row, and your society
+amateur refuses to appear."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">THE DEBUT.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles sank into a convenient chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he said, with an air of stony resignation, "there's no use in
+fighting against fate. I give it up. We'll return the people their money
+and shut up the house."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" asked Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Why," replied Sparkley, "Miss Hollingsworth, who has been playing the
+part that Mrs. Anderson is billed for, has been here, and has had an
+interview with her successor, and got her so worked up that she
+absolutely refuses to appear."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I told the woman that she needn't come at all to-night!" cried Mr.
+Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she's here as large as life."</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you let her in, Sparkley?"</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't very well refuse her admittance; she is a member of the
+company."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, I had no idea that she was going to raise a row. I think that
+Farley was at the bottom of the business; I saw him talking to her
+outside just before she came in."</p>
+
+<p>"You did? That explains the whole thing. Well, I'm just going to let
+things take their course."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Mrs. Anderson came rushing toward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> them, evidently
+greatly excited. She was closely followed by a young woman, quite as
+much agitated as herself.</p>
+
+<p>Both women began talking at once, and it was two or three minutes before
+Mr. Wattles could make himself heard. When at last he succeeded in doing
+so, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, ladies, if you will speak one at a time, and talk slow, I will try
+to straighten things out. What is the trouble, Mrs. Anderson?"</p>
+
+<p>"That woman," sobbed the society belle, indicating the actress, "has
+grossly insulted me. I cannot, I will not play."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you forgotten your promise to me, Mrs. Anderson?" interposed Al.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I have not, and I am very sorry that I cannot fulfill it. But it is
+impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"I only told her," snapped Miss Hollingsworth, a fiery-looking,
+dark-haired, black-eyed woman, "that she was a rank amateur, and so she
+is. Why, it is an insult to give such a woman my part!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's what she said," cried Mrs. Anderson, in a high-pitched
+voice. "I would never play the part unless she was discharged."</p>
+
+<p>The manager's face lighted up.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you play," he asked, "if I discharge her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"That settles it. Miss Hollingsworth, you are discharged."</p>
+
+<p>"Wha-a-t?" screamed the actress.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>"You heard what I said. You are given the usual two weeks' notice."</p>
+
+<p>"I am discharged, I, Olga Hollingsworth, on account of this woman?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, you are discharged because these exhibitions of bad temper on your
+part have tired me out. And now, madam," turning to Mrs. Anderson and
+speaking with the utmost politeness, "will you kindly return to your
+dressing room and complete your preparations for your appearance? You
+will have to go on in less than fifteen minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so, sir."</p>
+
+<p>And with a withering glance at the actress, the mayor's wife swept away.</p>
+
+<p>"You shan't forget this evening's work in a hurry, Mr. Gus Wattles!"
+hissed the enraged Miss Hollingsworth. "You'll rue the day when you made
+Dick Farley and me your enemies!"</p>
+
+<p>"So Farley is at the bottom of all this, is he?" said the manager. "I
+thought so."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind whether he is or not," was the actress' reply. "I wish you
+good-evening, Wattles. I don't want your two weeks' notice. I wouldn't
+play in your company again for ten times the miserable salary you paid
+me. Find some one else to play the part to-morrow night or shut up the
+house."</p>
+
+<p>With these words and a vindictive glance, the woman left the theater,
+slamming the stage door violently behind her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>Mr. Wattles drew a long breath of relief.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad to get rid of her," he said. "This isn't the first time she
+and I have had words. I'll have another woman here to play the part
+to-morrow night, or I'll cut it out altogether; it isn't of any
+importance, anyhow. And, I say, I believe that Mrs. Anderson has the
+making of an actress in her, after all. She's as good a kicker as if she
+had been in the business all her life. No danger of her suffering from
+stage fright; she has too good an opinion of herself. Well, I must go
+around to the front now. Come with me and see how things look."</p>
+
+<p>The house was, as Al had predicted, packed to the doors; even standing
+room was at a premium. Such an audience had never been seen in the opera
+house before.</p>
+
+<p>The souvenir spoons had proved a great success; everyone was extolling
+the liberality of the management.</p>
+
+<p>"This is immense," chuckled Mr. Wattles, rubbing his hands. "Allston,
+you are a trump. I wish you could do this in every town we visit."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll do my best to repeat the success," smiled Al. "What can't be
+done in one way can in another."</p>
+
+<p>"And you're the lad who can do it. But the curtain is going up. I hope
+Mrs. Anderson will be all right. She comes on in less than five minutes.
+Come up to the manager's box now; it's the only place in the house where
+we can get a seat."</p>
+
+<p>The two elbowed their way through the crowd; and, not without some
+difficulty, reached the box in question. They had hardly taken their
+seats when Mrs. Anderson<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> stepped upon the stage. Her appearance was the
+signal for a perfect whirlwind of applause.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, as the lady stood bowing and smiling, "she is
+a good-looker, anyway. She's as well made up as if she'd been in the
+profesh for years; and, by Jove! she's as cool as a veteran! What a
+reception! Irving himself couldn't ask for a better one."</p>
+
+<p>In fact, it was nearly or quite three minutes before the d&eacute;butante could
+go on with her part. By this time the stage was half filled with "floral
+tributes," one huge piece being from the board of aldermen. When the
+mayor, who was seated in an opposite box, saw this, his face, which had
+until then worn a rather gloomy expression, lighted up, and he began to
+manifest some signs of interest in the performance.</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. Wattles had said, the part that had been assigned to Mrs.
+Anderson was one of very little importance. It would have been difficult
+to make a failure of it. The lady recited her lines well, and when she
+left the stage she was furiously applauded.</p>
+
+<p>"That shows what the public appreciation of the drama amounts to,"
+remarked Mr. Wattles, sarcastically, although he had applauded Mrs.
+Anderson as loudly as anyone. "You can't hear yourself think for the
+noise they make about this society woman; yet, on the same stage there
+is a little girl who has real talent. But they ignore her."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean the young lady who plays the part of <i>Ethel Darlington</i>?"
+questioned Al.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>"Yes, of course I do. I see that you, at least, know good acting when
+you see it; but here comes Mrs. Anderson again. Ah! that old fellow in
+the box over there is going to make a speech."</p>
+
+<p>Al recognized in the "old fellow" referred to one of Boomville's
+prominent citizens&mdash;a certain Maj. Duncan.</p>
+
+<p>The major, who enjoyed nothing in life more than hearing himself talk in
+public or in private, had risen in his seat and was signaling for
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments the house was so still that the fall of the traditional
+pin would have startled the more nervous portion of the audience.</p>
+
+<p>The major, standing at the edge of the box, delivered, in a sonorous
+voice, a fulsome speech of praise, addressed to Mrs. Anderson, ending by
+presenting her with a wreath of laurels.</p>
+
+<p>The lady, not in the least embarrassed, made a brief reply, and was
+about to resume her part, when Maj. Duncan, who had remained standing,
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"But this is not all. There is here to-night a young fellow townsman of
+ours of whom Boomville should be proud. I refer to the gentleman seated
+in the proscenium box on the other side."</p>
+
+<p>And the orator fixed his eyes on Al's face.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A STARTLING SITUATION.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Everyone in the house stared at Al, and Mr. Wattles whispered in his
+ear:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he means you! What have you been up to? I tell you, this is a
+great night for Boomville."</p>
+
+<p>Evidently Maj. Duncan expected some acknowledgment of his compliment
+from Al, for after a moment's silence he added:</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat, I refer to the young gentleman yonder, Mr. Allen Allston."</p>
+
+<p>"Get up and bow," whispered the manager, in our hero's ear.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Al obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>The entire audience applauded, although there were not three persons
+among them who knew why they did it.</p>
+
+<p>"Will the young gentleman kindly step upon the stage?" went on the
+major.</p>
+
+<p>Without speaking, Mr. Wattles seized the boy by the arm, and fairly
+dragged him through a narrow door in the rear of the box.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the easiest way of getting on the stage," he said. "I wonder
+what they have got on foot. They ought to have told us. In a case like
+this it is always the proper caper to have a witty impromptu speech
+ready, and they ought to have given you a chance to prepare one at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> your
+leisure&mdash;they really ought. But this is not New York. Now, then, my boy,
+step out on the stage. Don't you hear them shouting for you?"</p>
+
+<p>But Al held back.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand all this," he said. "What do they want with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go and find out."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Allston! Allston!" came from all parts of the theater.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on!"</p>
+
+<p>And Mr. Wattles fairly pushed his companion upon the stage.</p>
+
+<p>It is not necessary to say that Al was greatly embarrassed as he
+confronted the sea of faces. His appearance was greeted with wild
+cheers, though the audience did not know what they were cheering about.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments silence was again restored through the efforts of Maj.
+Duncan, who then cleared his throat and began:</p>
+
+<p>"It may not be known to many of you that we have a hero, a genuine hero,
+among us, but it is a fact. And that hero now stands blushingly upon the
+stage before us. Ladies and gentlemen, picture to yourselves this
+scene&mdash;a team of maddened horses rushing at a terrible rate of speed
+directly for a spot where a defenseless child has fallen on the highway.
+Apparently the little girl is doomed to a horrible death. The spectators
+stand spellbound&mdash;all save one, a youth. He rushes forward and, at the
+risk of his own life, saves the child from the fate that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> a moment
+before seemed inevitable. That youth, ladies and gentlemen, was Allen
+Allston; the little girl he rescued was the child of our mayor."</p>
+
+<p>The major's rather theatrical speech was here interrupted by frantic
+applause, much to the orator's gratification and Al's embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>When silence once more reigned the major went on:</p>
+
+<p>"It is not necessary that I enlarge upon the heroism displayed by this
+noble youth; it is evident to all of you, and the performance has
+already, perhaps, been delayed too long. I will close by requesting the
+acceptance by Mr. Allston of this token of esteem and appreciation from
+Mayor Anderson, who has delegated to me the most agreeable duty of
+making the presentation speech. Take it, my young friend; and always
+wear it in remembrance of those whom you have placed under so heavy a
+debt of gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke Maj. Duncan extended a diamond ring to the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Al was obliged to cross the stage to receive it. By this time he had
+partially regained his usual self-possession. He took the ring with a
+graceful bow, and attempted to speak.</p>
+
+<p>But the effort proved a total failure. The words stuck in his throat; he
+could only give utterance to an inaudible murmur.</p>
+
+<p>"Speech, speech!" cried a dozen or more persons, but Al was unable to
+gratify their wishes. In great confu<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>sion he retired to the comparative
+seclusion of the stage, where Mr. Wattles met him and grasped his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I had no idea you were a hero," he said. "But why didn't you make a
+speech? Oh, I understand&mdash;stage fright. Well, never mind, you're the
+hero of the hour, anyway. Isn't that ring a sparkler! Just completes
+your outfit as advance agent; they always wear a diamond ring, you know.
+Well, this is a great night, and no mistake."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the performance had been resumed. It was brought to a
+successful conclusion two hours later, Mrs. Anderson having been called
+before the curtain no less than ten times.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad everything went off so well," said Mr. Wattles to Al, when the
+audience had dispersed. "I was a little afraid that fellow, Farley,
+would try to make some trouble for us. He's just about crazy enough from
+drink to do something desperate if the idea occurred to him. Look out
+for him, Allston."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not afraid of him," said Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, be on your guard. Well, didn't everything go off in great
+shape? That presentation alone will be worth a good many dollars to the
+show. Accounts of it will be published all over the country."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish they had given me the ring in private," said Al.</p>
+
+<p>"You do? Well, I don't! You must get over some of that modesty of yours;
+you won't need it in your career as advance agent. Going now? Well,
+good-night. You'll be ready to start for the next town at noon
+to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. Look out for Farley on your way home."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not worrying about him," laughed Al. "I guess you're more afraid of
+him than I am, sir. Good-night."</p>
+
+<p>Al lived a little way out of the town. To get home it was necessary for
+him to ride for half an hour in a horse car, and then to walk some
+distance along a lonely country road.</p>
+
+<p>Singular to say, the subject that engrossed his thoughts during the ride
+was not the events of the day, not the new career that he was about to
+begin. One face was constantly before his mental vision, the face of the
+beautiful young girl&mdash;Miss Gladys March, the bills called her&mdash;who had
+played the part of <i>Ethel Darlington</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Why did her face haunt him so persistently? he asked himself. She was a
+complete stranger to him, yet, somehow, he felt as if he had known her
+all his life.</p>
+
+<p>His thoughts were still on her when he left the car and began his lonely
+walk.</p>
+
+<p>So absorbed was he in meditation that he did not notice that from the
+moment he alighted from the car he was followed at a short distance by a
+man whose face was concealed by a high coat collar and a slouch hat.</p>
+
+<p>The full moon was shining brightly, but Al's pursuer lurked in the
+shadows of the trees and shrubbery that lined the road on either side.</p>
+
+<p>For half an hour this pursuit of the boy continued; then the man gave a
+shrill whistle.</p>
+
+<p>As Al turned, three masked men sprang from a clump<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> of bushes on his
+left and seized him. Before he could cry out a gag was thrust into his
+mouth. A few moments later he was bound hand and foot.</p>
+
+<p>Then one of his assailants lifted him in his arms and bore him up a side
+road, near which the assault had been committed. A covered wagon stood
+in waiting here. Al was placed in it; then his captors and the man who
+had followed him from the car, entered, and the vehicle was driven
+rapidly away.</p>
+
+<p>At the expiration of, perhaps, half an hour the wagon was brought to a
+standstill, and Al was lifted out.</p>
+
+<p>It was a strange sight that met his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen masked men were assembled under a tree, over one of the
+boughs of which was flung a stout rope.</p>
+
+<p>One of the strange party stepped forward and removed the gag from the
+boy's mouth, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"If you have any last remarks to make, make 'em now, and be quick about
+it. We don't propose to fool away any time on this job."</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this mean?" gasped Al. "What are you going to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"We're going to string you up in just about two minutes at the outside,"
+was the reply; "so if you have anything to say you'd better hurry."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A CLOSE CALL.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"You are going to murder me?" the boy cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we don't put it just that way," was the cool reply of the man who
+had spoken before.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you put it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are going to execute you. In cases like yours the law is a little
+too slow for us, so we have constituted ourselves judge, jury,
+executioners and all the rest of it. Young fellow, you've stolen your
+last horse."</p>
+
+<p>The truth flashed upon Al.</p>
+
+<p>For several weeks residents of the neighborhood of
+Boomville&mdash;principally farmers&mdash;had been the victims of a clever horse
+thief, who had, since he began operations, stolen a number of valuable
+animals. The authorities seemed to be powerless in the matter, although
+they professed to be using every possible means to bring the thief to
+justice. Only one clew had been gained; one of the stolen horses had
+been sold to a farmer in a village about fifty miles distant by a youth
+of about sixteen, who had given a plausible reason to the simple-minded
+purchaser for having the animal in his possession. The farmer had been
+able to give a quite minute description of the boy. Al had read that
+description, and now remembered, with a sinking of the heart, that it
+would apply to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> him fully as well as to the thief for whom he was taken.</p>
+
+<p>"See here," he exclaimed, impetuously, "you are making a terrible
+mistake! I am not the person you think me to be."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," was the sarcastic response of the spokesman of the
+crowd. "I told you we were not going to waste any words on you, and we
+are not."</p>
+
+<p>"String him up!" shouted another of the party. "Get the job done with!
+We're taking big chances in delaying the thing."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right!"</p>
+
+<p>"H'ist the derned hoss thief, then!"</p>
+
+<p>"We've had enough chin music; let's get to work."</p>
+
+<p>These were a few of the comments of the would-be executioners.</p>
+
+<p>One man now stepped to the front. It was he who had followed Al from the
+town. He had now donned a mask like the rest of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do the job," he said. "Will you leave it to me, gents?"</p>
+
+<p>Al started. Where had he heard that voice? Before any reply could be
+made he said, in a loud, clear voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, I am innocent of this crime. My name is Allen Allston. I
+live in Boomville. Hundreds of people there know me, and can tell you
+what my reputation is. Why, I should not have the slightest trouble in
+proving an alibi. If you murder me, you will all bitterly regret it some
+day. You do not want to commit a mur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>der; you want to do what you think
+an act of justice. You are making an awful mistake; give me a chance,
+and I will prove it."</p>
+
+<p>These words had a visible effect upon the desperate men. They began to
+converse together in a low tone&mdash;all but the man who had followed Al; he
+stood aloof from the rest.</p>
+
+<p>"See here," he presently said, in a voice that Al noticed trembled
+slightly, "if you gents have any more time to fool away here I haven't.
+I don't propose to get into any trouble through this thing. I have tried
+to do you a service, but you don't seem to appreciate it."</p>
+
+<p>"We don't want to make any mistake," said the spokesman.</p>
+
+<p>"But you're not making any mistake. Don't I tell you I know the boy,
+that he is the same one that sold me the horse last week?"</p>
+
+<p>Here Al interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you claim," he asked, "that you are the farmer to whom the horse
+thief sold one of the stolen animals last week?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do; and I recognize you as the person. It's no use, my fine fellow,
+the jig's up. I've been shadowing you for some time, and I've got you
+down fine."</p>
+
+<p>Al turned to the group of men, who had been listening in silence to the
+brief dialogue.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he said, "do any of you know the farmer who bought the
+horse from the thief? Could any one of you swear to his identity?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>The spokesman replied, this time using a gentler tone than before.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my lad," he said, "not one of us ever saw the man until to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't see him now," said Al. "I do not believe that this is the man
+at all. He is some enemy of mine, who has imposed upon you for his own
+personal ends."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah!" interrupted the subject of discussion, "are we to stand here all
+night listening to this sort of stuff? The young villain is only trying
+to gain time. Of course, if he will steal, he will lie."</p>
+
+<p>"All I ask is a fair trial," said Al, "but I see I cannot get that here.
+However, gentlemen, if you must kill some one, don't kill the wrong man.
+It looks to me a good deal as if this fellow were the real thief, and
+that he was trying to throw dust in your eyes. None of you ever saw him
+before, you say. Now, perhaps I have seen him. Let me see his face; it
+may be that I can identify him."</p>
+
+<p>"That's fair enough."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right."</p>
+
+<p>"Off with your mask, stranger, and let the boy see your face."</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the sentiment of the crowd was turning in Al's
+favor.</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I show him my face?" said the boy's accuser. "All the rest
+of you are masked."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take off our masks if you take off yours," said the spokesman.
+"Eh, boys?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! ay!" came from the others.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>Still the stranger hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"It's risky for all of us," he said. "Have done with this nonsense. If
+you are going to do away with the thief, get to work; if you're not,
+why, let him go. We can't stand here all night chinning."</p>
+
+<p>"Off with your mask!" said the leader of the crowd, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said the fellow, desperately; "I agree. Off with yours,
+then, all of you."</p>
+
+<p>Several of the crowd removed their masks. The stranger raised his hand,
+as if to take his off, but instead of doing so, he turned suddenly and
+made a rush for a thick growth of wood near which the scene we have just
+described had been enacted. In a few moments&mdash;before his companions
+could recover from their astonishment&mdash;he had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"After him, Hammond and Thompson, and you, Porter!" shouted the leader.
+"Don't let him get away from you."</p>
+
+<p>Then turning to Al, he added:</p>
+
+<p>"Boy, I believe we have made a mistake. That fellow is the real thief."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that," said our hero, "but I do know I'm not."</p>
+
+<p>"If he isn't the thief, what motive could he have had in accusing an
+innocent person?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it is some one who has a grudge against me."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>"It must be an awful grudge to induce him to lay such a plot as that
+against you. Do you suspect anyone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather not mention any names," said Al.</p>
+
+<p>Here an old farmer, one of the three or four who had removed their
+masks, stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't let this here boy fule yer," he said. "I b'lieve he's one o' the
+gang. Mark my word, it'll turn aout so."</p>
+
+<p>"You think so, do you, Mr. Chadwick?" said Al, quietly, looking the old
+man full in the face.</p>
+
+<p>"Yeou know me, dew yeou?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and you ought to know me. Have you forgotten Allen Allston?"</p>
+
+<p>The farmer gasped for breath.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be derned ef it ain't Jack Allston's boy!" he exclaimed. "Why, o'
+course I know yeou."</p>
+
+<p>"I told you my name before."</p>
+
+<p>"I wuz so 'xcited that I didn't take notice. I wuz so sure, yeou see,
+thet we hed the right one. Boys"&mdash;turning to the others&mdash;"I'll swear
+thet this here lad don't know no more 'baout who stole them hosses than
+we do. I know all his folks, an' there ain't a dishonest hair in the
+heads o' enny o' them. I'd ha' know'd him at fust, but I ain't seen him
+fer a year or more, an' he's grow'd. An' besides, my eyesight ain't what
+it used ter be. Boys, we've hed a narrer escape from committin' a
+murder." The men now crowded round Al and shook his hands, and
+apologized for their rough treatment of him.</p>
+
+<p>While they were thus engaged the three who had gone in pursuit of Al's
+accuser returned.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>"Ain't you got him?" cried Farmer Chadwick.</p>
+
+<p>"No, he gave us the slip. The moon has gone under a cloud, and in the
+darkness he got away. But we'll catch him yet."</p>
+
+<p>Then the man turned to Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Boy," he queried, "have you any suspicion as to who the fellow is?"</p>
+
+<p>Our hero hesitated, then he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have."</p>
+
+<p>"Who do you think he is?" cried two or three of the men together.</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather not say," replied the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I might be wronging an innocent man."</p>
+
+<p>"But we want to find the thief."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot help you do that. If the man is the one I think he may be, he
+did not steal the horses."</p>
+
+<p>"Why did he accuse you, then?" demanded one of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Merely to satisfy a private grudge."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he ought to be found and punished; so why do you try to shield
+him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because it is my private affair," replied Al, quietly. "And because I
+do not like your way of administering what you call justice. See how
+near you came to making a mistake to-night. But how did you run across
+the fellow who said I was the thief?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you," replied the spokesman, rather sheepishly. "A few of us
+were in a saloon in Boomville the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> early part of the evening. We had
+indulged in a few drinks, and we must have talked a little louder than
+we realized, for this fellow overheard us telling how we were going to
+start a search for the horse thief to-night and string him up if we
+found him. He came and told us that he could lead us to him. Well, he
+talked as if he knew what he was saying, and&mdash;&mdash; Well, you know the
+rest."</p>
+
+<p>"So," said Al, "you took the word of a barroom loafer, or worse, on a
+matter of so much importance as that."</p>
+
+<p>"We were excited and had drunk a little too much."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it seems to me that you had better leave the future management of
+the business to the proper authorities," suggested Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe you're right," admitted the man he addressed. "Well, you won't
+say anything about this night's affair to anyone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall say nothing that can harm you. The thing shall not be made
+public through me."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take your word for that. And now, get into the wagon, and you
+shall be driven home."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Al's ride home after his queer adventure was an uneventful one. He was
+glad enough to reach the solitude of his own room. Although his body was
+tired, his mind seemed abnormally active, and for at least two hours he
+lay tossing sleeplessly on his bed, reviewing not only the exciting
+events of the day, but much of his past life.</p>
+
+<p>We have thus far said nothing of our hero's past, nor shall we now; we
+will let him tell the story himself, as he did the next morning when he
+visited the mayor's office.</p>
+
+<p>Ten o'clock was the time Mr. Anderson had appointed for their interview,
+but Al was off hand a little before that hour. Mr. Wattles had told him
+that he must leave Boomville for the next town at noon, and he knew he
+had no time to waste.</p>
+
+<p>The mayor received him cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm delighted to see you, my dear young friend," was his greeting, as
+he grasped the boy's hand. "We had a grand success last night, did we
+not? And it was all due to your efforts. If it had not been for your
+persistency Mrs. Anderson would not have appeared."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are not sorry that she played, sir?" questioned Al, somewhat
+surprised at the mayor's enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>"Sorry? Not a bit of it! Why, it was one of the grandest triumphs in the
+history of the American stage."</p>
+
+<p>Al had his own opinion on that point, but he did not express it; he only
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"The audience seemed to be very much pleased with Mrs. Anderson's work."</p>
+
+<p>"Pleased! Of course they were pleased. How could they help it? As for
+myself, I was as much delighted as I was surprised. I have given my
+consent to Mrs. Anderson's second appearance to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Mr. Wattles came to me and, in the most respectful manner, asked
+the favor. You see, the woman who has been playing the part was so
+angered by my wife's success that she refused to appear. I could do
+nothing but yield, especially as Mr. Wattles assures me that there was a
+widespread feeling of disappointment on the part of those who were
+unable to gain admission last night. Mr. Wattles, my lad, considers Mrs.
+Anderson one of the greatest geniuses on the American stage; he told me
+so this morning."</p>
+
+<p>Al could not help thinking that the "foxy" manager was overdoing the
+thing a little; but he did not express any opinion. In fact, Mr.
+Anderson did not give him a chance to do so, for he went on as soon as
+he had caught his breath:</p>
+
+<p>"But never mind about all that now. Some day you will doubtless remember
+with pride that you assisted at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> the d&eacute;but of Mrs. Anderson; but let us
+now talk of yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"We might find a more interesting subject, sir," suggested Al.</p>
+
+<p>"It is like your modesty to say so, but I cannot agree with you. Now, my
+lad, I have taken a great interest in you, and I am going to do what I
+can to help you along in the world. What do you most need now, Mr.
+Allston?"</p>
+
+<p>"Good health, sir," laughed Al; "or, rather, a continuance of it. I have
+about everything else I want."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am about to offer you something that you haven't got."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"A position under the city government, a position with very little work
+and a good salary. It has never been held by anyone as young as you
+before, but I haven't the slightest doubt that you will be able to
+discharge its duties satisfactorily. In fact, it is almost a sinecure."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind, sir," said Al, as the mayor paused, "but I cannot
+accept the position."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh? You cannot? Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"For two reasons, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"What are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"One is that the position you are kind enough to offer to me is not the
+kind I am looking for. I am not looking for an easy berth. I want a
+place where there will be plenty to do."</p>
+
+<p>The mayor stared at the boy incredulously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>"Well," he said, "you are an original. And what is your other reason for
+refusing?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is that I have a good place now, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, indeed? What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wattles has engaged me as advance agent for his company."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Anderson's face clouded.</p>
+
+<p>"And you would rather travel with a show than have an easy, respectable
+position here at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is a matter of taste. I should prefer the berth I have just
+offered you."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you are not offended, Mr. Anderson?" said Al, a little
+diffidently.</p>
+
+<p>"Offended! No, no, my boy; but I think you are making a mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"The end will show, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, the end will show. Well, I can't help feeling an interest in
+you, not only because you rescued my child, but because you seem to me
+to be a rather unusual lad. Do you mind answering me a few questions?
+Believe me, I shall not ask them out of mere idle curiosity."</p>
+
+<p>"Ask as many as you like, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you live in Boomville?"</p>
+
+<p>"A little way out of the town, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Are your parents living?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only my mother."</p>
+
+<p>"And your father&mdash;has he been dead long?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>"He died before I was born, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be that your father was John Allston?"</p>
+
+<p>"That was his name, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, good gracious!" exclaimed the mayor, with a new interest, "I knew
+him. It was years ago, and we were never intimate, but I had a speaking
+acquaintance with him. Let me see, was there not something peculiar
+about the manner of his death? I remember hearing something said about
+it at the time, but it was so long ago that I cannot remember just what
+it was."</p>
+
+<p>"People said, sir," replied Al, "and I guess they were right, that my
+father died of a broken heart."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember now!" interrupted Mr. Anderson. "His child, your sister, was
+stolen. Her loss was such a blow to him that he only survived the shock
+a few months."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; that is true."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a sad story. Was your sister never found?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor any clew to the mystery gained?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing of any importance, sir. It was suspected that her nurse had
+something to do with the affair, and she was shadowed for a long time.
+But nothing was ever learned."</p>
+
+<p>"I can sympathize with your poor father and mother, my boy," said the
+mayor, with more emotion than Al had seen him manifest before. "I can
+understand his feelings. But the depth of a mother's love is something
+we of the grosser sex cannot ever quite comprehend. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> suppose your
+mother has never entirely recovered from the blow."</p>
+
+<p>"She never has, Mr. Anderson; and it is in the hope that I may help her
+to do so that I have taken this engagement with Mr. Wattles' company."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">IN PERIL.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>The mayor stared at Al.</p>
+
+<p>"You have taken this engagement for your mother's sake?" he said. "I
+don't understand."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't say that," the boy replied. "I took it because I believed the
+work was just the sort I could do well. At any rate, it was just the
+sort I wanted to do. But I also thought that it might give me a good
+chance to look for my sister. What can I ever do if I stay here in
+Boomville? Nothing. I will go out into the world; and who knows&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He paused, perhaps a little offended, for the mayor was smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, my boy," Mr. Anderson said,
+straightening out his features, "but your hopefulness reminds me of my
+own when I started out in life. Alas! those dreams!"</p>
+
+<p>"But you succeeded, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I succeeded, but in a far different line from that I marked out
+for myself. But"&mdash;in a changed tone&mdash;"it is later than I thought, and I
+must reluctantly say good-by. I am sorry you will not take the position
+I have offered you; but I cannot say that I respect you less for having
+refused it. When do you leave town?"</p>
+
+<p>"At noon."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>"And it is nearly eleven now. Well, my boy, let me hear from you once in
+a while; and be sure that you will always have a friend in John
+Anderson."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sir. Good-morning."</p>
+
+<p>And Al backed toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a moment," the mayor cried, suddenly producing a sealed envelope
+from his pocket. "I want you to take this. Open it at your leisure. I
+trust the contents will prove acceptable to you. And now, good-day,
+good-day."</p>
+
+<p>Al could not help thinking that the manner in which his companion almost
+shoved him out of the room was due to a fear that he would open the
+envelope before he got out. But he put it in his pocket, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness to me, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"The obligation is on the other side, Mr. Allston," was the reply. "But
+good-day&mdash;and good luck to you."</p>
+
+<p>It was after eleven when Al reached Mr. Wattles' hotel.</p>
+
+<p>"I was beginning to be a little nervous about you," said the manager.
+"But I said to myself: 'I don't believe he is one of the kind that go
+back on an agreement.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And you were right, Mr. Wattles."</p>
+
+<p>"You know you must leave by the noon train."</p>
+
+<p>"I am all ready, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Our next stand, as you are aware, is Rockton. It has the reputation of
+being a bad show town, and if you can create a <i>furore</i> there you will
+do well."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try, sir."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>"There is one morning paper there; do what you can with it."</p>
+
+<p>"I will. If you could only persuade Mrs. Anderson to go there! She was
+born in Rockton, and the whole population would turn out to see her."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought of that, and tried it. But the mayor wouldn't hear of it. But
+he is going to let his wife appear here again to-night, all the same."</p>
+
+<p>"So I have heard."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh? Are the bills out already?"</p>
+
+<p>"I guess not. I have just come from the mayor's office."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! indeed? Well, that's right; it's policy to keep in with such
+people."</p>
+
+<p>Al's face flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't go there as a matter of policy," he said, "but only because I
+promised the mayor yesterday that I would."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he ought to do something handsome for you in return for the great
+service you did him."</p>
+
+<p>"I think he did quite enough in giving me that ring last night. My
+mother says it must be worth at least five hundred dollars, and she
+knows something about such things."</p>
+
+<p>"It is worth more than that. But Anderson ought to do more for you. Why
+doesn't he get you a job under the city with a fat salary and nothing to
+do?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what he offered me this morning," laughed Al.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>The manager's jaw fell.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall lose you before long, of course?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not on account of that political job."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I refused it."</p>
+
+<p>"You did?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. I want a job where there is something to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you've got it with me," said Mr. Wattles, evidently gratified.
+"But he might have given you a check."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe he did," said Al, reminded of the envelope that the mayor had
+handed him just before he left the office.</p>
+
+<p>He took it from his pocket, tore it open and drew from it a long, narrow
+strip of paper.</p>
+
+<p>The manager, who was looking over the boy's shoulder, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he has done the handsome thing, and no mistake."</p>
+
+<p>The check was for five thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't take it!" cried Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you will take it!" said Mr. Wattles, very emphatically. "To return
+it would be to offend him very deeply."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But you must be starting for the train. Come, I'll walk to the depot
+with you. I have a number of points to give you."</p>
+
+<p>When they parted, the manager was better pleased than ever with Al. His
+"points" did not seem to be needed by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> the boy; a knowledge of and
+adaptability to the business seemed to have been born in him.</p>
+
+<p>"You're all right," said Mr. Wattles, slapping his new advance agent on
+the shoulder just before they parted. "I consider a big house in Rockton
+a dead-sure thing."</p>
+
+<p>Al was not quite so confident, however. In Boomville circumstances had
+favored him, but he could not hope for the same luck in Rockton; there
+he would have to prove his fitness to be the advance agent of the New
+York Comedy Company by tact and hard work.</p>
+
+<p>In conversation with a gentleman on the train, he learned a fact of
+which Mr. Wattles had not informed him&mdash;that Barnum's circus was at
+Rockton.</p>
+
+<p>"There won't be a corporal's guard at your show," said his informant,
+unsympathetically. "Everybody for miles around has been saving up to go
+to the circus. Other shows will be simply not in it."</p>
+
+<p>As if to add to Al's annoyance, the circus parade was going on when he
+reached Rockton; at any other time he would have stopped and looked at
+it, but he was not in the mood now.</p>
+
+<p>The sidewalks near the depot were crowded with eager sightseers. Al
+forced his way through their ranks, and attempted to cross the street,
+heedless of the warning cries of those who saw him.</p>
+
+<p>He had reached the middle of the street when he attracted the attention
+of one of the elephants, an animal with a national reputation for
+viciousness. The beast<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> quickened its pace, reached the boy, seized him
+in its trunk and raised him high in the air, with the evident intention
+of dashing him to the pavement.</p>
+
+<p>A cry of horror rose from the crowd. Apparently Al was doomed to a
+frightful death.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">INTERVIEWED.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>The elephant that had seized Al was, as we have said, well known for his
+viciousness. He had killed two keepers and injured half a score of
+persons. One of his escapades had occurred quite recently, and was fresh
+in the minds of most of the witnesses of his attack on the boy.</p>
+
+<p>There was an almost simultaneous cry from the onlookers, followed by a
+dead silence. The animal's small eyes twinkled viciously. It was evident
+enough that in crossing his path Al had excited his ire, and that it was
+his intention to revenge himself in a characteristic manner.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a sharp cry broke the silence. It was the voice of the
+elephant's keeper, who had been lagging a little behind, but who now
+came rushing up, shouting a command to his charge in a language
+unintelligible to most of his hearers. To all of them, perhaps, except
+the animal; it was plain enough that he understood it.</p>
+
+<p>His manner changed. He held his captive poised in the air a moment, then
+dropped him.</p>
+
+<p>Al fell heavily to the pavement directly under the feet of the beast. A
+new plan of revenge evidently suggested itself to the elephant. He was
+about to plant one of his huge feet on the boy's chest when the keeper
+again gave utterance to the same cry of command.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>The warning had its effect; the animal stepped over his intended victim,
+not touching him.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment Al had sprung out of harm's way.</p>
+
+<p>It was an exciting scene. Men were shouting, children crying and women
+sobbing.</p>
+
+<p>One nervous, hysterical lady, whom the boy had never seen before in his
+life, clasped him tightly in her arms, and wept convulsively on his
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Al was, perhaps, the coolest person in the crowd. Disengaging himself
+from the embrace of his new-found friend, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing to cry about, madam; I'm all right."</p>
+
+<p>"You're sure you're not hurt?" sobbed the lady, scarcely knowing what
+she was saying.</p>
+
+<p>"Not in the least; not so much as scratched."</p>
+
+<p>"You've had a mighty narrow escape, all the same, young man," said the
+elephant's keeper&mdash;the procession had come to a standstill, and many of
+the employees had crowded around the boy. "This ought to be a lesson to
+you not to try to cross a circus parade again."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be," said Al, with a smile. "At any rate, I shall be careful
+not to get too near the elephants."</p>
+
+<p>Just then a nervous, bustling little man with a notebook in his hand
+forced his way through the crowd to where Al was standing.</p>
+
+<p>"I represent the Rockton <i>Daily Banner</i>," he announced. "Please give me
+your name, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," replied the boy, with an eye to business. "I am the advance
+agent of Wattles' New York Comedy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> Company, which plays here to-morrow
+night, appearing in&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," the reporter interrupted. "I know what it appears
+in. But your name, please."</p>
+
+<p>"It is Allen Allston."</p>
+
+<p>"What! not the youth who so heroically saved the life of the child of
+Mayor Anderson, of Boomville? Not the same who was presented with the
+ring at the opera house last night?"</p>
+
+<p>By this time the circus parade had been resumed; but, in the immediate
+vicinity of the scene of the adventure we have recorded, it excited less
+interest than the interview between Al and the reporter.</p>
+
+<p>The boy colored and hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," went on the <i>Banner</i> man, "you must be the same. Why, there were
+two columns about you in the paper this morning. You seem born for
+adventure. You being the hero of the hour, your escape of this morning
+will excite great interest. I can make at least a column of it. Here,
+Mr. Allston, come with me. We must get out of this crowd; then we can
+have a talk."</p>
+
+<p>Al resigned himself to the inevitable, and forced his way through the
+crowd, arm in arm with the reporter.</p>
+
+<p>While he shrank from having his personal affairs made public, he also
+had the interests of his employer at heart; he saw that the exciting
+incident of the morning might be used as an advertisement for the show,
+and he decided to sacrifice his feelings and let the ambitious and
+energetic reporter have his own way.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>"We'll step in here," said the <i>Banner</i> man, leading the way into the
+lobby of a hotel. "Really, it is lucky for you that this thing happened;
+it can't fail to boom your show. And it needs booming, too, let me tell
+you, for the circus will be here to-morrow night, and is pretty sure to
+gather in about all the surplus cash that will be left in the
+neighborhood after to-day's performances."</p>
+
+<p>"Still," said Al, "my company is a strong attraction."</p>
+
+<p>"Under ordinary circumstances, yes; but not when the circus is in town.
+Still, we'll see what can be done. I've heard a good deal about you
+during the last twenty-four hours, and, honestly, I'd like to help you.
+You give me all the most startling facts in your career, and I'll write
+'em up in good style."</p>
+
+<p>"But," smiled Al, "there has never been anything startling in my
+career."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh?" gasped the reporter. "What did you say?"</p>
+
+<p>Al repeated the statement.</p>
+
+<p>"An advance agent without a startling career!" said the <i>Banner</i> man.
+"Why, such a thing was never heard of before. As a rule we have to cut
+out nine-tenths of the blood-curdling incidents in advance agents'
+careers, and even then what is left sounds like an Arabian Nights
+story."</p>
+
+<p>Al laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he said, "then I am a remarkable exception. Isn't that a
+startling fact?"</p>
+
+<p>"That may help things out a little."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>"Besides, it is not myself that I want to boom, but the New York Comedy
+Company."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you are a <i>rara avis</i>! But by booming yourself you may at the
+same time boom the show. Now, tell me all about yourself first. You see,
+the public is more interested about you personally than about Mr.
+Wattles' company. But I'll work in a good notice for the show, too. Now,
+then, please tell me where you were born, when&mdash;and all the rest of it."</p>
+
+<p>Within ten minutes the reporter was in possession of most of the facts
+of Al's "career"; and, as the boy had said, there was nothing very
+startling in the story. But when the <i>Banner</i> man had wormed the fact
+out of the lad that his sister had been lost or stolen in infancy, he
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that's just what I want. A romance in your life! Nothing could be
+better. A long-lost sister! That will show up in great shape in the
+heading."</p>
+
+<p>"But," interrupted Al, coloring, "I don't want anything said about it.
+Please omit any reference to my family."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the reporter, "just as you say; but it is easy to see that
+you have not been an advance agent very long. Why, my dear boy, the
+article which I am going to write will be copied all over the country,
+and might be the means of restoring your sister to you. But there,
+there"&mdash;as Al was about to speak&mdash;"I'll consider your wishes in the
+matter, and if I say anything about your sister it will only be a
+passing reference, couched in the most delicate terms. And now, then,
+what about the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> company? How many thousand dollars' worth of diamonds
+has the leading lady lost during the last week? Which of the men of the
+company is engaged to be married to one of Gould's daughters? Don't be
+bashful; tell me all you have to tell, and I'll use all of the stuff I
+can. You've given me an A1 interview, and I'm glad to have a chance to
+do you a good turn."</p>
+
+<p>Al had a few alleged facts about certain members of the New York Comedy
+Company, and he proceeded to retail them to his companion, who made
+notes of them.</p>
+
+<p>"They're rather chestnutty," he said, as he returned his notebook to his
+pocket, "but I'll fix them up in as good shape as I can, and they may
+help you out a little. However, you mustn't expect a big house to-morrow
+night, for you won't have it."</p>
+
+<p>With this cheering assurance the <i>Banner</i> scribe took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>It had occurred to Al, too, that the notices which had been furnished
+him by Mr. Wattles were somewhat "chestnutty."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," he said to himself, "somehow or other I'll fix things so
+that we'll have a big house. But, judging from the way I have begun, my
+first engagement as advance agent is not going to be much of a 'snap.'"</p>
+
+<p>Al was busy during the entire day seeing that the paper&mdash;that is, the
+posters, window hangers, etc.&mdash;of the company was displayed to the best
+advantage.</p>
+
+<p>This work had been done after a fashion some days before by the local
+manager, but the way in which the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> duty had been performed did not suit
+the young advance agent, and he kept men "hustling" all day.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the use?" said the manager of the theater, with a weary smile.
+"It's sure to be a losing engagement, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe not," returned Al. "You'd better get the 'standing-room-only'
+sign dusted off, in case we need it."</p>
+
+<p>"Rats!" was the response. "Young man, when you know this business and
+this town as well as I do, you'll sing a different tune. We shall have
+about two hundred people in the house to-morrow night&mdash;maybe not quite
+so many."</p>
+
+<p>And he exhibited the advance sheet, which Al examined with a sinking
+heart. Only half a dozen seats had been sold for the performance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A STROKE OF LUCK.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"Something has got to be done," said the young advance agent.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything possible has been done," returned the manager, pettishly.
+"The amount of the thing is that we have struck an unlucky night, and
+there's no help for it."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe there is," said Al, quietly. "I mean to have a big house
+to-morrow night somehow or other."</p>
+
+<p>The manager laughed sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>"I've heard beginners like you talk before," he said. "You think you are
+going to set the river on fire, but the river is not inflammable. I
+admire your nerve. I've heard how you drummed up business in Boomville,
+and you did well. But you can't do that sort of thing all the time. My
+friend, Wattles, wrote and told me that you would work things so that
+the house would be full when his company played, but he made a mistake
+that time."</p>
+
+<p>"Did Mr. Wattles say that?" cried Al.</p>
+
+<p>"He did; and I was surprised at it, for Wattles is not usually a very
+sanguine man."</p>
+
+<p>"If he said it, I'll do it," announced the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Again his companion laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing like youthful enthusiasm," he said, "and I acknowledge
+that it cuts lots of ice at times&mdash;but not every time. You might as well
+try to square the circle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> as to get a crowd here to-morrow evening. It
+can't be done."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll see," responded Al, with the most confident air he could assume.</p>
+
+<p>The task before him was a hard one, apparently an impossible one, but he
+resolved that he would try to accomplish it.</p>
+
+<p>"Sail ahead, and do it if you can," said the manager, with something
+very much like a sneer. "I shall watch your methods with interest."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a pity," said Al, "that you have only one morning paper here. Now
+if&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," interrupted his companion, yawning, "we'll have another to-morrow
+morning."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"A young dude named Marcus, with more money than brains&mdash;and not very
+much of either, by the way&mdash;is to issue the first number of a new daily
+to-morrow morning. He is going to call it the <i>Bugle</i>, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"It being the first issue," suggested Al, "it is likely to have a good
+sale. Wouldn't it be a good scheme to spend a little extra in
+advertising in it?"</p>
+
+<p>"My lad," said the manager, wearily, "your ideas are primitive in the
+extreme. I have given them my usual size ad., and even if I wanted any
+more space&mdash;which I don't&mdash;I couldn't get it, for the paper is about all
+made up now. Oh, we can't do anything against the circus, and that
+settles that matter."</p>
+
+<p>It did not settle the matter with Al, however. He re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>turned to his
+hotel, and spent what was left of the afternoon in trying to devise some
+plan to arouse public interest in the performance of the New York Comedy
+Company.</p>
+
+<p>He worked at the problem until his head ached, but the harder he thought
+the farther he seemed to be from a solution.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening he went down to the restaurant connected with the hotel,
+quite discouraged.</p>
+
+<p>There was no one in the room when he entered; but a few minutes later
+two men, both of them evidently very much excited, came in and seated
+themselves near him.</p>
+
+<p>After a glance at the boy and a hurried order to the waiter, they
+resumed a conversation in which they had been engaged when they entered.</p>
+
+<p>Al could not help overhearing nearly every word they said, for in their
+excitement they spoke louder than they thought.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, Marcus," he heard one of the men say, "it's a bad
+knockout."</p>
+
+<p>Marcus! Al remembered that this was the name of the proprietor of the
+new paper. He was, as the manager had said, a rather dudish-looking
+young fellow, but his face was by no means indicative of a lack of
+brains.</p>
+
+<p>"The worst of it is," added Mr. Marcus, "that the <i>Banner</i> people will
+have the grand laugh on us. They have been poking fun at the 'amateur
+daily,' as they call it, ever since the <i>Bugle</i> was announced; now they
+will go for us."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>Al was now interested; for the time he forgot his own worries. What
+could the trouble be in the office of the new paper?</p>
+
+<p>"They'll have a good chance," said Mr. Marcus' friend. "Really, my dear
+sir, I can't see how you could have made such a break. The idea of
+accepting a full-page ad. for 'Dr. Gurgles' Metallic Liver Pads,' only
+to find that there is no such thing on the market, and that you have
+been made the victim of a practical joker! I wish I had had charge of
+the business end of the thing, this would not have happened."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say not, but don't reproach me, for I'm too much broken up to
+stand it. The question is, how are we going to fill up that page? I've
+been boasting, right and left, about the phenomenal amount of bona-fide
+ads. the first number of the <i>Bugle</i> would contain, and now we are a
+full page short. And I've told a number of people that we were to have a
+page ad. from a well-known concern&mdash;something the <i>Banner</i> never had."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you told anyone what the concern was?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then perhaps you could get some firm in town to take the page."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd let 'em have it at any price. But, no, it wouldn't do; I should
+have to own up how I had been victimized. Besides, it's too late now,
+anyhow. Why, nearly the whole paper is in type, and one side is
+printed."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what are you going to do with that page?"</p>
+
+<p>"I give it up."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>Al rose from his seat and approached the table where the two gentlemen
+were seated.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I can help out, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Marcus started from his chair, his face flushed with anger.</p>
+
+<p>"You've been listening, boy!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"I have; I couldn't very well help it, for you spoke in a loud tone."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, Marcus," added the other gentleman. "A public restaurant is
+not just the place to talk over such a matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Marcus, glaring at Al, "I suppose you mean to go and tell
+everyone in town what you have heard?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know anyone in town, and if I did I shouldn't repeat a word. As
+I just said, I think I can help you out."</p>
+
+<p>"You! How?"</p>
+
+<p>"You said you'd let that page go at any price?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I will take it. I couldn't afford to do anything like regular
+rates, but perhaps by helping you out I can get a lot of advertising
+almost free. I tell you frankly that is my object, and I give you my
+word that no one shall know anything about the transaction."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Marcus and his companion stared at Al in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the former, "you are a queer youngster. Who the mischief
+are you&mdash;another practical joker?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I am Allen Allston, advance agent of Wattles'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> New York Comedy
+Company, which plays here to-morrow night."</p>
+
+<p>"A lad like you occupying a position like that?" exclaimed Mr. Marcus.</p>
+
+<p>"Just so, sir. Now, what will you let us have that page for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps your employer would repudiate the bill."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll pay it myself, right here and now."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take you up. You can have the page for one hundred dollars. When
+can I have the copy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all at that price," replied Al, coolly. "The page wouldn't be
+worth that much to us. I'll give you fifty dollars, cash now, and the
+copy in an hour or less."</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's hesitation, the proprietor of the <i>Bugle</i> said:</p>
+
+<p>"Done! Give me the fifty dollars, and I'll give you a receipt for four
+hundred. But mind, mum's the word about this deal."</p>
+
+<p>"You may depend upon me, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"But," asked Mr. Marcus, "how are you going to have a full page of copy
+ready in an hour?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll get it ready," replied Al. "Your foreman will have it on time."</p>
+
+<p>He handed the publisher the fifty dollars, and received a receipt for
+four hundred.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Marcus, "you have a head for business, and no mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so," said Al, modestly; "but this transaction does not prove
+it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>"I think it does."</p>
+
+<p>"My overhearing your conversation was only blind luck."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but many a man would not have been smart and quick enough to take
+advantage of it. The successful business man is he who seizes upon the
+lucky accidents that others pass by, and turns them to his own
+advantage. You'll get along, my boy."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AL'S AD.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Marcus' words haunted Al for some time after their parting.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know but there is something in that," the boy said to himself:
+"I'll look out for the lucky accidents after this."</p>
+
+<p>But the full-page advertisement had to be prepared in less than an hour,
+and Al had to turn his attention to its preparation.</p>
+
+<p>When he went to his room he had not the slightest idea what sort of an
+advertisement he was going to write; he only knew that it must be
+something taking and brief.</p>
+
+<p>"Brevity is the soul of wit, anyhow," he reflected, "so I don't believe
+I shall make any mistake on that point. But what shall I say in the ad.?
+I wonder if I haven't bitten off a little more than I can chew?"</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour he had the advertisement ready, and a few minutes later
+he presented himself with it at the office of the <i>Bugle</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Here everything was in confusion, but he found the foreman of the
+composing room ready and waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you got your copy all ready?" asked the man, nervously. "There is
+no time to spare."</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is," said Al, producing a slip of paper from his vest pocket.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>"I thought you were to have a full page?" said the foreman.</p>
+
+<p>"So I am, according to contract," smiled the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"But there are only half a dozen lines here."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you want a display ad.?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;at least not the kind you mean. I want those few lines repeated
+over and over again until the entire space contracted for is filled."</p>
+
+<p>"You want it printed solid?" gasped the foreman.</p>
+
+<p>"That's it."</p>
+
+<p>"But I could give you a much more attractive ad. We can get up a
+full-page display ad. that would be simply out of sight."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt it, but I want another kind."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said the foreman, with a pitying sigh; "you pay your money
+and you take your choice."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the idea."</p>
+
+<p>The foreman carefully perused the advertisement. This is what he read:</p>
+
+<p>"See the New York Comedy Company, Augustus Wattles, Manager.</p>
+
+<p>"See this great company in 'Loved and Lost.'</p>
+
+<p>"See the real locomotive, under a full head of steam.</p>
+
+<p>"See the real steam yacht.</p>
+
+<p>"See all this.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Please don't look at the queer old man in the third row of the
+orchestra."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>The foreman stared at Al as if he thought him an escaped lunatic.</p>
+
+<p>"That's a strange ad.," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it?" laughed the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"I never saw anything like it before."</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, do you want it to go in just as you have written it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Without any attempt at display?"</p>
+
+<p>"Without the slightest attempt at display."</p>
+
+<p>"That goes, then. Good-night; I must get the men at work on this at
+once."</p>
+
+<p>"I've done all this on my own responsibility," reflected Al, as he left
+the place. "If it turns out a fizzle, Mr. Wattles won't have so much
+confidence in me in the future. Well, there's no use fretting now; the
+thing is done. If it doesn't work I shall know enough not to repeat the
+experiment."</p>
+
+<p>Still Al did fret a little after he got to his room. The apartment that
+had been assigned to him was a large, gloomy room on one of the upper
+floors of the building. It was about half filled with paintings not
+hung, but standing against the wall. These, the hotel clerk had
+explained, were the property of an impecunious artist who had formerly
+boarded in the house, and were being held until his bill was paid.</p>
+
+<p>"We left them right there," explained the clerk, "not thinking that we
+would need to put anyone in the room<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> for some time. But on account of
+the rush to the circus the house is full, and we must put you there."</p>
+
+<p>It made very little difference to Al where he slept, and he said so. He
+was only going to spend one night in the house, and the room was
+comfortable, if it was rather gloomy.</p>
+
+<p>Entering it after his visit to the <i>Bugle</i> office, he threw himself into
+a chair and fixed his eyes on a full-length picture of a man in modern
+dress. He did not even take the trouble to light the gas.</p>
+
+<p>The rays of the moon dimly illumined the room and lighted up the
+picture. The boy sat for nearly half an hour staring absently at the
+portrait, thinking nothing about it, but trying to plan his work for the
+next day or two.</p>
+
+<p>But soon he began to realize that he was very tired. He found himself
+yawning, and his eyelids drooped in spite of himself.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use," he said to himself, "I'll have to leave business until
+to-morrow. I'll go to bed."</p>
+
+<p>But just as he rose from his chair&mdash;could he believe the evidence of his
+senses?&mdash;the figure of the man stepped from the canvas and approached
+him.</p>
+
+<p>It was no dream, for in an instant the boy was as wide awake as he had
+ever been.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the picture had come to life!</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">SAVED BY A SHADOW.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>In a few seconds Al perceived that the picture had not been endowed with
+life; the painted figure remained in its place; it was a being of flesh
+and blood that was approaching him.</p>
+
+<p>The intruder had been standing in front of the picture; the dim light
+and Al's preoccupation had conspired to render the boy unconscious of
+his presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" our hero exclaimed, as the man approached him.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment he recognized the fellow, and added in a startled voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Farley!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the ex-advance agent, "it's Farley, the man you knocked out.
+You're a little surprised to see me, aren't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want?" demanded the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll show you what I want."</p>
+
+<p>And he darted between Al and the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Get out of my way!" the lad exclaimed, attempting to push him aside.</p>
+
+<p>But Farley seized him by the throat and forced him to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't escape me this time," he hissed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>Al struggled to release himself, but the grasp of the drink-maddened
+brute was not to be shaken off.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you don't!" he said, in a fierce whisper. "I warned you that you
+had not heard the last of me."</p>
+
+<p>Al tried to cry for help, but could only make an inarticulate sound.</p>
+
+<p>Farley dragged him in the direction of the window, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"You got away from me last night, but you won't this time."</p>
+
+<p>"So," Al managed to gasp, "you were the masked man who accused me of
+being a horse thief?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was the man. You nearly turned the tables on me that time, but you
+won't have the same luck twice in succession."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke Farley relaxed his grasp on the boy's throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Youngster," he went on, "if it hadn't been for you I shouldn't have
+lost my job with Gus Wattles. Its loss, under the circumstances, means
+ruin for me. I can't catch up again, unless&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is that my fault?" interrupted Al, seeing that the man was crazed with
+drink, and that the wisest policy was to attempt to conciliate him. "I
+didn't take the position until Mr. Wattles had decided to discharge
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a lie!"</p>
+
+<p>"It's the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"If you had not been available he would have taken me back."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know anything about that. Of course, I had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> no feeling against
+you in the matter. I wanted the place, but I could not have obtained it
+if your work had been satisfactory."</p>
+
+<p>"You used some underhanded method to oust me."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not."</p>
+
+<p>"You did. If you had not, how could you have gotten the place? There are
+dozens&mdash;hundreds&mdash;of experienced men, who would have been glad to take
+the position at half my salary. No, you did it for private reasons of
+your own. You were hired to do it to separate me from her."</p>
+
+<p>"From whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know well enough who I mean."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the slightest idea," replied Al.</p>
+
+<p>By this time Farley had permitted him to rise to his feet, but still
+kept between him and the door.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean Gladys&mdash;as you know," said the drink-maddened man; "Gladys, for
+whom I would give my very life."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss March?"</p>
+
+<p>It was with genuine surprise that Al asked this question.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"You think that I am in a conspiracy to separate you from her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are entirely mistaken. I know nothing at all about Miss March's
+affairs; in fact, I have never even spoken to her."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>"It is a lie. But come, I have no more time to waste. This job must be
+done."</p>
+
+<p>He again seized the boy by the throat, and dragged him toward the
+window. Al was by no means a weakling, but he was absolutely powerless
+in the grasp of his frenzied assailant.</p>
+
+<p>With one hand Farley held his intended victim, while with the other he
+threw up the window sash.</p>
+
+<p>"No one in the street below," he hissed, "is looking, and if they were
+they could not see us. When your body is found, your death will be
+considered an accident."</p>
+
+<p>Al now lay on his back upon the sill; half his body was out of the
+window. Apparently the villain's object was almost accomplished, and in
+a few seconds the boy's mutilated body would be lying upon the pavement
+below.</p>
+
+<p>"I never knew before," said Farley, "how sweet revenge was."</p>
+
+<p>"You won't know just yet," said Al, "if I can help it."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, realizing his extreme peril, he made one last, desperate
+effort, exerting all his strength, and succeeded in regaining his
+footing.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle was renewed, but it seemed certain that it must result in
+the boy's defeat.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, however, Farley released his hold on Al and rushed to the
+opposite side of the room, crying:</p>
+
+<p>"Interfere, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>At first our hero could not understand this action, but in a moment he
+comprehended it.</p>
+
+<p>The villain had actually been frightened by his own<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> shadow, which was
+strongly outlined on the wall opposite. It might have been mistaken even
+by a sober man for an intruder; and in his excited condition Farley was
+certain that some one had come to the rescue of his intended victim.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, he quickly discovered his mistake, but Al had now time to
+rush to the door, fling it open, and make his escape from the room.</p>
+
+<p>Outside the door stood one of the hotel clerks, who had evidently just
+arrived upon the scene, and who demanded:</p>
+
+<p>"What's going on in there?"</p>
+
+<p>Before Al could reply Farley rushed out of the room and started for the
+staircase. In a moment he had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Al started to follow him, but the clerk seized him by the collar,
+shouting:</p>
+
+<p>"You won't get away quite as easily as all that, my fine fellow! Now,
+what's your little game?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't keep me standing here," cried the boy, trying to shake off the
+man's detaining grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," was the response of the zealous employee, who was
+under the impression that he had captured a hotel thief. "You just keep
+quiet. I've got you all right, and your pal won't get out of the house
+as easily as he thinks."</p>
+
+<p>By the time Al had explained the situation so that the clerk understood
+it, Farley had had ample time to make his escape.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>The man was somewhat crestfallen when he realized that he had made a
+mistake.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter," he said, "the ruffian can't have gotten out. They'd be sure
+to detain him downstairs."</p>
+
+<p>But, as they learned when they reached the office, Farley had eluded
+them. He had walked leisurely out, lighting a cigar, apparently in a
+perfectly easy, unconcerned frame of mind.</p>
+
+<p>Having notified the police of what had occurred, Al returned to his
+room, and in a few minutes had retired for the night, having first
+assured himself that there were no other unbidden guests in the
+apartment.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning he found a note awaiting him in the office. It read as
+follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"You are a lucky youth, but your luck won't last
+forever. You don't lead a charmed life. I am on my
+mettle now, and I am going to settle you if I swing
+for it."</p></div>
+
+<p>There was no signature, but of course Al knew well enough who the writer
+of the precious communication was.</p>
+
+<p>He did not feel particularly worried; in fact, he had no time to worry
+just then, for, as he put the note in his pocket, the morning papers
+were placed in his hand by the clerk, with the remark:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, young man, you are a corker and no mistake."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A LESSON IN JOURNALISM.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Al laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by that?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Read that interview with you in the <i>Banner</i>, and you'll find out. If
+you've been through half the startling adventures that the reporter says
+you have it is a wonder you are alive now."</p>
+
+<p>Our hero opened the paper with a feeling of apprehension which proved to
+be well grounded.</p>
+
+<p>Undoubtedly the interview would prove a good advertisement for the show,
+but it embarrassed Al greatly; he would gladly have given a hundred
+dollars to have been able to withdraw it. But it was too late for that
+now; already it had, doubtless, been read by half Rockton.</p>
+
+<p>The reporter had not kept faith with him.</p>
+
+<p>"If I say anything about your sister," he had told him, "it will only be
+a passing reference, couched in the most delicate terms."</p>
+
+<p>But instead of that he had headed the article:</p>
+
+<div class="center"><p>A BOY WONDER!</p>
+
+<p>AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER! A LONG-LOST SISTER!</p></div>
+
+<p>And there were other headlines that startled and dismayed Al.</p>
+
+<p>According to them he had been a lion hunter, a cham<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>pion football and
+baseball player, an exceptional sprinter, and the greatest boxer of his
+age that the world had ever known.</p>
+
+<p>"You must have made yourself mighty solid with the <i>Banner</i> man to get
+an ad. like that," remarked the clerk. "It's simply great."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I hadn't succeeded in making myself quite so solid," groaned Al.</p>
+
+<p>The clerk stared at him, asking in surprise:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you like the notice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not here to advertise myself but the New York Comedy Company."</p>
+
+<p>"You're the first advance agent I ever saw who wasn't trying to
+advertise himself at the expense, if necessary, of his show."</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't my way of doing business."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this article will boom the show, and don't you forget it. But if
+you don't like the headlines what will you think of the interview?"</p>
+
+<p>Al sank into a chair and began a hasty perusal of the article.</p>
+
+<p>He was dismayed at the reporter's audacity; the information he had given
+the man had been so altered and distorted that he could only dimly
+recognize himself in the hero of the newspaper man's weird fancy.</p>
+
+<p>The interview was in the highest degree complimentary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>&mdash;at least from
+its writer's standpoint; it was evident that the reporter had written it
+in a friendly spirit, and with the intention of giving its subject a
+good "send off."</p>
+
+<p>The portion that referred to his sister annoyed Al the most. It was near
+the end of the two-column article, and read as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"But the life of the hero of this strange, though
+strictly authentic, tale has not been entirely one of
+adventurous pleasure. Deep in his heart he carries a
+sorrow about which he was extremely reticent to speak
+to the <i>Banner</i> reporter. In referring to it this lad,
+who has faced dangers from which many a stalwart man
+would shrink appalled, wept like a child. Years ago he
+lost an idolized sister. She was taken from the home
+of which she was the pride, not by the hand of death,
+but by that of a kidnaper. The story is a most
+romantic one. The little child was playing one morning
+on the sloping lawn in front of her father's palatial
+country seat in Tarrytown, adjoining that of the late
+Jay Gould. Her nurse was called away for a few
+moments. During the woman's absence the child
+disappeared. What became of it? Alas! to this day no
+one save the ruthless destroyer of the happiness of
+this once peaceful home knows. It was rumored that a
+rejected suitor of the little girl's mother was the
+villain, but nothing was ever proven against him. The
+father of the child died of a broken heart, and his
+wife would, without doubt, have soon followed him to
+the grave had it not been for her boy&mdash;the subject of
+this necessarily incomplete article. For his sake she
+resolved to live. When he was but four years of age
+she made him promise her that he would devote his life
+to solving the mystery of his sister's fate."</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>Al looked up from the paper, his face white with anger.</p>
+
+<p>"The villain!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>The clerk looked up in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you read this thing?" Al demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes."</p>
+
+<p>"The part that speaks of my long-lost sister?"</p>
+
+<p>"All of it. Of course, it's a fake, but nine people in ten will swallow
+it whole."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want anyone to believe it."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I don't."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why did you grant him the interview?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because he insisted, and because he promised me that everything should
+be printed just as I gave it to him."</p>
+
+<p>The clerk laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"It's evident," he said, "that you have not enjoyed a very extensive
+acquaintance with reporters."</p>
+
+<p>"I've known several, but none like this fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"He's considered one of the smartest men in his line in the State."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'd like to interview him just now."</p>
+
+<p>"What would you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'd at least give him my opinion of his methods."</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't have a chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Why wouldn't I?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have met him once, and you ought to know. Why, he wouldn't give you
+an opportunity to get in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> word edgewise. Anyhow, I don't see what you
+are kicking about; you've got the best ad. of the season free of cost.
+Hello! here comes your reporter now. If you want to go for him you have
+your chance."</p>
+
+<p>While the clerk was speaking the little reporter of the <i>Banner</i> who had
+interviewed Al only a few hours before entered.</p>
+
+<p>The boy strode toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"You're just the man I want to see," he began.</p>
+
+<p>The scribe pretended not to notice the look of anger in his face.
+Seizing his hand and holding it tightly, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"And you're just the person I want to see. There are one or two little
+mistakes in that interview of ours, and I was looking for you to find
+out whether the fault lies with you or me. But the article shows up
+well, doesn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say another word."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know exactly what you are going to say, but it will be all right next
+time. It was the fault of the compositor that your name was spelled
+wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"I wasn't&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I was going to ask you whether it was three men or only two that you
+knocked out at that scrap referred to in the second column; I'm afraid I
+got that wrong. But never mind, I gave you the benefit of the doubt,
+anyhow. He! he! he!"</p>
+
+<p>"No such incident ever occurred, and I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>"Tut! tut!" interrupted the reporter, with a shocked look. "What made
+you tell me the yarn, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, we'll have to let it go now; and, after all, it doesn't
+make much difference. But you ought to be more particular in talking to
+reporters in the future, my dear young friend."</p>
+
+<p>"If I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's all right&mdash;&mdash; No thanks. Hello! there goes a man I've got to
+see right now. S'long!"</p>
+
+<p>And the scribe rushed out, leaving Al staring helplessly after him.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't he a dandy?" said the hotel clerk, admiringly. "You'll never
+catch him. The traditional Frenchman's flea was a graven image compared
+with that fellow. In your line of business you can profit by the lesson
+he has just given you. He is an artist in 'bluffing.'"</p>
+
+<p>Before Al could reply Mr. Wattles entered the office and approached him
+with outstretched hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">"I WANT YOU."</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"I thought I should find you here," the manager said. "I want to offer
+you my congratulations before I say another word."</p>
+
+<p>"Your congratulations upon what, Mr. Wattles?" asked Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, upon the way you have worked things here, of course. I heard about
+it before I left Boomville this morning. That interview is out of
+sight."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish it was," groaned Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh?"</p>
+
+<p>The boy expressed his opinion of the interview in very emphatic terms.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished, "you're 'way off in your
+ideas on that point. Why, the interview is great. I supposed you had
+taken the reporter out and got him full."</p>
+
+<p>"The interview didn't cost me a cent."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so much the better. I'm mighty glad it appeared, and you ought
+to be, too. It'll help biz; and how do you know but that through it you
+may find your sister?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's not possible," said Al. "Why, the facts are all distorted. My
+father never had any palatial country seat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> in Tarrytown; there was
+never any talk of a rejected suitor of my mother's; there&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," interrupted Mr. Wattles; "it's a good ad., anyway, and we
+got it for nothing. You mustn't be so thin-skinned, my boy. You see
+here"&mdash;in a changed tone&mdash;"that ad. of yours in the <i>Bugle</i> must have
+cost a young fortune. You ought to have consulted me by wire before you
+did that. The idea is a good one, and everyone is talking about it, but
+it will not be worth to us what it cost."</p>
+
+<p>"How much do you suppose I paid for it, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't know; three hundred at least, probably more."</p>
+
+<p>"It cost just fifty dollars; and if it is not worth that to you, I'll
+pay it out of my own pocket."</p>
+
+<p>"Fif&mdash;&mdash; Is that straight?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you do it?"</p>
+
+<p>Al explained.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that was a mighty good transaction, and you deserve credit for
+it, as well as for writing the ad. The new paper was selling like hot
+cakes on the train this morning, and everyone was reading that ad. Al,
+my boy, you're a genius!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite that, I guess," laughed the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"You are, I tell you. But who is the queer old man in the third row of
+the orchestra?"</p>
+
+<p>"A myth, a creation of my imagination."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>"I supposed so, though I did not know but you had hired some one to play
+the part."</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there'll be lots of people out to see the old man. How did you
+happen to strike the idea?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. I had to get the copy ready in a hurry, and I wanted
+something new and taking."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you got it. I believe that ad. and the interview are going to
+produce results."</p>
+
+<p>They did; though some of the results were quite different from those Mr.
+Wattles and his advance agent expected.</p>
+
+<p>While Al went into the restaurant for breakfast, his employer hurried to
+the theater to inquire about the advance sale.</p>
+
+<p>He returned an hour later, flushed and excited.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?" questioned the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we've caught 'em again. Half the house is already sold, and that
+means a crowd to-night. The local manager says you're a corker."</p>
+
+<p>Al laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"He didn't think so yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"He does now. He's going to try to get you to stay here under his
+employ."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not do it."</p>
+
+<p>"I told him you wouldn't, but he's going to make you an offer, anyhow.
+Oh, by the way!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I nearly forgot that Miss Gladys March, who, with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> the rest of the
+company, came with me this morning, is very anxious to have a talk with
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"With me? Aren't you mistaken, Mr. Wattles?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she asked me to tell you as soon as I saw you, but I did not think
+of it."</p>
+
+<p>"What can she want of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I give it up."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know her; I never spoke to her in my life."</p>
+
+<p>"So I thought. Well, the best way to find out what she wants is to go
+and ask her. You'll find her upstairs in her room."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go at once."</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later Al presented himself at the door of Miss March's
+room and knocked rather timidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in," said a sweet voice, which the boy recognized as that of the
+young actress.</p>
+
+<p>He entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>Miss March, who was seated by the window, rose to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"I supposed that it was one of the servants," she said, with a sweet
+smile, "or I should have welcomed you at the door. Please be seated."</p>
+
+<p>The young girl's perfect self-possession embarrassed Al a little. He
+stammered out something about its being of no consequence, and seated
+himself on the extreme edge of the sofa.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly Miss March was a very beautiful girl; unlike many actresses,
+she looked prettier off the stage than on it.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>"I suppose," she began, "that you wonder why I have requested the favor
+of this interview."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a little curious to know," Al admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"When I have told you, I suppose you will think me a very foolish girl;
+probably I am. But I cannot leave a stone unturned."</p>
+
+<p>She paused, evidently agitated. What new mystery was this? Al asked
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I have read the interview with you in this morning's Rockton <i>Banner</i>,"
+went on the young lady.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry to hear that," said the boy, bluntly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because there are scarcely ten words of truth in it."</p>
+
+<p>A genuine look of disappointment appeared upon Miss March's face.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry to hear you say that," she said.</p>
+
+<p>Al stared at her in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You surely did not believe all that stuff, Miss March?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not all of it, of course," replied the girl, with a faint smile; "but
+there was one part that I thought might be true."</p>
+
+<p>"What part?"</p>
+
+<p>"About your sister, who was stolen in infancy."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," said Al, "that my sister was stolen."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" interrupted the young lady, with an appearance of agitation that
+the boy could not understand.</p>
+
+<p>"But the facts were so twisted and distorted that the story is very
+different from the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the truth?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>Al hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Believe me," said Miss March, "I do not ask from mere idle curiosity. I
+have a most important reason for putting the question. Will you not tell
+me the story?"</p>
+
+<p>Her agitation communicated itself to her companion; the boy's voice
+trembled slightly as he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, Miss March; for I feel that you have some strong motive for
+desiring to hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"Believe me, I have. Go on, I beg of you."</p>
+
+<p>Al was about to speak when the door was thrown open and a rough-looking
+man strode into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I should find you here," he said, addressing our hero.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you, and what do you want?" demanded the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm a deputy sheriff, and I want you. I have a warrant for your
+arrest."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">MR. MARMADUKE MERRY.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"A warrant for my arrest?" gasped Al, half believing that the sudden
+appearance of the stranger was only a joke.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I said. Now, young fellow, don't you try to resist me, for
+it won't work."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not going to resist you if you really have a warrant," said Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have, and here it is."</p>
+
+<p>And the stranger produced a document from his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"What am I accused of?" asked the boy.</p>
+
+<p>The deputy, who evidently felt the importance of his position, produced
+a copy of the first number of the Rockton <i>Bugle</i> from his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly unfolding it, he turned to Al's full-page advertisement, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"You writ that, didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did," admitted our hero, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that settles it. Come along."</p>
+
+<p>"But hold on," laughed Al. "It isn't a crime in these parts to advertise
+a theatrical performance, is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied the deputy, without hesitation, "it is&mdash;the way you
+advertise."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with my advertisement?" asked the astonished boy.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>"You don't know, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly do not."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, of course my business here is only to serve the warrant, but I'll
+read the advertisement over to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead," said Al, thinking that there might be a misprint in the
+page.</p>
+
+<p>The deputy sheriff read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"See the New York Comedy Company, Augustus Wattles,
+Manager.</p>
+
+<p>"See this great company in 'Loved and Lost.'</p>
+
+<p>"See the real locomotive, under a full head of steam.</p>
+
+<p>"See the real steam yacht.</p>
+
+<p>"See all this.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Please don't look at the queer old man in the third
+row of the orchestra."</p></div>
+
+<p>The deputy laid the paper down and glared at his prisoner with a
+triumphant air.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?" said Al, greatly puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you write that and cause it to be inserted in the <i>Bugle</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did."</p>
+
+<p>"That settles it, then."</p>
+
+<p>"It may settle it for you, but it doesn't for me," said the boy. "What
+is the matter with the ad.?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know well enough what the matter is with it."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not. Is it a crime in this town to try to boom a show by any
+legitimate means?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but it is a crime to try to boom it the way you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> have; it is a
+crime here and everywhere else, as you will find out if you try the same
+game again in another town."</p>
+
+<p>Here Miss March, who had listened in silence until this moment,
+interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter, sir?" she cried. "I read the advertisement, and I
+am sure there was nothing in it that could offend anyone."</p>
+
+<p>The deputy, who until now had forgotten or neglected to doff his hat,
+did so.</p>
+
+<p>"As far as you see, miss," he said, "the ad. is all right."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is there&mdash;what can there be&mdash;that I do not see?" the young
+lady cried.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not acquainted in this town, are you, young lady?" the deputy
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not."</p>
+
+<p>"That accounts for it, then. But this young fellow is acquainted here,
+and he knew just what he was doing when he wrote that advertisement."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I think I did," interposed Al, "But will you please tell me right
+now why you are here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am here in my capacity of deputy sheriff of this county," replied the
+official, with dignity, "and also as a personal friend of Mr. Marmaduke
+Merry."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" exclaimed Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. No wonder you start and turn pale at the mere mention of that
+name."</p>
+
+<p>"But I did not start or turn pale. Who is Mr. Marmaduke Merry?"</p>
+
+<p>"You pretend not to know?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>"I pretend nothing at all; I do not know. I never heard the name of
+Marmaduke Merry before in my life."</p>
+
+<p>"This subterfuge will avail you nothing," said the deputy, who was
+becoming theatrical. "We know all."</p>
+
+<p>"All what?"</p>
+
+<p>Al could not help laughing, and this evidently angered the overzealous
+deputy.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not here to bandy words with you, young man," he said; "I have
+already spent too much time in talk."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I think," smiled Al.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad we agree upon that point. Come along."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready."</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," interposed Miss March. "Won't you please tell me, sir, of
+what crime Mr. Allston is accused?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will," the deputy replied, with a look that was very evidently
+intended to be languishing. "I can refuse you nothing, miss. He is
+accused of holding one of Rockton's most respected citizens up to public
+ridicule; and Mr. Marmaduke Merry is the man."</p>
+
+<p>"But," interrupted Al, more bewildered than ever, "haven't I told you
+that I never heard of this man, Merry, before?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have told me so&mdash;yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I told the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to convince the court of that."</p>
+
+<p>"But what has my ad. to do with Mr. Merry? His name is not mentioned in
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, that is where your cunning comes in. But doesn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> everyone in
+Rockton know that for years and years Mr. Merry has always occupied a
+seat in the third row of the orchestra at the first performance of a new
+play?"</p>
+
+<p>At last Al grasped the situation.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" he exclaimed, "that's what you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>"And you think I meant Mr. Merry when I referred to the 'queer old
+man'?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, and so does Mr. Merry."</p>
+
+<p>"Both of you are very much mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"For your own sake, I hope you will be able to prove that statement."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I never heard of Mr. Merry until you mentioned his name."</p>
+
+<p>"You have said so several times since I have been here, but I do not
+believe you. However, I am not your judge. But if you did not mean Mr.
+Merry, whom did you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody at all; the old man was only a creation of my imagination."</p>
+
+<p>The deputy coughed, and had the audacity to wink knowingly at Miss
+March.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a great tale," he said, "and will be believed, I don't think.
+You have got yourself and the local management into a scrape, my lad.
+But what could be expected?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment there was a tap upon the door. "Come in," the actress
+cried.</p>
+
+<p>A servant entered.</p>
+
+<p>"A card for you, Miss March."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>The young lady took the bit of pasteboard and glanced at it; then she
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" echoed the deputy.</p>
+
+<p>"Show him up, please," the actress said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A STARTLING ACKNOWLEDGMENT.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"He is here!"</p>
+
+<p>With this theatrical exclamation, a man pushed his way past the servant
+and entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Mr. Marmaduke Merry," he announced.</p>
+
+<p>Both Al and Miss March gazed with considerable curiosity and interest at
+the visitor.</p>
+
+<p>He was at least seventy years of age, but was dressed in the most
+youthful fashion, and wore a light blond wig. Much below the medium
+height, shrunken, shriveled and weazened, he presented a decidedly
+ludicrous appearance as he stood, a huge bouquet in hand, bowing and
+smiling at the young actress.</p>
+
+<p>Miss March could not help smiling herself; this evidently encouraged the
+old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"You pardon the liberty I have taken, then?" he said. "I was sure you
+would."</p>
+
+<p>"What is your business with me, sir?" the girl asked, composing her
+features.</p>
+
+<p>"It is to offer a tribute to your art and beauty," replied Mr. Merry,
+with a smirk. "But"&mdash;for the first time seeing the deputy and Al&mdash;"who
+are these persons?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know me, Mr. Merry?" asked the official.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, bless my soul!" ejaculated the old man, adjusting his glasses,
+"it's Bullfinch!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>"Yes, sir; it's me."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here in Miss March's apartment?"</p>
+
+<p>"Attending to business, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"What business?"</p>
+
+<p>And the old man glared suspiciously at the cringing deputy.</p>
+
+<p>"Your business, Mr. Merry."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't send you here."</p>
+
+<p>"You sent me to find the writer of that infamous advertisement in the
+<i>Bugle</i>, didn't you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have found him."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he? Who is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"There he stands."</p>
+
+<p>And Mr. Bullfinch pointed triumphantly at Al.</p>
+
+<p>"That boy?" gasped the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You must be mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. I went to the office of the <i>Bugle</i> and asked who wrote the
+advertisement. They told me it was the advance agent of the company, a
+young man named Allston. I tracked him to this place, and was about to
+drag him forth when you arrived."</p>
+
+<p>"You talk like a fool, Bullfinch," snapped Mr. Merry.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will do. If this is the person who is responsible for that
+advertisement take him away."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>And the deputy laid his hand on Al's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>But Miss March interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a moment, Mr. Merry."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, my dear young lady. What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"This gentleman, Mr. Allen Allston, never saw or heard of you before he
+came to Rockton. It was not in a spirit of malice that he wrote that
+advertisement. Don't you see, Mr. Merry, that by having him arrested you
+will only subject yourself to ridicule? You acknowledge yourself to be a
+'queer old man.' Why should you do that?"</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman coughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem! That aspect of the case had not occurred to me," he said. "You
+assure me, Miss March, that the young man did not intend to hold me up
+to ridicule?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am absolutely certain," interrupted the deputy, "that he did."</p>
+
+<p>"Shut up, Bullfinch!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Merry," interrupted Al, "I give you my word of honor that I should
+not have inserted that advertisement if I had for one moment supposed it
+would injure the feelings of anyone. It was only a joke on the public."</p>
+
+<p>"A joke at my expense, young man!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have given you my word of honor, sir, that I did not intend to hurt
+you or anyone else by that ad."</p>
+
+<p>"Your word of honor!" sneered Mr. Merry. "What is your word of honor
+good for? Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>Al colored.</p>
+
+<p>"You have heard my name from Miss March. I am Allen Allston."</p>
+
+<p>The old man started.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>"I did not catch the name before," he said. "Surely you are not Allen
+Allston from Boomville?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>"The noble young fellow who saved the life of my grandchild?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is Mayor Anderson's little girl your granddaughter, sir?" asked Al, a
+little embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she is. My boy, I beg your pardon."</p>
+
+<p>And the old man grasped Al's hand and shook it warmly, adding:</p>
+
+<p>"The youth who performed such a heroic act could not be guilty of such a
+crime as that of which you are accused. Bullfinch"&mdash;turning fiercely
+upon the deputy&mdash;"you are a fool!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What put it into your head that he could have had any malicious intent
+in writing that advertisement?"</p>
+
+<p>"I only acted upon your instructions, sir," responded the deputy, very
+humbly.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! I thought you had a little common sense. Leave the room, sir.
+Your presence is an insult to me and to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"But the arrest, sir&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There will be no arrest to-day; I withdraw the complaint."</p>
+
+<p>"But the warrant&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Tear it up&mdash;do anything you like with it, only don't worry me any
+further with your nonsensical remarks. Go, sir!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>The deputy slunk out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merry turned to the actress.</p>
+
+<p>"I am extremely pained," he began, "that such a scene should have
+occurred in your room. I am&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you please state your business, sir?" interrupted Miss March.</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman was a little disconcerted at first, but he quickly
+recovered himself and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I come, as I remarked before, to pay a tribute to genius and beauty."</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>Al had not supposed the girl capable of assuming such a frigid air as
+that with which she now confronted her aged admirer.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you accept these flowers?" stammered the old man. "They are a
+tribute to&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," interrupted the actress. "You may leave them on the table."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind. And now&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And now you must excuse me; I have business of importance with Mr.
+Allston."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, certainly! May I call again?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am too much occupied to receive callers. Good-morning."</p>
+
+<p>And with perfect self-possession the young girl opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>Mumbling a few inaudible words, the aged admirer of the drama left the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to say," remarked Miss March, "that I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> have seen men like
+him before. He means no harm, but I cannot endure such silliness. But
+never mind about him; let us talk about ourselves. Sit down, please, and
+I will try to commence where I left off. When we were interrupted I had
+asked you to tell me the story of your sister's disappearance&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And I was about to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. Go on."</p>
+
+<p>Al hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you want to hear the story, Miss March?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Because&mdash;because&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I believe that I may be your sister!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">THE LOCKET.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Al started. Could Miss March seriously mean what she said?</p>
+
+<p>"You surely do not think," the girl said, earnestly, "that I would jest
+on a subject so sacred?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," Al assured her, "but what ground have you for thinking that we
+may be related?"</p>
+
+<p>"No logical ground, perhaps," the actress replied; "but from the moment
+I first saw you&mdash;and I have seen you when you were not aware of my
+presence&mdash;I was strangely attracted to you. You may laugh at this, you
+may think it only the foolish fancy of a foolish girl, but it is true."</p>
+
+<p>"And I, too," said Al, thoughtfully, "have had the same feeling toward
+you. I remember I could think of nothing but your face all the way home
+on the night of your first performance in Boomville. Can it really be
+that you are my sister, restored to me in this strange way? If she is
+alive she must be about your age."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me all you know about her," entreated the girl; "the circumstances
+under which she was lost&mdash;all. But no"&mdash;with sudden change of manner&mdash;"I
+will tell you my story first, if you will listen to it."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, please, Miss March."</p>
+
+<p>"My first recollections are of a miserable home on the upper floor of a
+tenement house in New York. I lived<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> with a hard-featured woman who
+called herself my aunt. Her name was Ann Thompson. Did you ever hear of
+her?"</p>
+
+<p>And Miss March gazed anxiously into the boy's face.</p>
+
+<p>Al shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Never!"</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Ann, as I used to call her," went on the actress, "was always more
+or less under the influence of liquor. Gin was her favorite drink. She
+would work until she had money enough for a debauch, and then&mdash;but I
+cannot bear to recall my unhappy childhood."</p>
+
+<p>Miss March paused and turned away her face; her trembling voice showed
+the emotion she felt.</p>
+
+<p>"I can imagine it all," said Al, sympathetically. "Go on, please, and
+spare yourself unnecessary pain."</p>
+
+<p>"How kind you are!" the young girl said, gratefully. "I will, then, omit
+many details which I am sure would be as painful for you to hear as for
+me to relate. When under the influence of alcohol Aunt Ann was sometimes
+very cruel to me. She would beat and otherwise ill-treat me; and to-day
+I bear scars inflicted by her. But I bore all as patiently as I could,
+and for what reason, do you suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should think you would have left her," said Al, as the actress
+paused.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have done so but for one thing."</p>
+
+<p>"And that was?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sometimes while intoxicated she would hint to me that in reality we
+were not flesh and blood, that I was in no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> way akin to her, that there
+was a secret in my life that she could reveal if she would, a secret the
+publication of which would be greatly to my advantage. But she never
+became so intoxicated that she told me the whole truth; I could only
+guess it. Sometimes during her sober intervals I would tax her with what
+she had said; but she would always reply by telling me that I must pay
+no attention to anything she said when she was drunk&mdash;that she was at
+such times out of her mind, and did not know what she was saying. Once,
+when I persisted, she became greatly enraged, and gave me such a beating
+that I was taken to a hospital and she was arrested and sentenced to a
+term of imprisonment."</p>
+
+<p>At this point in her story Miss March burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Postpone telling the rest of it until another time," said Al, to whom
+the recital was almost as painful as to the girl.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the actress, "I must go on. I was discharged from the
+hospital on the day on which Aunt Ann was released from jail, and the
+old life was renewed."</p>
+
+<p>"You went back to live with the woman?" cried Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I had no other home. Besides, I still hoped that I might be able
+to learn from her the secret of my birth&mdash;for that there was a secret I
+was now more firmly convinced than ever. At the time of which I have
+just been telling you, I was about twelve years of age. Three years
+later Aunt Ann, while under the influence of liquor, met with an
+accident which terminated her miserable life in two days. When she was
+told that she was really dying, she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> sent for a priest and confessed to
+him. When the clergyman was gone she summoned me to her bedside, and
+told me that at the suggestion of the good father she was about to tell
+me at last the secret that I had been striving so long to learn."</p>
+
+<p>"And she said&mdash;&mdash;" demanded the boy, breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>"She began by telling me that she was not my aunt, that we were in no
+way related. Years before she had been my nurse. My poor mother had in
+some trivial way offended her, and under the influence of her
+anger&mdash;and, I suppose, of alcohol&mdash;she determined to revenge herself by
+kidnaping me. She carried this resolution into effect, and her guilt was
+never proven, although it was suspected. 'My name is not Ann Thompson,'
+she said to me, 'but you shall know now what it really is, and who your
+parents are. Your father is dead, but your mother still lives. For years
+she has mourned you unceasingly.' The woman then bade me unlock and open
+a certain drawer in her bureau. I did so, and took from it at her
+direction a small package. 'That bundle,' she said, 'contains proof of
+your identity. Take it to your mother and show her what is in it. Tell
+her what I have said, give her my real name, and she will acknowledge
+you as her 'daughter.' 'What is your name?' I cried, breathlessly&mdash;'what
+is mine?' The woman opened her lips to reply, but not a sound escaped
+them. The next moment she fell back upon her pillow. I bent over her,
+crying in an agony of suspense: 'Speak, speak!' But she could not, she
+was dead!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>"What did the package contain?" asked Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Only a few articles of infant's clothing and two pieces of jewelry.
+Some time they may be of assistance to me in finding my parents, but
+thus far they have proved of no value as a clew. Well, after Aunt Ann's
+death I was adopted by a family in moderate circumstances. They had no
+interest in my personal affairs, all they wanted of me was my services
+as housemaid, and I served in that capacity for two years. Then came an
+opportunity to adopt a stage career, and I eagerly seized it, against
+the advice of all who were in any way interested. I must say that, so
+far, I have had no reason to regret my decision in the matter. I find
+that the stories of the temptations of stage life that I had heard were
+gross exaggerations, and that a woman can be as good and pure on the
+stage as off it. And now, my friend, you have heard my story; can you
+help me find my mother? Do you think it possible that I am the sister
+for whom you have been searching?"</p>
+
+<p>Al's voice trembled with emotion as he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"That question can very soon be decided. Have you the package of
+infant's clothing that you spoke of?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I always have it with me wherever I go."</p>
+
+<p>"May I see it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am very anxious to show it to you."</p>
+
+<p>And the actress rose and opened her trunk, from which she took a small
+parcel.</p>
+
+<p>Her face was very pale, her hands trembled as she unfastened the little
+package.</p>
+
+<p>"Look!" she said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>Al took the garments, yellowed with time, in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard my mother describe the clothing that my little sister wore
+when she disappeared," he said, "a thousand times. She would be able to
+tell you if these are the ones, but I cannot. But the jewelry&mdash;where is
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here."</p>
+
+<p>And the girl handed him a box.</p>
+
+<p>The lad took from it a baby's ring and a chain, to which was attached a
+locket.</p>
+
+<p>"My sister wore a chain and locket like these when she was lost," he
+said, "In a moment I will tell you if this is the locket."</p>
+
+<p>"How can you?" the actress cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the locket contains my father's picture."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no picture in this," said Miss March, with a look of deep
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know whether there is or not," said Al. "There is a secret
+spring and I can find it. Look!"</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke the locket flew open.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">BROTHER AND SISTER.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>As Miss March bent over the locket she uttered an exclamation of wonder
+and delight.</p>
+
+<p>The portrait revealed was that of a singularly handsome man in the prime
+of life. The calm, thoughtful eyes and the sensitive mouth were those of
+the young actress herself; the likeness was not only unmistakable, but
+remarkable.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible that this picture has been here all these years, and I
+have never known it?" the girl exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"You might never have discovered it," replied Al. "I should not have
+known but for the fact that I have a locket precisely like it, which
+opens in the same way."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there can be no doubt&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That you are my sister."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother!"</p>
+
+<p>The next moment the singularly united couple were folded in each other's
+arms.</p>
+
+<p>It was a moment that in all their after lives neither of them ever
+forgot, a joy that no future sorrow had the power to efface from their
+memories.</p>
+
+<p>When the first transports of emotion were over, the young girl said,
+tremulously:</p>
+
+<p>"My mother&mdash;when shall I see her? Oh, I must go to her at once! I must,
+I must!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>"Of course, Mr. Wattles will give you leave of absence as soon as we
+tell him what we have discovered."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see how he can."</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't he?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no understudy. No, I must remain; he has been very kind to me,
+and I could not ask a favor that I knew it would be so very difficult
+for him to grant."</p>
+
+<p>"That is right, sister. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll telegraph
+to mother to come on here at once. She will arrive before the evening
+performance."</p>
+
+<p>"Do so, brother&mdash;&mdash; Oh, how strange, yet how delightful, it is to utter
+that sacred name! But do not tell her the truth until she comes."</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed. Why, I think the shock would almost kill her. We must break
+it to her gently."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Mr. Wattles came bustling into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"The advance sale," he began, "is something unheard of in Rockton.
+Why&mdash;&mdash; But what's the matter? Nothing wrong, is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed," Al replied. "Everything is all right."</p>
+
+<p>And he proceeded to acquaint the manager in a few words with what had
+happened.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished, "you beat the deck,
+young man. I'm going to write a romance about you when the season is
+over. You're no sooner done with one startling adventure than you're
+right in the midst of another. Why, you're almost equal to one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> of
+Dumas' heroes! Well, I sincerely congratulate you both."</p>
+
+<p>After a hearty handshake the manager added:</p>
+
+<p>"And now I must be off to give this story to the papers."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no!" cried Miss March.</p>
+
+<p>"Not by any means," added Al.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles stared at them.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"We mean," said Al, "that this is a private affair with which the papers
+have nothing to do."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear boy, think&mdash;only think&mdash;what a grand ad. it would make for
+the show!"</p>
+
+<p>"No matter; we don't want a word printed about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not," said the actress. "I should think you would understand
+our feelings in the matter, Mr. Wattles."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I don't," returned the manager, evidently chagrined. "I cannot,
+to save my life, see why you are willing to throw away such a chance for
+a stunning free ad. Nor"&mdash;addressing Al&mdash;"can I understand your
+scruples. By Jove! you are the queerest combination of impudence and
+modesty that I ever met. But have it your own way, my children; throw
+away the chance if you want to."</p>
+
+<p>As he was about to leave the room the old gentleman turned again,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I almost forgot that I had a letter for you, Miss March. Here it is,
+and I think I know the handwriting."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>As the actress glanced at the superscription on the envelope she changed
+color.</p>
+
+<p>"It is from that wretch, Farley!" she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"So I thought," said Mr. Wattles. "You had better look out for that man,
+my dear. He is, or thinks he is, desperately in love with you, and he
+may give you some trouble yet. If you don't mind, I should like to know
+the contents of that letter. Believe me, it is not from mere idle
+curiosity that I ask you to let me read it."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, Mr. Wattles," said Miss March. "Ever since I have been in
+your company you have been like a father to me. You shall open the
+letter yourself if you will."</p>
+
+<p>She handed the epistle to the manager, who tore it open. As he glanced
+at its contents a frown appeared upon his usually cheerful countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"The scoundrel!" he muttered, crushing the letter in his hand; "if I
+ever meet him again I will thrash him within an inch of his life&mdash;I
+will, by Jove!"</p>
+
+<p>"What does he say?" the girl asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"It will do you no good to know the contents of this precious epistle,"
+replied Mr. Wattles. "You had better let me destroy it."</p>
+
+<p>But Miss March's feminine curiosity was now aroused, and she insisted
+upon knowing what was in the letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you will have it," said the manager, resignedly, "I'll read it
+to you. But if you don't sleep nights for the next week or two you
+mustn't blame me."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>"Go on, go on!"</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman read as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Gladys</span>: This is to remind you that, although we are
+separated, I am near you. Do you remember what I told
+you the last time we met, that no power on earth could
+make me give you up? I meant what I said, I mean it
+still. I am not far away; you will see me sooner than
+you think."</p></div>
+
+<p>"Is there no signature?" asked Miss March.</p>
+
+<p>"None, but there can be no doubt as to the identity of the writer."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to alarm you, my dear, but you ought to be very careful."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be."</p>
+
+<p>Al laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there is much danger," he said. "That letter sounds like
+an extract from a sensational novel. A barking dog never bites, you
+know."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know anything of the sort," returned Mr. Wattles. "Some barking
+dogs do bite; and this one, as you have reason to know yourself, has
+sharp teeth. Well, just let me lay my hands on him and I'll settle him
+in short order."</p>
+
+<p>"What will you do?" smiled Al.</p>
+
+<p>"First, as I said before, I'll give him a sound thrashing. Oh, you may
+laugh, but I can do it, if I am not a boy. And then I'll hand him over
+to the authorities. By Jove! I had no idea that the fellow was such a
+scoundrel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> when he was in my employ, or I wouldn't have kept him an
+hour. But now I really must be off. Do your best to-night, Miss March;
+you'll have one of the biggest houses of the season&mdash;thanks to the
+exertions of that sharp young brother of yours."</p>
+
+<p>And the manager rushed out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother!" the girl said, softly. "How sweet the name sounds. To think
+that I have a brother! And a mother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't cry&mdash;please don't!" entreated Al, with a boy's horror of feminine
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>"They are tears of joy, brother. And now you must go and send the
+telegram."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AN AWFUL CATASTROPHE.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>A telegram, carefully worded so that Mrs. Allston's maternal alarms
+might not be aroused, was sent. In it Al requested her to come to
+Rockton by a certain train, and promised to be at the depot to meet her.</p>
+
+<p>A reply came within an hour:</p>
+
+<p>"Yours received. Shall be there. Hope nothing has happened."</p>
+
+<p>"I should say something had happened," laughed Al, when he and his
+new-found sister had read the message.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor mother!" sighed the girl. "She fears that you have met with some
+accident."</p>
+
+<p>"In a very few hours that fear will be dispelled. What will she say when
+she learns the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, what?" responded Miss March. "I dread almost as much as I long for
+the meeting."</p>
+
+<p>The anxious mother arrived on time. It is not our purpose to chronicle
+the first meeting between the long-separated couple. Such scenes defy
+the skill of the storyteller's pen or the artist's brush. Suffice it to
+say that the proofs of her identity presented by the young girl were
+perfectly satisfactory to Mrs. Allston, and that the reunion of mother
+and daughter was all that the fancy of either had ever pictured it.</p>
+
+<p>True, the somewhat Puritanical old lady was a little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> shocked at finding
+her daughter a member of the theatrical profession; she had always
+regarded player folk as far beneath herself, both socially and morally,
+and her own daughter was probably the first actress she had ever seen
+off the stage.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish, my dear," she said, "that you would give up this dreadful
+business and go home with me. To think of my child, my daughter, a play
+actress! It is dreadful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite as dreadful as you think, mother," the girl replied, quietly.
+"I could not conscientiously leave Mr. Wattles until he had secured some
+one else to play the part. Then, however, if you wish me to give up the
+stage, I shall do so. We will talk it all over after the performance
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we will talk it over after the performance," echoed the mother.</p>
+
+<p>The house was crowded to the doors that night. Not a seat was to be had
+at eight o'clock; even standing room was at a premium.</p>
+
+<p>Again Al had demonstrated his ability as a hustler.</p>
+
+<p>Everyone in town had read and re-read his strange advertisement; many
+eyes were bent on the third row of the orchestra, in search of the
+"queer old man." And Mr. Marmaduke Merry was there, too, not a whit
+abashed, a huge bouquet in his withered hand.</p>
+
+<p>A good many people had heard of his attempt to have Al arrested in the
+morning&mdash;such news travels fast&mdash;and he was the unconscious butt of many
+a covert jest.</p>
+
+<p>Some one&mdash;it will never be known who, though there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> may be reason to
+suspect Mr. Augustus Wattles&mdash;had caused the report to be spread that
+the pretty actress, Miss Gladys March, was the long-lost sister of the
+young press agent, Al Allston, and that they had been reunited through
+the article in the <i>Banner</i>. That more than one person knew about it was
+evident when Al made his appearance in a box, with his mother on his
+arm; the applause that greeted him was as unexpected as it was
+embarrassing.</p>
+
+<p>At first the boy did not realize that he was the object of these unusual
+demonstrations.</p>
+
+<p>"What are they making all that noise about?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, they are applauding you," his mother said.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you see that every eye is fixed on this box?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know but you are right," gasped Al, feeling symptoms of a
+return of the "stage fright" with which he had been seized on the
+occasion of the first performance in Boomville.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I am."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she is," added Mr. Wattles, suddenly appearing upon the
+scene. "Bow, my boy, bow! And couldn't you make a little impromptu
+speech?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not much!" replied Al, very emphatically. "I tell you, Mr. Wattles, if
+I had had any idea that the duties of a press agent included so many
+public appearances, I should not have gone into the business."</p>
+
+<p>He bowed; then some one&mdash;probably under the manager's direction&mdash;called
+out:</p>
+
+<p>"Speech! speech!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>But Al shook his head so emphatically that the audience saw he meant his
+refusal, and the applause soon subsided.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later the curtain rose.</p>
+
+<p>There was very little applause until Miss March made her entrance; her
+appearance was the signal for another demonstration of enthusiasm.
+Probably seven-eighths of the audience did not know why they were
+applauding, but the other eighth did, and its enthusiasm was, as a
+matter of course, contagious. The applause was literally deafening. In
+its midst Mr. Merry hurled his bouquet upon the stage. It fell at the
+feet of the young actress, who picked it up, smiling and blushing, to
+the evident delight of the elderly "masher."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Allston shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"This life of feverish excitement will kill my child," she said. "She
+must abandon it."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait till you see her play, mother," said Al.</p>
+
+<p>"That will not alter my determination."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," added the boy, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>He was not wrong in the conclusion he had reached. Miss March's part was
+small, but it was a strong one. It was that of a persecuted young girl
+who had been driven from home because of a misunderstanding. It was a
+pathetic r&ocirc;le, and before the actress had been on the stage five minutes
+the entire female portion of the audience were in tears, and there was a
+suspicious moisture in the eyes of more than one of the sterner sex.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't she fine?" whispered Al in his mother's ear, as the girl left the
+stage, after her first scene.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>"It is wonderful! I am amazed."</p>
+
+<p>"You did not think there was so much talent in the family, did you? Now,
+wouldn't it be a pity to rob the stage of such an ornament?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would say so. I believe she has a great future. But let
+us leave the decision to her."</p>
+
+<p>"We will do so, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment there came a shrill cry from the gallery.</p>
+
+<p>"Fire!"</p>
+
+<p>For one instant there was a dead silence; then three-quarters of the
+audience sprang to their feet.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a mad rush for the exits.</p>
+
+<p>It was a scene of indescribable confusion. Women and children were
+trampled beneath the feet of those who should have been their
+protectors, but whose only thought now was to save their cowardly
+selves.</p>
+
+<p>The shrieks of the terrified women, the groans of the injured, the
+curses of the rougher element, who, though face to face with death, did
+not fear to blaspheme&mdash;these added to the horror of the scene.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the alarm had not been a false one, for the house
+was rapidly filling with smoke, and the crackling of flames could be
+plainly heard.</p>
+
+<p>The doors soon became blocked. It seemed certain that many must perish
+in the flames.</p>
+
+<p>Al quickly led his mother through the door that connected the box with
+the stage, and conducted her in safety out of the building through the
+stage entrance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>As he passed Mr. Wattles at the door he uttered one word:</p>
+
+<p>"Gladys?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is safe," the manager replied. "She went out but a moment ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank Heaven! Mother, are you afraid to go back to the hotel alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; it is but a very short distance. But what are you going to do,
+my boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can be of some assistance in getting the people out. Good-by!
+I shall be with you again soon."</p>
+
+<p>And he rushed around to the front of the house, where the confusion was
+greater than ever.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AN EVENTFUL NIGHT.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>The Rockton police force were evidently not equal to the emergency&mdash;two
+or three Hibernians in blue uniform were rushing wildly about, issuing
+orders to which no one paid the slightest attention.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile nearly a thousand people were confined within the burning
+building, most of them apparently doomed to a horrible death.</p>
+
+<p>At the doors&mdash;of which there were only two&mdash;men were fighting like
+maniacs to escape, and actually retarding their own progress in their
+mad excitement.</p>
+
+<p>What could one boy hope to do against this panic-stricken throng?</p>
+
+<p>This is the question that Al Allston asked himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid I shan't accomplish much," he said to himself; "but I'm
+going to try, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>Assuming as cool an air as he could, he ran up to the entrance.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he said, "there is no danger. Take it easy; walk out just
+as you would at any other time, and everything will be all right. Keep
+cool."</p>
+
+<p>Probably not more than half a dozen persons heard the words, but the few
+who did hear them were impressed by the calm, fearless demeanor of the
+boy, which was in such striking contrast to that of everyone else in the
+crowd.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>An example of this sort is contagious; word was passed from one man to
+another that the danger was not as great as had been supposed. The
+conduct of the throng changed almost immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Walk out quietly," went on Al, who was now able to make himself heard.
+"Those on the right-hand side go in the direction of Grand Street, and
+those on the left in the direction of Market Street. Don't block the
+sidewalk. Keep cool, and everyone will get out all right. There is
+nothing to get excited about."</p>
+
+<p>These words had almost a magical effect. In reality, there was quite
+enough in the situation to excite anyone, but Al's apparent calmness and
+his assertion that the danger did not amount to anything produced just
+the result he desired.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd became more rational, and to make a long story short, within
+three minutes the building was emptied, even of the women and children
+who had fainted or been injured.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later the roof of the building fell in, but there was every
+reason to believe that not a single human life had been sacrificed.</p>
+
+<p>Al started for his hotel as quietly as if nothing unusual had happened.
+But he had gone only a few steps when he was overtaken by Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>To his astonishment, the manager folded him in his arms, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove! I wish you were my son!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>"What's the matter now?" asked the boy, disengaging himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Matter? Why, the matter is that you have in all probability saved the
+lives of several hundred people."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what you have done, all the same. You have a cool head for
+such a young fellow&mdash;I can tell you that. If it hadn't been for you&mdash;I
+shudder to think of what might have happened. You are, as I have had
+occasion to remark before, a wonder."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, Mr. Wattles! But I must go now; mother is sure to be worrying
+about me."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are a score of people waiting to be introduced to you, and I
+have promised to bring you back with me."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't go, Mr. Wattles."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell them that I&mdash;&mdash; Oh, just tell them the plain truth."</p>
+
+<p>"That you have a morbid horror of being lionized?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you want to put it in that way; and that my mother is waiting for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, I won't urge you&mdash;particularly as I know that you generally
+mean what you say and stick to it. But, let me tell you, young man, you
+will have to stand considerable lionizing before you leave this town,
+whether you like it or not."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so," smiled Al. "There is an early train in the morning,
+if I am not mistaken."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>"But you won't take it."</p>
+
+<p>"You will see. Well, good-night, Mr. Wattles. Oh, wait a moment!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure my sister got out all right?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes; everyone on the stage escaped within two minutes after the
+first alarm. Don't you know I told you that I saw her go out? You will
+find her with your mother when you get back to the hotel."</p>
+
+<p>Al said good-night once more, and walked away.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," muttered the manager, as he stood and watched the lad's slim
+figure until it was lost to view, "that boy is a corker. I don't believe
+he is afraid of anything on earth&mdash;except speech-making. I should like
+to see him really agitated for once."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles had his wish in less than fifteen minutes.</p>
+
+<p>He had just lighted the gas in his hotel room when there was a quick
+knock upon the door.</p>
+
+<p>Before he could say "Come in!" Al rushed into the room.</p>
+
+<p>One glance at his face showed the manager that something unusual must
+have happened. Never before had he seen the boy so intensely excited; he
+was panting for breath, and his face was ghastly pale.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" the old gentleman gasped.</p>
+
+<p>"Gladys&mdash;my sister&mdash;&mdash;" the boy began.</p>
+
+<p>"Has anything happened to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"We cannot find her."</p>
+
+<p>"She has not returned to the hotel?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there can be no occasion for alarm. I told you she got out of the
+theater all right."</p>
+
+<p>"But she may have returned."</p>
+
+<p>"What should she return for? But she did not; that I am sure of."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't worry, my boy; she will turn up all right. Perhaps she has
+gone to visit friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Would she be likely to visit friends under such circumstances?" said
+the boy, almost angrily. "She has no acquaintances in this place&mdash;she
+told me so only this afternoon; and if she had, this is not the time she
+would choose for making a social call."</p>
+
+<p>"No, of course not, my boy. Well, what do you think has become of her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that she has been the victim of foul play. Have you forgotten
+Farley's letter?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles started.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be so."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure it is."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have seen nothing of Farley."</p>
+
+<p>"He would not be likely to let you see anything of him if he could help
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"True. Well, what shall we do? Command me, my boy; I am at your
+service."</p>
+
+<p>Before Al could reply the door, which the boy had only partially closed,
+was opened, and a man entered.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>Both our hero and the manager recognized him as one of the stage hands
+in the Rockton Theater.</p>
+
+<p>When he saw Al he started, then he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wattles, I came here on purpose to get this here young gentleman's
+address."</p>
+
+<p>"My address?" cried Al. "What do you want that for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it true, sir," the man asked, "that the young lady as was on the
+bills as Miss Gladys March is your sister?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, sir, I have some information for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where she is?" demanded the boy, breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; but I know that she is in a trap, and that if you want to save
+her you must act quick. I've come here, sir, to make a clean breast of
+my part in the affair."</p>
+
+<p>Overcome by excitement, Al seized the fellow by the throat and forced
+him to his knees.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak!" he hissed. "Tell the truth, or I will strangle you!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A CLEW.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles stepped forward and gently forced Al to relax his hold on
+the man's throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't get excited, my boy," he said. "This is just the time when you
+need a cool head."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, sir," added the visitor. "I don't blame the young gent for
+the way he feels, but if he expects to get the best of that villain,
+Jack Farley, he has got to keep his wits about him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," gasped Al, "it was Farley that enticed her away?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was him, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And what had you to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"More than I wish I had. The truth is, sir, I did not realize what I was
+doing at the time. I was not onto his game until it was too late, and
+then I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't beat about the bush any longer," interrupted Mr. Wattles,
+impatiently. "What was Farley's game?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my sister?" added Al, in an agony of suspense.</p>
+
+<p>"It's like this, gents," replied the man. "Just before the alarm of fire
+was given a man came to the stage door, where I happened to be standing
+at the time. His collar was turned up, and his hat was pulled down, and
+at first I did not recognize him. 'I want you to do me a favor,'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> he
+says. 'What is it?' says I, 'and who are you?' 'Don't you know me?' he
+asks me. 'No, I don't,' I tells him, 'and I ain't got no time to stand
+here fooling with you.' You see, I thought maybe he was a stage-door
+masher, though he didn't look much like one, to tell the truth, for he
+was dressed in a way that&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Wattles again. "Get to the point.
+The man told you he was Farley?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Why were you any more willing to talk to him then? Had you ever met him
+before?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes."</p>
+
+<p>"By your own admission you knew he was a villain. Why, then, were you
+willing to do him a favor?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did me a great service once, sir, and I was glad of a chance to
+repay him."</p>
+
+<p>"Even at the risk of a young girl's life happiness, perhaps her life
+itself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not think it was as serious as all that then, sir. You see, all
+he asked me was to tell Miss March that a friend bearing important news
+was waiting just outside the stage door to see her, and that he would
+not detain her more than a minute. He also told me not to say that it
+was him if she should ask."</p>
+
+<p>"And you did this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I took the message to Miss March, and, as she had at least half an
+hour's time before she had to go on again, she went with me to the door
+without any hesitation."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>"And then?" cried Al, breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>"There was no one else around at the moment. Miss March stepped out. I
+was surprised to see that there was a carriage waiting in the alley. He
+said something to her that I could not hear, and led her to the door of
+the carriage. The next moment, to my surprise, he lifted her in his arms
+and put her into the carriage. She didn't have time to make any
+resistance at all. I am not sure, but I think there was another person
+in the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"And you made no attempt to interfere?" cried Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"What could I do, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am pretty sure that if I had been in your place I should have done
+something," said the old gentleman, warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"The carriage drove off like mad as soon as the young lady was put into
+it, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't Farley enter it, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, he jumped right in after her. The driver seemed to know what
+to do; anyway, he received no directions from Mr. Farley in my hearing.
+I suppose it had all been arranged between them beforehand."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. You might have given the alarm at once; why didn't you?"
+demanded Al.</p>
+
+<p>"By that time, sir, the alarm of fire had been given, and there was a
+terrible commotion in the theater. In the confusion I did not know what
+to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, "better late than never. But what put it into
+your head to come here at all?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>"I don't know that I should have come, sir, but when I heard of the
+heroic way in which this young gent behaved, and how he saved the lives
+of maybe half the audience&mdash;when I heard all this, and was told that the
+young lady, Miss March, was his sister, I made up my mind that I would
+come here and make a clean breast of my part of the affair."</p>
+
+<p>"And you have really told us all you know?"</p>
+
+<p>"All, sir, so help me Heaven!"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you, my man," said Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"And so do I," added Al. "But we must not spend any more time in talk;
+we have got to do something at once."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do anything in my power to help you, sir," said the man.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see that you can do much more than you have done," said Al.
+"You can give me a description of the carriage and the horse, though."</p>
+
+<p>"The carriage was an ordinary livery coach. There were two horses, both
+of them gray. It was a livery turn-out&mdash;there can't be any doubt about
+that&mdash;and not a first-class one, either."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know what stable it came from?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; but it won't be a very hard job to find that out, for there
+are only three stables in town. Two of them are quite swell, but the
+other isn't, and I guess it was from that one that the coach came."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, springing to his feet, "we can get to work
+now. Come, my boy, this man shall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> take us to the stable at once, and we
+will see what they have to tell us there."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to drag you out, Mr. Wattles," said Al. "I can manage this
+business alone."</p>
+
+<p>"You can, eh?" said the manager, almost indignantly. "Well, maybe you
+could, but you won't get the chance. I am going to be right in it with
+you. Why, do you suppose I could sleep a wink to-night with this thing
+on my mind? I tell you, my boy, I thought more of that girl than you
+imagine, and if anything should happen to her&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles choked and turned away his head. Al was surprised at this
+exhibition of emotion; he had not given his employer credit for the
+possession of so much feeling.</p>
+
+<p>He extended his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wattles," he said, "you are a good friend of mine and hers. Have it
+your own way, then. Come!"</p>
+
+<p>The manager pressed the boy's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like scenes&mdash;off the stage," he said, rather shamefacedly. "I
+dislike emotion, and am seldom betrayed into it. But&mdash;but&mdash;&mdash; Oh, well,
+we mustn't stand here talking all night. Lead the way to the stable you
+spoke of, my man."</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later the trio reached the stable. Here several delays
+awaited them. In the first place, the man who had been on duty in the
+office at the time the coach must have been hired, was asleep in a room
+above the stable, and when awakened refused to get up. After<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> some
+persuasion, he agreed to do so, and came downstairs half dressed. He was
+also half asleep, and for several minutes could not recall the event
+about which his visitors were so anxious to be informed. It had been an
+unusually busy evening, and he was not sure whether the coach had come
+from that stable or not.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, his memory having been stimulated by a five-dollar
+bill, which Mr. Wattles slipped into his hands, he remembered having
+rented the team to a man who answered Farley's description.</p>
+
+<p>"There was a lady with him, too," the man added.</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a looking woman?" asked the manager.</p>
+
+<p>"Tall, dark, with very black eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Hollingsworth!" exclaimed Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"Just the idea that occurred to me," added Al.</p>
+
+<p>"It was she, beyond the shadow of a doubt. She is in the scheme, too,
+then. That woman is capable of anything. At last we have a clew, and a
+strong one."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">ON THE TRACK.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>"But why," questioned Al, "should Miss Hollingsworth lend herself to
+such a scheme?"</p>
+
+<p>"For several reasons," Mr. Wattles replied. "In the first place, she is
+a woman who likes mischief for its own sake&mdash;there are such people, you
+know. Then, she is under the influence of Farley; that is a fact that I
+have known for a long time. That man can make her do almost anything he
+wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she in love with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sometimes I have thought so, and sometimes I have thought she almost
+hated him. He seems to exercise a sort of hypnotic influence over her;
+that is the only way in which I can explain it."</p>
+
+<p>"If she is in love with him," suggested Al, "it is rather strange, isn't
+it, that she should help him to abduct a rival?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not when you consider everything. Remember that the woman has a grudge
+against you. You haven't forgotten that episode at the Boomville Opera
+House, have you? You were the indirect means of throwing her out of an
+engagement."</p>
+
+<p>"That is so."</p>
+
+<p>"You can depend upon it," went on the manager, "that the woman in the
+case&mdash;and in the carriage&mdash;was Miss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> Olga Hollingsworth. But we mustn't
+stand talking here any longer."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles had observed that the stableman was listening to the
+dialogue with considerable interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did the couple say they were going?" he added.</p>
+
+<p>"They said," was the reply, "that they wanted to catch a train, but that
+they had to make a call first."</p>
+
+<p>"Did they say where they were going to call?"</p>
+
+<p>"They did not."</p>
+
+<p>"Did they say what train they wanted to catch?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the driver that took them out? Has he returned yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"He came back long ago, and has gone home."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say where he took them?" questioned Al.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, he said nothing about the matter; all we were talking about
+was the theater fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wattles, with a wink at Al, "we are much obliged for
+your information. Good-night."</p>
+
+<p>And he took the boy's arm and walked him rather unceremoniously out of
+the place.</p>
+
+<p>"I wanted to ask a few more questions," said Al, when they were outside.</p>
+
+<p>"It wouldn't have done any good, my boy. The man told us all he knew
+about the case."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not so sure about that," demurred Al. "It seems rather queer to me
+that the driver should say nothing at all about such a peculiar case
+when he got back to the stable. According to the report of the stage
+hand he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> must have been posted about Farley's intention. He was really a
+party to the crime."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly; and that, of course, is just the reason he said nothing when
+he got back. But we can find out all that later on. Now, in my opinion,
+they&mdash;Farley, Hollingsworth and their victim&mdash;did really take a train.
+The question now is, what train?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we can learn that at the railway station."</p>
+
+<p>"Just what I was going to say. We will go to the station now and find
+out what trains leave at about the time that our friends would have been
+likely to reach the place."</p>
+
+<p>"Rockton is not a very big place; there are not many trains a day."</p>
+
+<p>"No; we shan't have any trouble in getting the information we want."</p>
+
+<p>They found the station agent at the depot. He was a small, shriveled-up
+old man, and he glared suspiciously at them when they questioned him.</p>
+
+<p>It took them some minutes to elicit the information that two trains left
+the station at nine-ten&mdash;about the hour that the carriage would have
+reached the place if it had gone there direct from the theater.</p>
+
+<p>"And where do these two trains go?" asked Mr. Wattles.</p>
+
+<p>"One goes to New York."</p>
+
+<p>"And the other?"</p>
+
+<p>"The other is the Boston express."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>The manager then described the occupants of the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>"I remember them; what of it?" said the station agent, crustily.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you remember about them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I remember that one of the ladies&mdash;the smaller one&mdash;seemed to be sick;
+at any rate, she had to be helped into the waiting room, where they all
+three stayed till the train arrived."</p>
+
+<p>"Which of the two trains did they take?" cried Al.</p>
+
+<p>"That I don't know."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I said. Do you suppose I keep tabs on everyone that comes
+into this place? Hardly."</p>
+
+<p>"The New York train and the Boston train were here at the same time?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"And they might have taken either?"</p>
+
+<p>"They might."</p>
+
+<p>"It is of a good deal of importance to us," said Al, "to learn which of
+those two trains they took."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't help that," was the reply. "I'm no clairvoyant or
+fortune-teller."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't there some one about the station who could give us some
+information?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there is. The ticket-seller that they bought their
+tickets from might tell you something, but he's off now; there is
+another man in his place."</p>
+
+<p>Al and Mr. Wattles stared at each other in perplexity.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>Just then a hang-dog looking young fellow of about Al's age came
+slouching up.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Smith," called out the station agent, "these folks want some
+information; perhaps you can give it to 'em. Tell this chap what you
+want, gents, and maybe he can help you out."</p>
+
+<p>Al explained the situation to the fellow, who said, readily enough:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes; I remember that party."</p>
+
+<p>"And which of the two trains did they take?"</p>
+
+<p>"The one goin' to Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"At last," exclaimed Mr. Wattles, "we have a little information. Now,
+then, my boy, what shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall follow them," replied Al, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could go with you, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it would be impossible, Mr. Wattles; and probably I shall get
+along just as well alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe; but I'd like to be with you to witness the discomfiture of that
+arch-villain. Well, come along and get your ticket for Boston."</p>
+
+<p>They were now walking in the direction of the ticket office.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Al, "I shall get a ticket for New York."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh?"</p>
+
+<p>The boy repeated the statement.</p>
+
+<p>"But that fellow said they went to Boston; you must have misunderstood
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I didn't."</p>
+
+<p>"He certainly said Boston."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>"I know he did."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you are going to get a ticket for New York?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll explain. You didn't see the wink he gave the station agent when he
+told us the Boston train yarn, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"I did."</p>
+
+<p>"You think he was lying to us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure of it. Farley probably paid him to put us off the track."</p>
+
+<p>"Allston, you are a smart young fellow, but there is such a thing as
+being too smart. It may be that by going to New York you will lose
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so, Mr. Wattles; I am sure I am right. At any rate, I
+will take the chances."</p>
+
+<p>Twenty minutes later Al was on his way to the metropolis.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">"DR. FERGUSON."</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>As may be imagined, Al was very tired when he boarded the train for New
+York. It had been a hard day for him; yet, though physically fatigued,
+he was mentally alert.</p>
+
+<p>Next him sat a clerical-looking man of about fifty, who presently
+remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"You got on at Rockton, young gentleman, did you not?"</p>
+
+<p>Al, glad of the chance to speak to anyone, replied in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>"I once had a charge there," went on the old man.</p>
+
+<p>Al did not understand him.</p>
+
+<p>"A charge?" he said, interrogatively.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I am a minister of the Gospel."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I was pastor of the wealthiest church in Rockton. I left it to
+accept a call to New York."</p>
+
+<p>As this statement possessed no especial interest to the boy, he made no
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>There was a silence of some minutes' duration. Then the old gentleman
+broke out with:</p>
+
+<p>"May I offer you my card?"</p>
+
+<p>At the same time he thrust a bit of pasteboard into Al's hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>Upon it was inscribed the name, David Ferguson, D.&nbsp;D.</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't a card with me, Dr. Ferguson," said the boy; "but my name is
+Allen Allston."</p>
+
+<p>His traveling companion grasped his hand, and shook it with a remarkable
+exhibition of warmth, considering their short acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to meet you, my young friend," he said. "Are you going
+far?"</p>
+
+<p>"To New York, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed! Then we shall be traveling companions for nearly three hours.
+How delightful!"</p>
+
+<p>The prospect did not seem quite so delightful to Al; for, although he
+was glad to have some one to talk to, he began to fear that the Rev. Dr.
+Ferguson might not prove a wholly congenial companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you a resident of Rockton?" went on the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Only a visitor there?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's all."</p>
+
+<p>"Rockton is a beautiful place."</p>
+
+<p>Al acquiesced.</p>
+
+<p>"And you don't live there?" continued Dr. Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"You were visiting friends?" questioned the old man, whose bump of
+curiosity seemed to be well developed.</p>
+
+<p>"I was not, sir; I was there on business."</p>
+
+<p>"On business! Really? You are quite young to be actively engaged in
+business."</p>
+
+<p>As this was a point upon which Al was a little sore,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> he made no reply.
+He was now quite willing to let the conversation end right there and
+then.</p>
+
+<p>But Dr. Ferguson would not have it so.</p>
+
+<p>"What was the nature of your business, if I may ask?" he resumed.
+"Pardon me, if I seem inquisitive."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Al, with a sigh, "I don't know that I have any reason to be
+ashamed of my business."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust not, my dear young friend&mdash;I most sincerely trust that you have
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"I am connected with Wattles' New York Comedy Company."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Ferguson gasped for breath.</p>
+
+<p>"You are an actor&mdash;at your age?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Al laughed, a little sarcastically, it is to be feared.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't quite as bad as that," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am only the advance agent."</p>
+
+<p>"And what, may I ask, is an advance agent?"</p>
+
+<p>Al explained.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not, then, quite as bad as I thought," said his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"It might be a heap worse," responded the boy, laconically.</p>
+
+<p>"But still," went on the reverend gentleman, "a position such as that
+you hold may lead to something worse. You may in time&mdash;pardon me, if I
+hurt your feelings&mdash;you may in time become an actor."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess not," said Al, who had some difficulty in repressing a smile.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>"You cannot tell, my dear young friend; one wrong step leads to another,
+and once on the road to destruction, there is no knowing where or when
+the end will come."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope I am not on the road to destruction yet," said Al, "and I feel
+pretty sure that I am not."</p>
+
+<p>"Pride cometh before a fall, my dear young friend," said the doctor,
+impressively. "The moment you begin to be too sure of yourself, you have
+taken the first downward step. You may not be conscious of it, but it is
+taken."</p>
+
+<p>Al began to shift about uneasily in his seat.</p>
+
+<p>"I know that what I say is not pleasant for you to hear," continued the
+old gentleman, "but I speak for your own good."</p>
+
+<p>He then went on to deliver a long homily on the evils of theatrical
+life, and actually succeeded in tiring Al to such an extent that he fell
+asleep.</p>
+
+<p>He was awakened by a voice shouting in his ear:</p>
+
+<p>"This ain't a sleeping car, young man. All off!"</p>
+
+<p>Al leaped to his feet, only half awake. The car was empty of everyone
+except himself and a brakeman.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"In New York," was the reply. "Say, young fellow, you are a pretty sound
+sleeper."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm awake now," said the boy. "I'm sorry to have given you any
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's all right. But you haven't lost anything, have you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Why?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>"I don't see your baggage anywhere?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't bring anything with me."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right, then. I was afraid that duck in the seat with you
+might have got away with your stuff."</p>
+
+<p>Al laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a clergyman," he said&mdash;"the Rev. Dr. Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p>"Reverend nothing," grinned the brakeman. "Say, young man, you must be
+from 'way back."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that fellow is one of the cleverest confidence men in the
+country."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know what you are talking about?" asked the boy, in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"You can bet I do. Oh, he has fooled sharper ones than you or I. You
+didn't lend him anything, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor invest in green goods or anything of that sort?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you are one of the lucky ones, then. When I saw him giving you so
+much chin music I thought he had you sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he didn't."</p>
+
+<p>And Al left the car on very good terms with himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," he mused, "I'll start in on the business that brought me
+here. I'll go to the nearest police station first. I don't know where it
+is, so to save time I'll take a cab."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>As he thus ruminated, he mechanically felt in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment he uttered an involuntary exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>His money was gone, and so were his watch, and the ring that had been
+presented to him in Boomville.</p>
+
+<p>He had not, after all, escaped scot-free from the "Reverend David
+Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AN UNLUCKY ERROR.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Al's self-esteem had suffered a severe shock.</p>
+
+<p>He had considered himself quite competent to look out for "Number One,"
+but this plausible swindler, the very first person he had met on the
+train, had easily succeeded in swindling him out of all the valuables he
+had about him.</p>
+
+<p>He had lost about a hundred and fifty dollars in cash, his watch, which
+was worth at least another hundred, and the valuable diamond ring that
+had been presented to him on the stage of the Boomville Opera House.</p>
+
+<p>He was alone and penniless in a great city at two o'clock in the
+morning, with a mission to perform that would almost necessarily involve
+the outlay of money.</p>
+
+<p>While he stood at the entrance of the Grand Central Depot the brakeman
+who had addressed him on the car came along. Noticing the look of dismay
+on the boy's face, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing the matter, is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should say there was."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it? That bunco man didn't get the best of you, after all, did
+he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather."</p>
+
+<p>And Al proceeded to inform the man of his loss.</p>
+
+<p>His companion uttered a low whistle.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>"Well, he did soak it to you, for fair," he said. "He don't generally
+play that game; as a rule he works the thing in a more artistic way than
+that. Well, he got the money, all the same. It was a pretty good haul,
+too."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how he got that ring off my finger without waking me up,"
+said Al, ruefully.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he can do more than that," grinned the brakeman. "He'd manage to
+rob you of your eyeteeth if he happened to take a fancy to them. He's a
+daisy!"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you had warned me when you saw him talking to me on the train."</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't very well do that; but I kept an eye on you both, and if I
+had seen him up to any funny business, I should have spoken. Hasn't he
+left you any money at all?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a cent."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, see here, I'll let you have a few dollars if you'll promise to
+return 'em as soon as you get funds."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I will, and I am very much obliged to you," said Al,
+surprised at this unexpected offer.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you are, then."</p>
+
+<p>And the man handed him a small roll of bills.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me your address," said Al, "and I'll return this to you within a
+day or two, with something to boot."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want anything to boot. I'll write down my address, if you'll
+lend me a pencil a minute."</p>
+
+<p>Al handed him a pencil. The man was about to write the address on the
+back of an envelope, when, to his amazement, his companion made a rush
+for a cab that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> stood at the curbstone, gave the driver a few hasty
+directions in a low tone, and then leaped into the vehicle, which
+immediately started off at a rapid pace. Before the brakeman could
+recover from his astonishment, the cab had turned a corner and
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," gasped the man, "if I haven't been buncoed myself, and by a kid
+at that. I'll bet he and the other fellow were pals. And I never
+suspected it! Well, I'll get my ten dollars back if it costs me a
+hundred to do it. This is the last time I'll ever lend money to a
+stranger. I wish I could hire some one to kick me round the block."</p>
+
+<p>The brakeman could scarcely be blamed for forming this opinion of Al,
+erroneous though it was. Appearances were certainly against the boy, and
+the reader is, perhaps, wondering if he had suddenly become insane or
+developed into a kleptomaniac.</p>
+
+<p>The reason for our hero's strange action was this: Just as he handed the
+brakeman the pencil a carriage was passing the depot, from the window of
+which peered the face of the very man for whom Al was seeking&mdash;Jack
+Farley.</p>
+
+<p>There was no time for explanations; the carriage was going at a rapid
+rate. Al rushed out to the cab that stood at the entrance and said to
+the driver:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see that carriage yonder?&mdash;the one that is just about to turn
+the corner? Follow it wherever it goes and I'll pay you well."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough said!" the man responded.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>As we have seen, the boy entered the cab, and was driven away.</p>
+
+<p>"That brakeman will think that I am a thief, too, I'm afraid," Al mused.
+"Well, I can't help it; it will be all right to-morrow. But he is a good
+fellow, and I don't like the idea of being misunderstood in that way by
+him even for a few hours. There's no help for it, though; I couldn't
+afford to let Farley get away from me!"</p>
+
+<p>The two vehicles kept at an even distance from each other until Tenth
+Street was reached. At the corner of that thoroughfare and Fifth Avenue
+the carriage in advance came to a sudden halt.</p>
+
+<p>Al's driver stopped almost at the same moment.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do now, sir?" he called out to his passenger.</p>
+
+<p>"Go right ahead," the boy directed. "When you get to the spot, stop, if
+the other coach has not started again in the meantime; if it has, go on
+as long as it does."</p>
+
+<p>In less than a minute later Al's carriage once more come to a
+standstill.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment a man leaped from the other carriage, advanced to the
+cab and threw open the door.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean," he demanded, "by following my carriage? I have been
+onto you ever since you started. Who are you, and what do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>The man was not Jack Farley; he did not resemble him in any way.</p>
+
+<p>He was an elderly man, fashionably dressed, and had the appearance of
+one who was on his way home after a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> ball, or some other social
+function, with just enough wine on board to make him quarrelsome.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your little game?" continued the man. "Come, out with it; I am
+going to know."</p>
+
+<p>Al was decidedly embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p>"It is all a mistake," he stammered.</p>
+
+<p>"That's too thin," said the stranger. "I'm onto you; you are a
+detective! Now, what are you shadowing me for?"</p>
+
+<p>Al could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"I am no more a detective than you, sir," he said. "I told my driver to
+follow a certain carriage, and he has made a mistake; that's all there
+is to it."</p>
+
+<p>"I made no mistake," interposed the driver, surlily. "This is the
+carriage you told me to follow."</p>
+
+<p>"You are wrong; the man in that carriage was not this gentleman.
+Remember, it turned the corner before we left the depot, so you lost
+sight of it for half a minute or so."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," admitted cabby.</p>
+
+<p>"It had probably turned out of the street before we turned into it, and
+you, seeing this gentleman's carriage, supposed it to be the same, and
+followed it."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess that explains it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it doesn't explain it to me," said the aggrieved stranger. "I
+consider this affair an outrage, and I am going to have it
+investigated."</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead and investigate, then," said Al, losing his patience. "You are
+making a mountain of a mole hill."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>"I am, eh? Well, you'll see whether I am or not. Cabman, I have your
+number."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right; keep it," growled the jehu.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall keep it, and make good use of it, too. You will hear from me
+again."</p>
+
+<p>And the man climbed back into his carriage, flushed almost as much with
+anger as with wine.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AN EXCITING INTERVIEW.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>As the carriage rolled away Al and the cabman stood and stared at each
+other. Then the latter burst into a loud laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," he said, "this is the funniest job I have had for many a
+long day."</p>
+
+<p>Al failed to appreciate the humor of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>"It does not strike me as being particularly funny," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't?"</p>
+
+<p>"Decidedly not. Why did you lose sight of the other cab?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you explained that yourself just now. The two carriages looked
+just alike; I believe they were the same."</p>
+
+<p>"No, they were not. The man I saw looking from the window of the
+carriage that passed the Grand Central Depot was not the man we have
+just been talking to."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. You followed the wrong carriage; that is all there is to it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," admitted the cabby, "I think you are right. Where shall I take
+you now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nowhere; I'll walk. How much do I owe you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ten dollars," was the calm reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>"Ten what?" demanded Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten dollars for driving me that short distance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you call that a short distance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I could have walked it in a good deal less than half an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, see here," interrupted the cabman, with a threatening air, as he
+put his face in very close proximity to Al's, "I don't want no muss with
+you. See? But I get that ten dollars. Do you think I'm driving this here
+thing for fun? Not on your life!"</p>
+
+<p>This was Al's first experience with one of the class known in New York
+as "night-hawks," and for a moment he hesitated. Imagining that he had
+gained an advantage, the man added:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, look lively! I've got something else to do besides standing here
+chinning with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the boy, quietly, "you have. On second thoughts, I'll keep
+your cab a little longer. Drive me to the nearest police station."</p>
+
+<p>The man stared at him, then asked, rather uneasily:</p>
+
+<p>"What for?"</p>
+
+<p>"So that I can find out just what I ought to pay you. It won't take
+either of us long to get the information."</p>
+
+<p>The night-hawk saw that he had, for once, met his match.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>"See here, young gent," he said, "I don't want no trouble with you."</p>
+
+<p>"If there is any trouble, you will bring it on yourself," responded the
+boy.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got no time to waste. Give me a V and I'll call it square."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give you nothing of the sort."</p>
+
+<p>"What will you pay, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two dollars is quite enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Make it three, boss."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't do it," said Al, who saw that he had by luck hit upon about the
+right price. "Will you take two, or will you go with me to the nearest
+police station and let them settle the matter there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Give me the two," said the man, sullenly. "I'll take it, but I'm losing
+money on the job. If I'd stayed up at the station I might have picked
+up&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You might have picked up a bigger greenhorn than you did," added Al.
+"Well, I'll wish you good-morning."</p>
+
+<p>He was about to turn away when a heavy hand was laid on his shoulder,
+and a familiar voice exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this is luck. I didn't expect to find you as easy as all this."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's you, is it?" cried Al, recognizing the friendly brakeman who
+had loaned him the money. "I'm mighty glad I ran across you."</p>
+
+<p>"You are, eh?" sneered the man.</p>
+
+<p>Al looked at him in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I was going to hunt you up."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>"Oh, you were?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I was. I wanted to explain to you why I left you so suddenly.
+You must have thought&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought the truth&mdash;that I had been made the victim of a swindler. I
+made up my mind that I would hunt you up, but I didn't expect to find
+you quite so soon; that was blind luck."</p>
+
+<p>"See here," said Al, his anger rising, "you are going a little too far.
+I was, and am, much obliged to you for lending me that money, but I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Lending nothing," interrupted the cabman, who had been a silent
+listener to the conversation. "Why, the young villain has just been
+telling me how he euchered a brakeman up at the Grand Central out of a
+wad."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a lie!" burst from the lips of the indignant boy, and he advanced
+toward the treacherous fellow with clinched fists.</p>
+
+<p>But the cabman retreated and leaped upon his box.</p>
+
+<p>"If I didn't have my cab here," he said, as he gathered up the reins,
+"I'd teach you to call me a liar. Boss"&mdash;to the brakeman&mdash;"you're in
+luck to find the young rascal so easy. Don't let him off; I know him
+well, and, in spite of his innocent looks, he is one of the toughest
+youngsters in the city."</p>
+
+<p>With these words the rascal whipped up his horses and started up the
+avenue at as rapid a pace as his steeds were capable of.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you believe that fellow's story?" demanded Al, looking his companion
+squarely in the eyes.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>"You can bet I do," was the prompt reply.</p>
+
+<p>"You think I am a thief?"</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't I pretty good proof of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, see here, young fellow," interrupted the indignant brakeman, "I am
+not going to sit up till daylight to discuss this matter with you. You
+can talk it over with the judge later. You buncoed me in a very neat
+manner; I admit you did the job well, but luck happened to be on my
+side, and the game is lost for you. But see here; just to avoid trouble,
+if you hand me back my ten dollars, I'll let you off."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give you all I have left of it," said Al; "and some day I'll prove
+to you that I am not&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," interrupted the uncompromising brakeman. "I don't
+care what you are; all I want is my ten dollars, not what you have left,
+but just what I gave you."</p>
+
+<p>"I have just paid that cabman two dollars," said Al, "and all I can give
+you is eight. I am very sorry I accepted the loan at all."</p>
+
+<p>"You ain't as sorry as I am," sneered the brakeman. "But, see here, I'm
+not going to fool any more time away with you. I've had a hard day, and
+I've got to start in again at eleven o'clock. To save myself trouble, I
+have offered to let you off if you would give me my money back. If you
+won't, you will go with me to the station house, where I shall make a
+formal complaint against you. Now, what do you say?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>Before Al could reply a man suddenly turned the corner of Eleventh
+Street.</p>
+
+<p>As he approached, the boy grasped his companion's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," he said, "I'll prove to you that you have made a mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see this man coming?"</p>
+
+<p>The brakeman looked, then started.</p>
+
+<p>"It's your pal!" he exclaimed, recognizing the individual who had been
+introduced to the reader as the "Rev. David Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p>"He's no more my pal than you are," said Al. "Just keep your eyes and
+ears open, and I'll convince you on that point, at any rate."</p>
+
+<p>The alleged reverend gentleman was approaching rather slowly. His eyes
+were on the pavement. He was smiling; evidently his thoughts were of an
+agreeable nature.</p>
+
+<p>He did not observe Al and his companion until he was within a few feet
+of them; then the boy suddenly stepped forward, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A DANGEROUS JOB AHEAD.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>The reverend gentleman started; a decidedly uneasy expression appeared
+upon his face.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know you, young gentleman," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you can't have forgotten me, Mr. Ferguson," said Al. "My name is
+Allston; don't you remember the interesting conversation we had on the
+train this morning?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem! I think I do recognize you now."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would. Isn't this rather early for you to be out, Mr.
+Ferguson?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not yet returned to my home; I have been on an errand of mercy.
+And now I must ask you to excuse me, for I am greatly fatigued."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you have often heard it said that justice and mercy ought to
+go hand in hand."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a very true saying, my lad."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you say you have just been on an errand of mercy; suppose you now
+perform an act of justice."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Ferguson, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess you know. I mean that I want you to hand back the money and
+jewelry that you stole from me."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to insult me, or are you mad?" almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> shouted the alleged
+clergyman. "Do you dare accuse me, me, David Ferguson, of theft?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's about the size of it," replied Al, coolly. "And, remember, I
+know now that your name is no more David Ferguson than mine is."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you dare&mdash;&mdash;" began the fellow.</p>
+
+<p>"That'll do," interrupted Al. "Bluff will not work with me. Are you
+going to return my property?"</p>
+
+<p>He had not uttered the last word when "Mr. Ferguson" abruptly turned on
+his heel and started to run.</p>
+
+<p>He did not go far, however. Out went Al's foot, and the next moment the
+adventurer lay sprawling on the pavement. He was helped to his feet by
+Al and the brakeman, who both kept a tight hold on him.</p>
+
+<p>The sanctimonious expression had entirely vanished from the fellow's
+face, which now wore a look of rage and fear.</p>
+
+<p>The transformation was wonderful; he did not seem the same man.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he said, "what are you going to do about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to hand you over to the police in short order if you don't
+return my property."</p>
+
+<p>"If I give it all back," demanded the man, "will you agree not to make
+any charge against me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't agree to anything of the sort," interrupted the belligerent
+brakeman.</p>
+
+<p>But Al said:</p>
+
+<p>"I ought not to do it, but I have no time to attend<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> to the case, so, if
+you hand back what you took from me you can go."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Ferguson" fished the roll of bills from his pocket and handed it to
+Al, who carefully counted it.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, the watch and ring," he said.</p>
+
+<p>The "crook" produced the timepiece and gave it to its owner.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't return the ring," he whined.</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I've pawned it."</p>
+
+<p>"Give me the ticket, then."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't do that, either."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I've lost it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Al, "that's unlucky&mdash;for you. Now, see here, my reverend
+friend, I have no more time to waste. If your story is true, you'll come
+along with me to the police station. If it is a lie, which I believe,
+you had better hand over that ring in quick time."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I advise you to hurry, for here comes a policeman, and if the ring is
+not on my finger by the time he gets here, I shall hand you over to him
+as sure as I am standing here."</p>
+
+<p>The "crook" hesitated no longer.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you are, then," he said.</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, he thrust the ring into Al's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," he asked, in a voice that trembled with nervousness, "may I get
+out?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>"Skip," responded Al, laconically.</p>
+
+<p>In less than ten seconds the fellow had disappeared from view.</p>
+
+<p>The brakeman extended his hand to his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"I have wronged you," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I told you," replied Al, quietly, "but you wouldn't take my
+word for it."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you'll accept my apology."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I will; and you must accept your money back."</p>
+
+<p>And the boy handed his companion a ten-dollar bill.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you don't feel hard toward me?" persisted the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," Al responded, readily. "You were very kind to offer me the
+money at the depot. I was a perfect stranger to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But I sized you up as a square lad."</p>
+
+<p>"It didn't take you long to change your mind, though."</p>
+
+<p>"You must admit that I had some reason to change it."</p>
+
+<p>"I do admit it. Appearances were very much against me, and if I had been
+in your place I should, very likely, have thought just what you did."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, I'm sorry I was so hasty. Now, see here, young fellow,
+I've taken a liking to you&mdash;honest, I have. I'd like to help you. Now, I
+have an idea that you are in some sort of trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not far out of the way there," admitted the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, it's none of my business, and I'm not one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> of the sort that
+cares much about other people's affairs; but&mdash;but what is your trouble?
+I only ask, thinking that I may be able to help you in some way."</p>
+
+<p>Al hesitated, then said:</p>
+
+<p>"I need help badly enough, but I don't see what you could do. However, I
+will tell you why I am in New York."</p>
+
+<p>In a few words he told the story of his sister's abduction. When he
+explained why he had left the depot so suddenly his companion
+interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>"Why," he cried, excitedly, "I saw the cab that you wanted to follow! I
+can tell you just where you can find its driver, too."</p>
+
+<p>"You can?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. As it happens, he is an old friend of mine, and there isn't much
+that he won't do for me. He drives for a stable up on Fifth Avenue, but
+he ought to be home by this time. I can get a good deal more information
+out of him than they would give you if you went up to the stables. Do
+you want to go round to his house with me now and see if he is in?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it far from here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not ten minutes' walk."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go, then. But, perhaps, we ought to go to a police station
+first."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall pass one on our way there. Come on; I'll bet that you won't be
+sorry you met me."</p>
+
+<p>Within five minutes Al had given a description of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> sister to the
+police, and an alarm was about to be sent out when he left the station.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, to see my friend, Tim Story," said the brakeman, "who, if I am not
+mistaken, will be able to give us as much information in five minutes as
+the police will gain in twenty-four hours."</p>
+
+<p>Tim Story's home proved to be a floor in a West-Side tenement. The
+cabman had just returned home, and did not seem to be in a very
+communicative mood. But in a few minutes Al's new friend had obtained
+information from him that gave the boy a new hope.</p>
+
+<p>"We have found her!" he exclaimed. "How can I thank you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't thank me yet," was the reply. "Remember the old saying, 'There's
+many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.' You have a dangerous job ahead
+of you, my boy."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">HARD LUCK.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Among the passengers that arrived at the Grand Central Depot by a train
+which reached the city about three hours before Al Allston's arrival,
+were a trio who attracted some attention from their fellow passengers;
+attention that was evidently unwelcome and annoying to at least two of
+the three.</p>
+
+<p>There were two women and a man. One of the women, slight and heavily
+veiled, was supported, almost carried, by her companions. She seemed to
+be very ill.</p>
+
+<p>As she was lifted from the car, one of the passengers, an elderly
+gentleman, overheard her say:</p>
+
+<p>"Where am I? Where are you taking me?"</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman stepped forward and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Can I be of any assistance? The lady seems to be sick."</p>
+
+<p>His voice and manner showed very plainly that he suspected there was
+something wrong, but the two persons he addressed either did not notice
+this, or willfully ignored it.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind, sir," responded the male member of the party of
+which the apparent invalid was one. "The lady is ill, and we are anxious
+to get her to her home as soon as possible. Would you be kind enough to
+call<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> a carriage for us? I would not ask this of a stranger had you not
+so kindly proffered your assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so with pleasure," replied the gentleman, evidently a little
+surprised at the manner in which his offer was received. "But may I ask
+what is the matter with the lady?"</p>
+
+<p>The man he addressed tapped his forehead significantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Brain disease?" questioned the gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Brought on by overwork at school. Poor girl! But we have hope that
+in a few weeks she will be herself again."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very sad."</p>
+
+<p>"Very; and now, sir, if you will kindly call the carriage for me, I
+shall be greatly indebted to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir."</p>
+
+<p>As the gentleman hurried away, the woman whom we have mentioned as the
+third member of the party, a tall, showy-looking brunette, said:</p>
+
+<p>"What's your game, Jack? Why did you send that old fellow for a
+carriage?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was the easiest way to get rid of him," was the reply. "Didn't you
+see that he was very suspicious?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course."</p>
+
+<p>"The way in which I accepted his offer took him off his guard, and,
+perhaps, saved us some trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! here he comes."</p>
+
+<p>"I see him. Don't say a word. Leave all to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I have found a very good coach for you," announced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> the old gentleman,
+hurrying toward them. "Come this way, please."</p>
+
+<p>Murmuring his thanks, Jack Farley, whom the reader has, perhaps, ere
+this, recognized, hurried toward the entrance, supporting the alleged
+invalid, who was now moaning piteously.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later the three were ensconced in the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall I tell the driver to go?" asked the gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>Farley gave an address.</p>
+
+<p>As the carriage started, Miss Hollingsworth asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you give that address?"</p>
+
+<p>"You didn't suppose I was going to give the right one, did you?" said
+Farley, petulantly. "When we are out of sight of the depot I'll tell the
+driver where to go."</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the coach had turned a corner he leaned out of the window and
+called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Driver, I've changed my mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Take us to this address."</p>
+
+<p>And he handed the man a card.</p>
+
+<p>"You think of everything," said Miss Hollingsworth.</p>
+
+<p>"I have to."</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid that we were going to have some trouble with that old
+man."</p>
+
+<p>"So was I at first, but it turned out all right. I tell you, Olga, it
+takes a smart one to get the better of Jack Farley."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>Miss Hollingsworth gave a peculiar laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by that?" demanded Farley. "What have you got in your
+head now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you have. What is the matter with you, anyway? Your whole manner
+to-night has been unnatural and peculiar."</p>
+
+<p>"That is only your imagination."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not. Olga, you are not thinking of rounding on me, are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not. What an idea!"</p>
+
+<p>"Because if you are, I warn you not to try it; if you do, I'll make you
+wish you had never been born."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I round on you, as you put it? Are not our interests one? Am
+I not helping you in this affair? Am I not unquestioningly obeying you
+in everything? Jack, you are nervous and excited."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I guess that's so. What I need is a bottle of fizz; and, as soon
+as I get the girl to your flat, I'll go down to Billy's and get it."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't do that," said Miss Hollingsworth, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is too late."</p>
+
+<p>"It's only a little after twelve o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will stay there gambling and drinking until morning, and I do
+not want to be left alone with this girl."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't stay more than an hour or so; as for the girl,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> give her
+another dose of the stuff, and she'll be quiet enough."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the carriage halted in front of a tall apartment house on
+a fashionable thoroughfare within a stone's throw of Fifth Avenue.</p>
+
+<p>Farley alighted first, carrying the unconscious girl, and was followed
+by Miss Hollingsworth.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait for me, driver," he ordered. "I shall need you again in a few
+minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later Farley emerged from the house.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know Billy Rawlins' place?" he asked the cabman.</p>
+
+<p>It was a notorious gambling house, and the man knew it well, as did most
+of his fraternity.</p>
+
+<p>"Take me there, and wait for me."</p>
+
+<p>Twenty minutes later the resort of vice was reached. Farley entered, and
+did not emerge for more than an hour. When, at last, he did come out,
+his face was flushed with wine, and wore a look of disgust and anger.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the last time I'll ever set foot in that place," he said,
+addressing the sleepy driver. "I believe I've been hoodooed by some one.
+I never have any luck in Billy's nowadays, anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"Luck against you to-night, sir?" asked the cabman, sympathetically.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say luck was against me. I went in there with two hundred
+dollars, and all I have got left now is only a little more than enough
+to pay you."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>"Hard luck," commented the man, evidently relieved by the latter part of
+the sentence.</p>
+
+<p>"Home," ordered Farley, leaping into the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>As the vehicle passed the Grand Central Depot he happened to look out;
+it was at the precise moment when Al Alston handed the brakeman the
+pencil.</p>
+
+<p>"That boy here!" muttered Farley. "Well, he hasn't lost any time. I
+believe he is my evil genius. Somehow or other the sight of him sends a
+cold chill over me. I wonder if he saw me? I hope not. Pshaw! Why should
+I bother my head about the kid? I'll try to dismiss him from my mind for
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>The task did not prove an easy one, however, though Farley stopped at
+two saloons on the way; when the carriage reached its destination his
+mind was still busy with the boy he hated.</p>
+
+<p>Having paid the driver with almost the last cent he possessed, he
+entered the house and ascended to the second story.</p>
+
+<p>Unlocking a door at the head of the stairs, he entered a plainly
+furnished flat.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Hollingsworth met him at the door. There was something in her face
+that he did not like, as she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Back at last, are you?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">A WOMAN'S VENGEANCE.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Farley stared at her, scowling savagely, as he said:</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter? Got one of your cranky fits? If so, you had best not
+worry me, for I'm in no mood for nonsense."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither am I," was the quiet reply. "But I am going to talk a little
+solid sense to you."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't listen to you. I'm tired, and want to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"You will sleep soon, and soundly. Come into the drawing room."</p>
+
+<p>Farley followed her, asking:</p>
+
+<p>"How is the girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Asleep, under the influence of another dose of the drug."</p>
+
+<p>"Good! Well, what have you to say?"</p>
+
+<p>And he threw himself into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not detain you long. I see by your manner that you have lost
+again to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly every cent I had with me."</p>
+
+<p>"As usual."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never enter Billy's place again."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't think you will."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" demanded Farley, uneasily. "I don't understand you
+to-night, Olga."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>"Don't you? Well, I will try to make myself understood."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, then, and be quick about it. I'm dead tired."</p>
+
+<p>"I have stood by you for five years, have I not, Jack Farley?" demanded
+the woman, fixing her large, dark eyes firmly on those of her companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what of that?" growled the man. "It has been to your interest to
+do so, hasn't it? Have you ever had a decent engagement that I have not
+obtained for you? And haven't I stuck to you, too? See here, Olga, I am
+in no mood for recriminations this morning, and you may as well quit
+just where you are. I see you are going to have one of your tantrums;
+well, you can have it all by yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Farley rose to leave the room, but his companion placed herself between
+him and the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," she said, in a strange, hard tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter with you to-night?" demanded Farley. "Have you gone
+crazy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps. At any rate, I will compel you to listen to me."</p>
+
+<p>"You will compel me?" sneered the man. "And how do you propose to do
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see this?"</p>
+
+<p>And Miss Hollingsworth opened her hand, revealing a small cylindrical
+object.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked Farley, curiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>The man recoiled.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>"You're joking, Olga."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. There is enough of the explosive here to tear this house to
+pieces."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you get it? What are you going to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind where I got it. As for what I am going to do with it, that
+you will learn very soon. Now, Jack Farley, will you listen to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; but give me that stuff, Olga."</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down."</p>
+
+<p>Farley obeyed, with a very pale face.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"We are going to have a settlement at last. You no longer love me, Jack
+Farley."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, Olga. You know&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know that I am speaking the truth. You have thought me merely the
+creature of your will; I have let you think so, I have borne your
+indignities patiently&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What indignities?" interrupted Farley. "I don't know what you are
+talking about."</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not an indignity to almost force me to assist you in abducting
+my rival?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your rival! Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"This girl has supplanted me in your affections."</p>
+
+<p>"This is folly. I only did what I have to revenge myself on that kid,
+Allston, the girl's brother."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a lie, and I know it. But all will soon be over now."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>"Just what I say, Jack Farley."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Explode this dynamite, and end all at once. Jack, in two minutes you,
+she and I will be in eternity!"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you stark, staring mad? Give me that stuff!"</p>
+
+<p>The woman laughed wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, the hour has come!" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>She lifted the cylinder above her head, with the evident intention of
+hurling it to the hard wood floor.</p>
+
+<p>But at that instant her arm was seized and the dynamite forced from her
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You have saved at least twenty lives!" gasped Farley, sinking, pale and
+trembling, into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my sister?" demanded Al Allston&mdash;for the newcomer was
+he&mdash;paying no attention to his enemy's words.</p>
+
+<p>"She shall be restored to you," said Farley, who was thoroughly sobered
+by the shock.</p>
+
+<p>"She shall not," cried the woman. "She shall not leave this house
+alive!"</p>
+
+<p>It was plain to Al that Miss Hollingsworth was mentally deranged, and
+not wholly responsible for her conduct and words.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she?" he repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"She is asleep in yonder room," said Farley, pointing to a door at the
+farther end of the drawing room. "Take her with you and go."</p>
+
+<p>The plotter seemed entirely unnerved; he was ready to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> surrender at once
+and without protest all that for which he had schemed so long.</p>
+
+<p>The boy advanced toward the apartment designated. Miss Hollingsworth
+made no attempt to detain him as he passed her; but there was a strange,
+meaning smile on her face, the significance of which our hero did not
+comprehend.</p>
+
+<p>He entered the adjoining room. His sister lay upon the bed, fully
+dressed and apparently asleep. He was about to lift her in his arms when
+there came from the other room a strange, wild peal of laughter. It was
+immediately followed by a terrific explosion.</p>
+
+<p>Al was thrown to the floor, half stunned by the shock.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments he had risen. The wall separating the two rooms was
+partially destroyed; the drawing room was in flames, there was no
+possibility of escape in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>The boy rushed to the window and threw it open.</p>
+
+<p>An exclamation burst from his lips; there was a fire escape outside.</p>
+
+<p>He lifted the still unconscious girl in his arms, and a moment later he
+had begun the perilous descent of the frail iron ladder.</p>
+
+<p>It was made in safety; in a few moments Al had deposited the girl in a
+carriage which had been in waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, early as was the hour, the street was thronged with
+people, attracted by the terrific explosion.</p>
+
+<p>The upper part of the house was in flames, the fire<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> escape was now
+crowded, and the half-dressed tenants of the building were rushing out,
+panic-stricken, from the various exits.</p>
+
+<p>Al was fortunate enough to attract but little attention; five minutes
+later he and his sister were in a place of safety.</p>
+
+<p>His sudden appearance on the scene may be briefly explained.</p>
+
+<p>The hack driver, Tim Story, had given him the card which he had received
+from Farley, and Al had lost no time in going to the address given.</p>
+
+<p>In their excitement Farley and his companion had left the outer door of
+their flat unfastened, and the boy had been able to effect an entrance
+without difficulty. As had happened more than once before in his life,
+his natural energy and push had been supplemented by good luck.</p>
+
+<p>A physician, whom Al at once summoned, gave it as his opinion that
+Gladys was under the influence of an opiate, but that in all probability
+there was no danger of serious results from the adventure.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2 class="newchapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br />
+<span class="smalltext">AND LAST.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>It was nearly ten o'clock that morning when the girl awoke from her
+stupor; and, to Al's intense relief, she seemed none the worse for her
+experience.</p>
+
+<p>All she could remember of the events of the previous night was that she
+had been forced to enter the carriage at the stage door of the Rockton
+Theater, and that as soon as she was inside the vehicle a handkerchief
+saturated with some drug&mdash;chloroform, she believed&mdash;had been pressed to
+her nostrils. Then she lost all consciousness of her surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>She had no recollection whatever of the journey to New York, or of any
+of the subsequent events.</p>
+
+<p>The afternoon papers contained exciting accounts of the explosion. Al
+had unreservedly given the police all the facts in the case; and in the
+hands of the reporters the story lost nothing.</p>
+
+<p>The building had been saved from total destruction by the efforts of the
+firemen, and it was known that no lives had been lost, except those of
+Miss Hollingsworth and Jack Farley; it seemed certain that they must
+have perished. It was found that the former had premeditated her
+horrible crime, and had prepared for emergencies; she had, on the
+previous day, supplied herself with no less than half a dozen of the
+dynamite cylinders, so that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> loss of the one which Al had taken from
+her was no obstacle to the accomplishment of her plan.</p>
+
+<p>Once more Al was the hero of the hour. When he rejoined Mr. Wattles, two
+days after the events we have just related, he was met at the station by
+a crowd of citizens, who unhitched the horses from the carriage that was
+in waiting for him and his sister, and insisted upon dragging the
+vehicle to the hotel, much to the embarrassment of the two young people.</p>
+
+<p>Al suspected Mr. Wattles to be the instigator of this proceeding, and
+accused him of having incited the populace to behave as they had.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with you?" the old gentleman asked. "Such a tribute
+of admiration would turn the head of almost anyone, but you kick about
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you work up the demonstration?" persisted Al.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I did?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, don't do it again."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't have to. I've set the ball rolling, and the chances are that
+something of the sort will happen at every town we visit during the next
+two weeks."</p>
+
+<p>Al groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I'll throw up the job," he said, half in jest, and half in
+earnest.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I believe you won't," said the manager, very much in earnest.
+"You're just the sort of agent I want. Why, you can't help having
+adventures and getting into the papers."</p>
+
+<p>"That sort of thing won't last forever."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>"I suppose not; but, when you cease to be a popular hero, I think I can
+trust to your good judgment and business ability to manage things. Throw
+up the job! I should say not! I couldn't get along without you. And,
+besides, if you left me, your sister would go, too."</p>
+
+<p>"That need not necessarily follow."</p>
+
+<p>"She would go; and I tell you I could not get along without her,
+either."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wattles always spoke of Miss March with an awkward, embarrassed air
+that puzzled Al.</p>
+
+<p>"But, of course," he continued, hastily, "you do not mean what you said.
+Remember, you promised me&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I never went back on my word yet," interrupted Al, "and I shall not
+now. But I wish these public demonstrations would cease. They seem to me
+ridiculous, and they annoy me a good deal more than you seem to think."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you are the queerest press agent I ever struck," said the
+manager. "However, I guess you won't be much bothered&mdash;after to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh?" cried Al. "After to-night? What do you mean by that? What is to be
+done to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing in particular. I ought not to have mentioned it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you ought. Come, out with it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I suppose I may as well. The fact is, the citizens of this place
+have decided to&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not another speech-making affair at the theater?" interrupted the boy,
+in horrified accents.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," blurted out Mr. Wattles, "that's just it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>"I shan't be here. You know I've got to go ahead to the next town this
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, you haven't," smiled the old gentleman. "The fact is, the sale
+is so big that I have felt justified in canceling the next two towns,
+and we are to stay here the remainder of the week. There's no getting
+out of it, my boy; the thing has got to come off, and this time you will
+have to make a speech."</p>
+
+<p>At first Al would not hear of this, and declared that he would start for
+home. But he at last allowed his companion's eloquence to overcome his
+objections, and agreed to remain.</p>
+
+<p>How he dreaded the ordeal no one but he ever knew, but he made up his
+mind that, as he put it to himself, he would "see the thing through." He
+prepared a brief speech, which he memorized, and which he hoped to be
+able to deliver without breaking down.</p>
+
+<p>Evening came only too soon, and Al, arrayed in a new dress suit, awaited
+the inevitable call for his appearance. Everything had been "cut and
+dried," and he knew that there was no escape.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the first act of the play there arose a shout, "Allston!
+Allston!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, my boy," said Mr. Wattles, who, with his prot&eacute;g&eacute; stood upon the
+stage, just behind the curtain. "What are you trembling for? This ought
+to be the proudest moment of your life."</p>
+
+<p>With these words he fairly pushed the boy before the audience.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>Then arose a whirlwind of applause. When it had subsided, Al tried to
+begin his speech. But to his utter consternation, he found that he had
+forgotten every word of it.</p>
+
+<p>But he was not, after all, obliged to deliver it. As he stood, trying to
+remember at least one word of the carefully prepared effort, a man
+suddenly advanced from the rear of one of the proscenium boxes, leveled
+a pistol at the boy's head and fired.</p>
+
+<p>The bullet whistled past Al's ear, but did not graze it. The next moment
+the would-be assassin was struggling in the hands of the other occupants
+of the box. He managed to free himself; then came another report, and
+the next moment Jack Farley lay dead on the floor of the box, a suicide.</p>
+
+<p>How he had escaped from the doom with which he had been threatened on
+the previous night, how he had succeeded in entering the theater without
+attracting attention, will never be known.</p>
+
+<p>Al's speech was forgotten in the excitement, and he was not obliged to
+make it, after all.</p>
+
+<hr class="thin" />
+
+<p>In a few weeks Al ceased to be a popular idol, but he was daily learning
+new "points" and becoming more and more valuable to his employer; he was
+already recognized as one of the brightest advance agents on the road.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, about two months after the tragedy that we have just
+recorded, his sister came to him and said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>"Al, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you grant it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I promise in advance," was the prompt reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then congratulate me."</p>
+
+<p>"On what?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to be married."</p>
+
+<p>"Married!" gasped the boy. "To whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"To Mr. Wattles."</p>
+
+<p>"You're joking."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I am not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he is forty years your senior."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a good, true man, and I love him; that's enough for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is enough for me, too, sister," was Al's quick reply, "and I do
+heartily congratulate you."</p>
+
+<p>We need add but a few words. The marriage proved a most happy one, and
+Mrs. Wattles&mdash;whose real name we should give, if we were permitted&mdash;is
+now one of the most popular actresses and most estimable ladies on the
+American stage.</p>
+
+<p>Al is now no longer an advance agent, but a manager. He is rapidly
+making a fortune; and, what is better, has earned a reputation for
+integrity and uprightness second to that of none in his business.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<hr class="wide" />
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Transcriber's Note:</p>
+
+<p>The original edition of this book did not contain a
+table of contents. A table of contents has been created for this
+electronic edition.</p>
+
+<p>The following typographical errors in the original edition were
+corrected.</p>
+
+<p>In Chapter III, "would, perhaps, he a good scheme" was changed to
+"would, perhaps, be a good scheme", and "his eyes over s contents" was
+changed to "his eyes over its contents".</p>
+
+<p>In Chapter IV, "your prepartions for the performance" was changed to
+"your preparations for the performance".</p>
+
+<p>In Chapter VI, "his attention was atrracted by the sound" was changed to
+"his attention was attracted by the sound".</p>
+
+<p>In Chapter XI, "I want you take this" was changed to "I want you take to
+this".</p>
+
+<p>In Chapter XXVI, "Where are ye?" was changed to "Where are we?"</p>
+
+<p>In Chapter XXVIII, "the boy grasped his ccompanion's arm" was changed to
+"the boy grasped his companion's arm".</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AHEAD OF THE SHOW***</p>
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@@ -0,0 +1,7164 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Ahead of the Show, by Fred Thorpe
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Ahead of the Show
+       The Adventures of Al Allston, Advance Agent
+
+
+Author: Fred Thorpe
+
+
+
+Release Date: April 14, 2012  [eBook #39454]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AHEAD OF THE SHOW***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made
+available by the Google Books Library Project (http://books.google.com)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      the the Google Books Library Project. See
+      http://books.google.com/books?vid=r08TAAAAYAAJ&id
+
+
+
+
+
+No. 77
+Bound-to-Win Library
+
+[Illustration: Cover.]
+
+
+AHEAD OF THE SHOW
+
+Or
+
+The Adventures of Al Allston, Advance Agent
+
+By
+
+FRED THORPE,
+
+Author of "Blind Luck," "The Boy in Black,"
+"Chris, the Comedian," "Git Up and Git,"
+"Walt, the Wonder Worker," etc....
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Street and Smith, Publishers
+238 William Street, New York
+
+Copyright, 1897
+By Norman L. Munro
+
+Ahead of the Show
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+       I.  AL MAKES APPLICATION.               5
+      II.  AL TALKS BUSINESS.                 12
+     III.  AL'S SCHEME.                       17
+      IV.  AL TO THE RESCUE.                  24
+       V.  AL CLAIMS HIS REWARD.              29
+      VI.  ANOTHER ROCK AHEAD.                35
+     VII.  THE DEBUT.                         41
+    VIII.  A STARTLING SITUATION.             47
+      IX.  A CLOSE CALL.                      53
+       X.  AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR.       61
+      XI.  IN PERIL.                          67
+     XII.  INTERVIEWED.                       73
+    XIII.  A STROKE OF LUCK.                  80
+     XIV.  AL'S AD.                           87
+      XV.  SAVED BY A SHADOW.                 91
+     XVI.  A LESSON IN JOURNALISM.            97
+    XVII.  "I WANT YOU."                     103
+   XVIII.  MR. MARMADUKE MERRY.              109
+     XIX.  A STARTLING ACKNOWLEDGMENT.       115
+      XX.  THE LOCKET.                       121
+     XXI.  BROTHER AND SISTER.               127
+    XXII.  AN AWFUL CATASTROPHE.             133
+   XXIII.  AN EVENTFUL NIGHT.                139
+    XXIV.  A CLEW.                           145
+     XXV.  ON THE TRACK.                     151
+    XXVI.  "DR. FERGUSON."                   157
+   XXVII.  AN UNLUCKY ERROR.                 163
+  XXVIII.  AN EXCITING INTERVIEW.            169
+    XXIX.  A DANGEROUS JOB AHEAD.            175
+     XXX.  HARD LUCK.                        181
+    XXXI.  A WOMAN'S VENGEANCE.              187
+   XXXII.  AND LAST.                         193
+
+
+
+
+AHEAD OF THE SHOW.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+AL MAKES APPLICATION.
+
+
+"If I had that fellow here I'd make him wish he'd never heard the name
+of Augustus Wattles. And I'll do it some day, too."
+
+The manager and proprietor of Wattles' New York Comedy Company was very,
+very "mad." His naturally florid face was redder than usual, and his
+fists were clinched in a manner that augured no good to the "fellow"
+referred to, had that individual chanced to appear upon the scene at
+this precise moment.
+
+He stood at the door of the Boomville Opera House, in company with the
+local manager, Mr. Cyrus Perley, who seemed in some degree to share his
+discomfiture and anger.
+
+A group of stragglers listened in silence to their conversation, gazing
+at them with that peculiar and unaccountable reverence that many people
+feel for members of the theatrical profession.
+
+"It's pretty tough," said Mr. Perley, "but it isn't my fault."
+
+"I know it isn't. Well, this is the last time that loafer will play that
+trick on me. He thinks that because I have been easy with him in the
+past there is no end to my patience. I'll show him that he is making the
+mistake of his life."
+
+"Of course, you will discharge him?"
+
+"You had better believe I will. A healthy sort of advance agent he is!
+Think of my bringing my company to a town of the importance of
+Boomville, to find that absolutely no advance work has been done, that
+my advance agent, to whom I pay a fancy salary, has not even showed his
+face in the town."
+
+"I suppose he has succumbed to his old complaint?" said Mr. Perley.
+
+"Of course; he is drunk beyond the shadow of a doubt, and may not show
+up again for a week. Well, when he does, he'll meet with a warm
+reception from me. We ought to have had an eight-hundred-dollar house
+to-night, and now we'll be lucky if we take in half that amount."
+
+"I don't expect we'll do as well as that. It wouldn't have made so much
+difference under ordinary circumstances, but, as luck will have it,
+they've got the strongest attraction of the season at the other
+house--the 'Crack of Doom' Company. You know that's a big puller
+everywhere."
+
+"Sure. They have a railway collision, a tank of real water, a buzz saw
+and two real lunatics in the insane asylum scene."
+
+"Yes, and their advance man has worked the show up in great shape here.
+According to him, the leading lady lost nine thousand dollars' worth of
+diamonds on her way here, and the soubrette is going to marry Chauncey
+Depew. And they give souvenirs to-night in honor of the five hundredth
+performance of the piece."
+
+"They've been giving that five hundredth performance in every town
+they've played in for the last month; and their souvenirs are not worth
+over fifty cents a gross."
+
+"All very true, but the public will have 'em. I hoped your advance man
+would have some taking counter-attraction."
+
+"So he did have, but---- Oh, well, it's no use talking about that.
+What's done can't be helped, but I won't be left in this way again.
+Where is the nearest telegraph office?"
+
+"On the next block. What are you going to do?"
+
+"Wire to New York for a new advance agent. I happen to know of an A1 man
+who is out of an engagement. There are two or three others after him,
+but I guess I can make it worth his while to go with me. I won't get
+left in this way again, you can bet your boots!"
+
+"That's all right," growled Mr. Perley, "but it doesn't help out the
+present engagement any."
+
+"No, but we are joint sufferers in that, and we may as well grin and
+bear it."
+
+And the irate manager of the New York Comedy Company started for the
+telegraph office with fire in his eyes and a look of determination on
+his face.
+
+Neither he nor Mr. Perley had observed the presence in the little group
+of listeners to their conversation of a rather good-looking,
+well-dressed boy of about eighteen.
+
+This lad did not lose a word of the excited discussion, and, as the
+manager started to walk away, he muttered:
+
+"This is the chance I have been looking for; I won't let the opportunity
+slip. It doesn't seem as if there would be much hope for me, but there's
+no harm in trying, anyhow."
+
+He followed Mr. Wattles, and just before that gentleman reached the
+telegraph office he tapped him on the shoulder.
+
+The manager turned quickly. When he saw the boy, he asked, impatiently:
+
+"Well, what is it?"
+
+"Can I speak with you a few minutes, sir?"
+
+"Not now, not now."
+
+Mr. Wattles was about to resume his walk, but the boy laid a detaining
+hand on his arm.
+
+"I want to see you on business, sir."
+
+"You have business with me?"
+
+"Important business, sir."
+
+"Well, well, I'll see you in a few minutes; I've got to send an
+important telegram now."
+
+"But I want to see you before you send that telegram."
+
+"Before I send the telegram? Why?"
+
+"Because I think I can prove to you that it is not necessary to wire to
+New York at all."
+
+"Eh? Why, how did you know that I was going to wire to New York?"
+
+"I overheard what you said to Mr. Perley in front of the opera house
+just now."
+
+"Humph! I was excited, and spoke a little louder than I ought. Well,
+why do you think it will not be necessary for me to send the telegram?"
+
+"Because I am sure you can find just the person you want right here in
+Boomville."
+
+"An advance agent to be picked up offhand in this place? That would be
+too much luck. What is your man's name?"
+
+"Allen Allston."
+
+"I never heard of him. What company was he with last?"
+
+"He has never been with any company, sir, but----"
+
+Mr. Wattles surveyed the boy with a look of supreme disgust.
+
+"Do you suppose for one moment," he interrupted, "that I am going to
+take an inexperienced jay from a town like this and send him ahead of an
+organization like Wattles' New York Comedy Company? Well, hardly. I've
+got to have an experienced man."
+
+"And you're going to telegraph for one now, sir?"
+
+"This minute."
+
+"But suppose you can't get the man you want--will you talk with me then,
+sir?"
+
+"Er--yes, in that case you might send your friend to see me, though it
+seems nonsense. But I shall get my man all right."
+
+"I suppose you are going to request an immediate answer to your
+telegram, Mr. Wattles?"
+
+"I am; I shall get it within an hour, in all probability."
+
+"Where can I find you after you have received it?"
+
+"At the hotel next door. You are a persistent young rascal; your friend
+has a good advocate in you."
+
+The boy smiled.
+
+"I am the best friend he has in the world," he said.
+
+"Well, if you are you had better advise him to stick to farming, or
+whatever he is doing, and keep out of the theatrical business; we have
+too many farmers in it already."
+
+"He wouldn't take the advice, sir."
+
+Mr. Wattles laughed as he entered the telegraph office.
+
+"If the boy's friend has got as much 'go' as he has," he muttered, "he
+might do something in the business."
+
+In a few minutes the message had been sent. An hour and a half later a
+messenger entered the lobby of the hotel with a telegram.
+
+"For me?" questioned the manager, who had been impatiently pacing the
+floor for the last twenty minutes.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Mr. Wattles tore open the envelope.
+
+A muttered exclamation escaped his lips as he hurriedly perused the
+message.
+
+"Well, sir?" said a voice at his elbow.
+
+Turning, he confronted the lad with whom he had had the brief interview
+which we have recorded.
+
+"You here? Well, you do mean business."
+
+"Is your offer accepted, sir?" the boy asked.
+
+"Confound it, no! The man I wanted signed yesterday with another
+manager. Well, send your friend round and I'll talk with him."
+
+"He is here, sir."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"I am Allen Allston."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+AL TALKS BUSINESS.
+
+
+Mr. Wattles stared at the boy a moment in speechless surprise, then
+burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"You don't mean to say," he almost gasped, "that you made that
+application for yourself?"
+
+"That's just what I mean to say, sir," replied the lad, quietly.
+
+"Why, you must be crazy!"
+
+"I don't think I am."
+
+"You are only a boy."
+
+"I'll get over that in time, Mr. Wattles; and besides, that fact is no
+proof that I am crazy."
+
+"Oh, pshaw! I can't stand here bandying words with you."
+
+Al was not in the least taken aback.
+
+"That's just what I was thinking," he said.
+
+"What?"
+
+"That we had been standing up too long. Let's sit down."
+
+"Well," said the manager, "you have cheek enough, anyhow."
+
+"Cheek is necessary for an advance agent, isn't it, sir?" laughed the
+boy.
+
+"Yes, but--oh, really, this is ridiculous, you know!"
+
+"What is ridiculous?"
+
+"Your applying for this position."
+
+"Why is it ridiculous?"
+
+"Who ever heard of a boy advance agent?"
+
+"That's just the point. Nobody ever did, and it will be a complete
+novelty, and a big ad. for the show."
+
+Mr. Wattles gazed at the boy almost admiringly.
+
+"Well, you are a corker!" he exclaimed.
+
+"A good advance agent ought to be a corker, oughtn't he, sir?"
+
+"I suppose so--yes."
+
+"Shan't we sit down and talk the matter over?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+And the manager sank into a convenient chair, gazing at his youthful
+companion with an expression indicative of bewilderment.
+
+"I've got him now sure," murmured the lad, but his companion did not
+hear him; Al did not intend that he should.
+
+When they were both seated the boy said:
+
+"Now, sir, you want an advance agent, and I want a position. It is lucky
+we met."
+
+"Yes," interrupted Mr. Wattles, "but what the mischief do you know about
+the business of an advance agent?"
+
+"A lot," was the calm reply.
+
+"How did you learn it?"
+
+"By reading and observation."
+
+"Nonsense! You might as well talk about learning to swing on a trapeze
+by reading and observation."
+
+"There's a big difference, sir."
+
+"Not much."
+
+"Well, I've always thought I should like to do work of that sort, and I
+think I could do it well."
+
+"Stage-struck, eh?"
+
+"Not a bit of it, Mr. Wattles. Now, will you listen to me a few moments,
+sir?"
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+And the manager assumed an air of resignation.
+
+"I generally keep my eyes open," began the boy, "and I have had a chance
+to watch the movements of most of the theatrical people who come to this
+town, particularly the advance agents."
+
+"Why the advance agents in particular?" interrupted Mr. Wattles.
+
+"Because I have been in the editorial office of the Boomville _Herald_,
+and have had a chance to see how they work the press. Some of them are
+very slick, but I think that if I had a little experience I should be as
+slick as any of them."
+
+"Ah," said the manager, "that's the point. You haven't had experience."
+
+"Well, I've got to begin some time, sir. If all managers had talked like
+you the race of advance agents would have been extinct long ago."
+
+"There's something in that," laughed Mr. Wattles.
+
+"There's lots in it."
+
+The manager of the New York Comedy Company surveyed his companion for a
+few moments without speaking.
+
+"My boy, I rather like you," he said, at last.
+
+"Well, that's one point in my favor, sir," said Al.
+
+"I'd like to give you a chance, but I really do not see how I can."
+
+"Why can't you?"
+
+"You must remember that the New York Comedy Company is not a common,
+fly-by-night organization, but a first-class enterprise. I have put a
+good many dollars into the thing, and I can't afford to experiment. If
+so much did not depend upon the result, if I were running a cheap side
+show, I might give you the trial you ask, but----"
+
+"I wouldn't have anything to do with any such show," interrupted the
+boy. "I don't intend to be that sort of advance agent. But I can
+understand how you feel, sir."
+
+"Then you can also understand how impossible it is for me to engage your
+services."
+
+"Oh, no, I can't understand that at all, Mr. Wattles. Now let me ask you
+a question."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"I heard you tell Mr. Perley that you did not expect there would be four
+hundred dollars in the house to-night."
+
+"That's what I said. I shall be agreeably disappointed if there is as
+much as that."
+
+"Yet the opera house will hold twelve hundred dollars."
+
+"I see you are posted, my boy."
+
+"I am. Now, Mr. Wattles, it is a little out of the line of an advance
+agent's work, but, just to show you that I have a little snap and
+business ability, I will guarantee to fill the opera house to its utmost
+capacity to-night, if you will agree to give me a chance as advance
+agent after that."
+
+"Do you know what you are talking about?"
+
+And the manager stared in renewed amazement at the youth.
+
+"I do."
+
+"You will undertake to fill the house to-night, in spite of the
+disadvantages under which we are laboring?"
+
+"The 'Standing Room Only' sign will be displayed before eight o'clock."
+
+"Well, what is your scheme?"
+
+"You will agree to follow my suggestions?"
+
+"Not until I hear them."
+
+"If you don't like them you will agree not to repeat anything I may say
+to you?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Then I'll give you my idea. I see you are getting ready to guy me,
+sir," as a rather cynical smile appeared upon the manager's face.
+
+"Oh, no."
+
+"You don't think I can knock out such a strong opposition as the 'Crack
+of Doom' Company, do you?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"Well, I'll show you that I can, and get you not only a full house, but
+the elite of the place."
+
+"Well, well," interrupted Mr. Wattles, impatiently, "have done with
+preliminaries and let me know how you propose to accomplish all this."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+AL'S SCHEME.
+
+
+"Mr. Wattles," said Al, in a low tone, "I suppose you have in your time
+met a few stage-struck amateurs--people who thought they knew it all,
+and only needed a chance to show the world that they were the equal of
+anyone who ever trod the boards?"
+
+The manager laughed.
+
+"I should say yes. The woods are full of them."
+
+"Well, we have one here."
+
+"Only one?"
+
+"There are others, but one whom it will be worth your while to know."
+
+"Who is she?--for it is a woman, of course."
+
+"Yes, sir, it is a woman; she is the wife of the mayor."
+
+"The wife of the mayor of Boomville stage-struck?"
+
+"In the worst way, Mr. Wattles; she believes herself the only legitimate
+successor of Charlotte Cushman."
+
+"They all do. Well, what has all this to do with your scheme?"
+
+"A good deal. Mrs. Anderson--that is her name--is very anxious to appear
+on the professional stage."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Why can't you give her a chance?"
+
+"Eh? I? How?"
+
+"Send her word that one of your actresses has been taken suddenly ill,
+and ask her to take her place. She'll do it, take my word for that, and
+all Boomville will go to see her."
+
+"Well, you must be crazy, young man," said Mr. Wattles, in a tone of
+disgust. "So that is your scheme, is it?"
+
+"That is part of it."
+
+"Well, it won't work."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"For a dozen reasons. If I had two or three weeks to work up the thing
+it would be different; then it would, perhaps, be a good scheme. But you
+seem to forget that the performance takes place to-night."
+
+"There's plenty of time to work up business," said Al, calmly. "It is
+not ten o'clock yet. See Mrs. Anderson, get her consent to play, and
+I'll prove my executive ability by doing all the rest."
+
+"But, good gracious! how could the woman memorize a part between this
+and night?"
+
+"Give her a short part--any old part. Two or three lines will do. What
+she wants is a chance to show herself on the professional stage."
+
+"There is a small part," hesitated Mr. Wattles, "one that she could
+learn in half an hour. But, no, it won't do. The woman might queer the
+performance, and I should be the laughingstock of the profession for the
+next year."
+
+"She's not as bad as all that," said Al. "She has appeared in amateur
+performances here and made a success. Better see her, Mr. Wattles. I
+know she'll be tickled to death with the idea. You'll be in plenty of
+time to get a big ad. in this afternoon's _Herald_, and you'll have the
+biggest house of the season."
+
+The manager brought his fist down on the table by his side, and said:
+
+"By jingo, boy, I will do it! Lots of money has been made out of
+stage-struck society women, and perhaps I may come in for a little of
+it."
+
+"You'll come in for a lot of it to-night, sir, if you just follow my
+advice. And now I'll show you the way to the mayor's house."
+
+"Wait a minute. You said this amateur racket was only a part of your
+scheme; what is the rest of it?"
+
+"Souvenirs. This town is wild on souvenirs. The 'Crack of Doom' Company
+give hand-painted fans to-night. Why don't you go one better, and
+announce that every lady attending your performance will receive a
+heavily plated silver souvenir spoon?"
+
+"But where the mischief could I get the spoons?"
+
+"I'll provide them."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"But where are you going to get them?"
+
+"I've got them. You see, sir, I am a sort of speculator. I attend
+auction sales and that sort of thing, and if I see a big bargain I take
+advantage of it. It's better than clerking at five dollars a week. A few
+days ago I struck a bankrupt sale in New York, and bought a lot of
+plated spoons at 'way below cost. I meant to sell them to the stores
+here, but I'll let you have them at just what they cost me--you can
+afford to give them away if you buy them at that price--and there will
+be plenty to go round."
+
+Mr. Wattles surveyed his companion in amused wonder.
+
+"Well, you are a queer sort of lad," he said. "You seem to have a pretty
+old head on those young shoulders of yours!"
+
+"I think I have enough to look out for number one, sir."
+
+"I should say you did. I should like to know more of you."
+
+"You will, sir, when I become your advance agent."
+
+"Well, we'll see all about that. And now I'd better be off for the home
+of the stage-struck mayoress. Meet me in half an hour."
+
+"I'll be here, sir."
+
+As the manager walked away, he muttered:
+
+"I'm afraid I'm going on a fool's errand. Confound it! I believe that
+young rascal has hypnotized me. But, after all, I can't afford to
+neglect the chance. The treasury is pretty low, and if this scheme
+doesn't work there may be trouble on salary day. I'll do my best to get
+this woman to play, and I guess I shall succeed; people used to say that
+Gus Wattles was the champion jollier, and I don't think he has lost his
+powers yet."
+
+Al was doing a little soliloquizing, too.
+
+"I didn't think I had so much nerve," he mused. "I'm beginning to have a
+little more confidence in myself. If to-night's performance is a success
+I shall get the job sure--he can't refuse me. But if it isn't a
+success, if Mrs. Anderson refuses to have anything to do with the
+scheme--I won't let myself think of that."
+
+It was nearly an hour before Mr. Wattles returned.
+
+"Well, sir?" questioned the boy, breathlessly.
+
+"It's all right."
+
+"She will play?"
+
+"Not only that, but she is going to pay me for the chance. Oh, there are
+no flies on Augustus Wattles, my boy! Yes, she is going to play, and she
+is delighted because the part will give her a chance to exhibit herself
+in a new costume which she has just imported from Paris. Now, then, my
+lad, we must get up the ads. How much time have we before they must be
+in the newspaper office?"
+
+"An hour at least. And you had better get out some posters announcing
+Mrs. Anderson's appearance. They can be on the walls in two hours. Will
+you leave that part to me?"
+
+"Yes; but first you can help me with the advertisement. Undoubtedly you
+can give me some points."
+
+Al was able to do so. The manager was plainly delighted and surprised at
+the aptitude he displayed.
+
+"I begin to think," he said, "that you were cut out for this business."
+
+"That is what I have thought for a long while, sir," replied the boy,
+as, copy in hand, he started for the office of the _Herald_.
+
+Within a few hours everyone in Boomville knew that Mrs. Anderson, the
+mayor's wife, was to assume a role in the drama, "Loved and Lost," at
+the opera house that evening, and all the lady's friends, all her
+enemies and almost everybody else who ever attended theatrical
+performances at all had made up their minds to go and see her.
+
+Besides, the offer of a plated spoon as a souvenir was almost
+irresistible; people who had more solid silver spoons than they had any
+use for fell over each other in their frantic haste to secure seats for
+the evening's performance and make sure of the coveted spoon.
+
+"We haven't had an advance sale like this since the house was built,"
+said the local manager to Mr. Wattles, a short time before the doors
+were opened. "Why, there isn't a seat left in the house except in the
+gallery, and they will be all filled as soon as the doors are thrown
+open. And I understand that there is no sale at all at the other house.
+I don't believe there'll be a baker's dozen there. It was a great idea
+of yours to get Mrs. Anderson to appear."
+
+"I claim no credit for it at all," said Mr. Wattles. "It was all the
+work of that bright young fellow."
+
+"Oh, by the way," interrupted Mr. Perley, taking an envelope from his
+pocket, "here is something that came for you a few minutes ago; I had
+nearly forgotten about it."
+
+Mr. Wattles tore open the note and ran his eyes over its contents. As he
+did so the expression of his face underwent such a remarkable change
+that his companion said, uneasily:
+
+"There's nothing the matter, is there?"
+
+"I should say there was," was the reply. "We're in a nice fix. Mrs.
+Anderson won't play!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AL TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+"Mrs. Anderson won't play?" almost shrieked Mr. Perley.
+
+"That's what I said--Mrs. Anderson won't play," replied the manager of
+the combination, with the calmness of despair. "Read this."
+
+The note which he handed his companion read as follows:
+
+      "MR. A. WATTLES:
+
+      "DEAR SIR: I deeply regret my inability to appear this
+      evening as I promised. My husband objects so strongly
+      that I have no alternative but to yield to his wishes.
+      Trusting that this will cause you no inconvenience, I
+      am,
+
+      "Faithfully yours,
+
+      "BLANCHE ANDERSON."
+
+"'Trusting that it will cause us no inconvenience,'" groaned Mr. Perley.
+"Isn't that like a woman? Well, Wattles, we are in a nice little fix
+now. Of course, we shall have to give three-fourths of the audience
+their money back."
+
+"Yes; but that isn't the worst of it. Think of the roasting the papers
+will give us!"
+
+"Don't speak of it. And it's all your fault; you would be fool enough to
+listen to that kid."
+
+"Don't say any more, Perley. I must have been out of my head."
+
+"It isn't worth while to get excited, gentlemen," said a calm voice.
+
+And looking in the direction from which it proceeded, the two men saw Al
+Allston standing in the doorway.
+
+"You young rascal----" began Mr. Wattles, but Al silenced him by a
+gesture:
+
+"There is no time to waste, gentlemen," he said. "I told you that Mrs.
+Anderson would appear to-night, and she will."
+
+"Do you mean to say," cried Mr. Wattles, "that you can make her do this
+in defiance of her husband's will?"
+
+"Her husband will agree after he has had a short talk with me," was the
+boy's reply. "Go right ahead with your preparations for the performance,
+gentlemen; Mrs. Anderson will be here as per agreement."
+
+And, without waiting for a reply, Al left the room.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, drawing a long breath, "I never saw the equal
+of that kid. Do you know, I think he will do what he has promised."
+
+Mr. Perley shook his head.
+
+"It's out of the question now," he said. "Mayor Anderson is one of the
+stubbornest men in the world; if he has said that his wife shall not
+appear, she will not. The boy was talking through his hat."
+
+"Well," said the manager of the New York Comedy Company, "all we can do
+now is to trust to luck. Go ahead and let the people in, and we'll see
+whether this confounded stage-struck female turns up or not. Somehow, I
+believe the lad knew what he was talking about."
+
+Meantime Al had reached the mayor's house, a pretentious mansion on the
+most fashionable thoroughfare in Boomville.
+
+In response to the rather supercilious "What is it?" from the servant
+who opened the door, he presented his card and asked to see Mrs.
+Anderson.
+
+"I don't think she'll see you," said the flunky, "but I'll give her your
+card if you wish."
+
+"I do wish," said the boy. "Give her the card, and tell her that I wish
+to see her on very important business that will admit of no delay."
+
+The man left with the card. In a few moments he returned, saying with a
+grin:
+
+"She don't know you, and she won't see you."
+
+And with an impudent leer, he extended the card to the boy.
+
+Al took it and hurriedly wrote a few words on the back. Then he returned
+it to the servant, saying:
+
+"Give it to Mrs. Anderson again; I think she will see me."
+
+The man hesitated, then said:
+
+"Well, I'll take it to her, but the chances are she'll give me orders to
+kick you out."
+
+With this cheering assurance he again departed.
+
+"I didn't like to do it," murmured Al, "but there was no help for it."
+
+In a few moments the flunky returned, his manner completely changed.
+
+"Please be kind enough to step into the drawing room, sir," he said,
+with the utmost politeness; "Mrs. Anderson will be down in one minute."
+
+A few minutes after Al Allston had left the theater a showily dressed,
+red-faced man of about thirty sauntered into the manager's private
+office where Mr. Wattles was seated alone.
+
+"So, Wattles, old man," he said, extending his hand, "we meet again."
+
+The manager started to his feet.
+
+"How dare you show your face here?" he cried, angrily.
+
+"Eh! What's all this?" said the newcomer, in real or feigned surprise.
+
+"I don't want to have anything more to do with you. A nice sort of
+advance agent you are, aren't you?"
+
+"There's none better, so they say," replied the fellow, with a tipsy
+leer. "What are you on your ear about?"
+
+"I have no time to bandy words with you. You are discharged."
+
+"What's that--I discharged? What ails you, Wattles?"
+
+"That's enough, Dick Farley. I told you after your last drunk that if
+the same thing occurred again I should have nothing more to do with you,
+and I meant it. Get out!"
+
+"But, Wattles, I haven't been on a booze. I have been drugged and
+kidnaped. Listen and I'll tell you all about it; it's the queerest
+affair you ever heard of."
+
+"I guess it is; I know your talent for inventing yarns. I don't want to
+hear this one."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?"
+
+And Farley's face reddened.
+
+"That would be impossible."
+
+"It would, eh? See here, Gus Wattles, do you mean to say that you are
+going to throw me over and ruin my chances in the business?"
+
+"It is your own fault. I want to have nothing more to do with you."
+
+"Then I'm bounced?"
+
+"That is it, exactly."
+
+"Oh, it is? Well, I'll show you!"
+
+And the drink-maddened ruffian suddenly drew a knife and, brandishing it
+above his head, sprang toward his companion.
+
+In another second the weapon would have descended but for a most
+opportune interruption.
+
+"Stop!"
+
+Farley turned and glared in the direction from which the voice
+proceeded.
+
+Al Allston stood in the doorway, in his hand a revolver, which was
+leveled at the head of the would-be assassin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+AL CLAIMS HIS REWARD.
+
+
+Al was bowed, by the now obsequious servant, into Mrs. Anderson's
+elegantly furnished drawing room.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," said the man, cringingly. "I didn't know that
+you were a friend of the family, or I wouldn't have spoken as I did. You
+see, sir, we're a good deal troubled by book agents and such like."
+
+"Wouldn't it be a good idea to be civil to everyone?" said Al. "It would
+not cost you anything, and you'd be sure to make no mistake."
+
+"Yes, sir. You won't say anything to Mrs. Anderson, will you, sir? It
+might cost me my place."
+
+"No, no!" returned Al, so impatient to see the mayor's wife that he
+scarcely heard what the man said.
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+At this moment the sound of approaching footsteps was heard, and the
+servant hastily bowed himself out.
+
+Scarcely had he gone when Mrs. Anderson entered the room, followed by
+her husband. She was a tall, slender, rather good-looking woman of about
+thirty; he a short, pompous man, at least ten years his wife's senior.
+
+The lady approached Al with outstretched hands.
+
+"My brave, noble boy," she cried, "how delighted I am to see you! And I
+did not even know your name until I received your card just now. I am so
+glad you did not allow yourself to be sent away. But why have you not
+called before?"
+
+"Yes, why have you not called before?" echoed the mayor, seizing the
+boy's hands, which his wife had just relinquished.
+
+Al, considerably embarrassed, murmured something about not wanting to
+intrude.
+
+"Intrude!" cried the lady. "You are, like all heroes, modest to a fault.
+You will always be a welcome guest here. But sit down; you must spend
+the evening with us."
+
+"I cannot," began the boy.
+
+"Nonsense! I will take no refusal. He must stay, mustn't he, Mr.
+Anderson?"
+
+"By all means," smiled the mayor.
+
+"And we will talk about his heroic deed," went on Mrs. Anderson. "It was
+a fortnight ago, but the scene comes up before me as vividly as if it
+had been only yesterday--the maddened horses, our child directly in
+their path, her rescue by this noble boy at the imminent risk of his own
+life. In another moment she would have been crushed under the feet of
+the runaway animals had he not sprang forward and dragged her out of
+danger."
+
+"It was a heroic act," said the mayor.
+
+"It was nothing more than almost anyone would have done, sir," said the
+blushing lad.
+
+"It was more than anyone else did," returned Mr. Anderson, "and I
+understand that the affair was witnessed by a dozen or more persons. But
+why have you not called before? I understood my wife to say that she
+asked you to come that afternoon. You did not come, and we tried in
+every way to discover your identity, even going so far as to advertise
+for you."
+
+"I saw the advertisements, sir," replied Al.
+
+"Ah! and that is why you are here?"
+
+"Oh, no, sir. The advertisements mentioned that you wanted to give me a
+reward."
+
+"Of course we did. You don't mean to say that it was the fear of having
+a reward forced upon you that kept you away?"
+
+"Well, sir," replied Al, "I confess that had something to do with it."
+
+The mayor laughed heartily.
+
+"This is really refreshing," he said. "My lad, I am interested in you
+more than ever, now. Well, I promise you that, if you insist upon it,
+the subject shall not be referred to this evening."
+
+"But I do not insist," said Al. "The fact is, Mr. Anderson, I came here
+to-night to ask you to make your promise good."
+
+Both the mayor and his wife stared at the lad in surprise.
+
+"You mean," said the former, "that you are here to claim your reward?"
+
+"That is what I mean, sir."
+
+There was, perhaps, just a shade of disappointment on the face of Mr.
+Anderson; it may be he was thinking that another idol had been rather
+rudely shattered. But he only said:
+
+"I am glad you have changed your mind, my boy. What reward do you wish?
+My little daughter's life is worth more to me than anything else on
+earth, so you need not be too modest in your request. How much shall it
+be? I will write a check for any reasonable amount you choose to name."
+
+Al's face flushed.
+
+"I don't want money, sir," he said.
+
+"No? Well, what can I do for you, then? Do you want me to find you a
+position in my office? Perhaps I can do something for you in that way,
+if you----"
+
+"Mr. Anderson," interrupted Al, desperately, "you would never guess what
+I want if you tried until doomsday."
+
+The mayor, very naturally, looked surprised.
+
+"Eh?" he stammered. "Why, r-really, you are a most extraordinary youth.
+Well, I will try to satisfy your demands, whatever they are. Out with
+them now."
+
+"You will grant any request I make?" asked Al.
+
+"Anything in reason, my boy."
+
+"Well, sir, I can't explain now just why I ask this favor of you, but I
+will when there is time; just now there isn't."
+
+"Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Anderson. "Come to the point;
+what is it you want me to do?"
+
+"I want you to let Mrs. Anderson appear at the opera house to-night, as
+she promised."
+
+Both the mayor and his wife started from their seats, their faces
+showing all the surprise they felt.
+
+"Why, what is it to you whether she appears or not?" asked Mr. Anderson.
+
+"It is everything."
+
+"I do not understand."
+
+"I cannot explain now; but, sir, I assure you that, perhaps, my whole
+future depends upon whether you grant my request or not."
+
+"Really," gasped the mayor, "this is most extraordinary. Why cannot you
+explain now?"
+
+"Because the curtain goes up in a good deal less than an hour, and Mrs.
+Anderson ought to be at the theater now."
+
+Here the lady herself interposed.
+
+"Mr. Anderson," she said, beseechingly, "do let me go! You know I
+promised, and that in itself is reason enough why I should appear."
+
+"I cannot understand this at all," said the mayor, petulantly. Then
+turning to Al, he added:
+
+"Boy, I will write you my check for five thousand dollars, if you will
+withdraw this absurd request."
+
+Five thousand dollars was a good deal more money than Al had ever had in
+his possession, a good deal more than he was likely to earn as advance
+agent for a long time to come; but his answer was prompt and positive.
+
+"Mr. Anderson, I don't want your money. I would not accept a penny of
+it. I only request that you allow your wife to keep her promise and
+appear to-night. I would not ask this if I thought there would be
+anything disagreeable to her in fulfilling her promise, but----"
+
+Here Mrs. Anderson interrupted.
+
+"Why, of course there would not," she said. "You know, John, I am so
+anxious to make my debut on the professional stage. Now, do let me go,
+won't you? You cannot refuse now!"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, the mayor said:
+
+"No, I cannot. You shall go."
+
+It was with difficulty that Al suppressed a sigh of relief.
+
+"There is not a moment to be lost," he reminded the would-be debutante.
+
+"I know it," cried Mrs. Anderson. "Oh, I am so glad you came! Now, don't
+look so downcast, John; you will be very proud of me when you see me on
+the stage."
+
+"Humph! Well, we shall see."
+
+Al rose to go.
+
+"You will not change your mind again, Mrs. Anderson?" he asked, a little
+apprehensively.
+
+"No, no," laughed the lady. "I have never changed it at all. I shall be
+there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ANOTHER ROCK AHEAD.
+
+
+Mr. Anderson accompanied Al to the door.
+
+"I would have granted almost any other request you might have made with
+more willingness," he said. "I have a strongly rooted objection to my
+wife appearing on the stage."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir," said Al. "But, perhaps, as Mrs. Anderson says,
+you will feel differently when you see her."
+
+"I doubt it very much. Now, tell me, why did you insist upon this
+sacrifice on my part? What is it to you whether my wife appears or not?"
+
+"I haven't time to tell you now, sir," the boy replied. "I must return
+to the theater at once."
+
+"Can you call at my office, at the City Hall, to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do so, then, at, say, ten in the morning. I should like to have a talk
+with you; I want to know more of you."
+
+"I will be there, Mr. Anderson. Good-evening, sir."
+
+"Good-evening, my lad."
+
+As Al hurried along to take the good news to Mr. Wattles, he muttered:
+
+"Well, I didn't think I had so much cheek. I wouldn't have insisted upon
+Mrs. Anderson's appearing if there had really been any harm in it, but
+I'm sure it can't damage her or her husband much. Besides, she gave her
+promise, and she ought to keep it."
+
+As the boy hurried through the long corridor leading to the manager's
+office, his attention was attracted by the sound of loud and excited
+voices, and, listening, he heard a portion of the conversation taking
+place between Mr. Wattles and his ex-advance agent. As we have seen, he
+reached the office just in time to see Farley standing over the manager
+with uplifted knife, and to interfere.
+
+The advance agent proved himself a coward, for the weapon dropped from
+his fingers, and, throwing up his hands, he cried:
+
+"Don't shoot! Mercy, mercy!"
+
+Mr. Wattles picked up the knife.
+
+"Allston," he said, "go for a policeman."
+
+As Al turned to leave the room, Farley cried, imploringly:
+
+"Wait! Wattles, old man, I didn't know what I was doing. The fact is, I
+have been drinking pretty hard lately, but I shall be all right in a day
+or two."
+
+"You don't expect to get back in my employ again, do you?" the manager
+asked, sternly.
+
+"No, no, I don't. All I ask is that you will not utterly ruin all my
+chances for life by having me arrested. Things look bad enough for me
+without that."
+
+"Very well, Farley, I'll let you off this time, but I warn you to keep
+out of my way in the future."
+
+"If I keep straight and show you that I am at my best we may do business
+together again, eh, Wattles?"
+
+"No, sir; I shall never have anything more to do with you."
+
+"Perhaps you'll think better of that. You haven't had time to fill my
+place yet."
+
+"I've got a better man for your place than you ever were," said the
+manager.
+
+"Who is he?" demanded Farley.
+
+"There he stands;" and Mr. Wattles pointed to Al.
+
+"That kid?" gasped Farley.
+
+"That young gentleman," said the manager, with theatrical
+impressiveness.
+
+Farley stared at the boy a few moments without speaking; then, with a
+peculiar smile, he said:
+
+"So you are an advance agent, are you, bub?"
+
+"So it seems," replied Al, as coolly as he could.
+
+"Well, you won't remain one long; I will see to that. Take my advice and
+quit the business before the temperature gets too high. See? Yes, I
+think you do. I don't propose----"
+
+"Look here," interrupted Mr. Wattles, "I've had just about enough of
+this. Are you going to get out or are you not?"
+
+Farley backed toward the door.
+
+"I am," he said. "Ta, ta, Wattles! Ta, ta, my young friend! But we shall
+meet again, and don't you forget, either of you, to paste that fact in
+your hat."
+
+And he swaggered out of the room.
+
+"The impudent scoundrel!" exclaimed Mr. Wattles. "I let him off too
+easy. If I am not mistaken, we shall have more trouble with him."
+
+"Never mind about him," interrupted Al. "Do you know that it is almost
+eight o'clock, Mr. Wattles?"
+
+"Good gracious! So it is! And Mrs. Anderson----"
+
+"It's all right."
+
+"She will appear?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+The manager grasped his companion's hand.
+
+"Allston," he said, "you are a wonder."
+
+"That's just what you want for an advance agent, isn't it?" the boy
+asked, with a laugh.
+
+"Yes. Did she come with you?"
+
+"No, but she is probably here by this time."
+
+"How did you do it?"
+
+"I'll tell you some other time, sir."
+
+"That's right; we have no time to waste in talk now. I'll go and see if
+she has arrived. I should be in a nice fix if she changed her mind
+again."
+
+"She won't, Mr. Wattles."
+
+Scarcely hearing the last words, the manager rushed from the room.
+
+"Well," mused Al, "if Mr. Wattles is a man of his word I am his advance
+agent now. It will be my fault if I don't make the best of the
+opportunity. But it's dollars to doughnuts that I shall have trouble
+with that loafer, Farley. Well, I guess I can hold my own."
+
+He was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Mr. Wattles.
+
+"It's all right, my boy," laughed the manager.
+
+"You haven't seen her yet?"
+
+"No, but I've seen Perley, and he tells me she is here, and is dressing
+for the part. He thinks that she is going to make a big hit."
+
+"Of course she will," laughed Al; "she is the leader of society here,
+and it would be treason not to like her."
+
+The manager smiled.
+
+"You know something of the world," he said.
+
+"Not as much as I would like to. But, seriously, sir, Mrs. Anderson is
+not such a bad actress, and I shouldn't wonder if she did make a hit."
+
+"She'll have to be a second Ristori, if she does in that part," grinned
+Mr. Wattles. "There's nothing to it; but, for all that, the woman who
+has been playing it is wild because I have taken it away from her for
+one night."
+
+"Have you explained the circumstances to her?"
+
+"Have I? I've talked myself nearly deaf in doing so, but it was of no
+use."
+
+"She must be very thick-headed if she can't see how you are placed."
+
+"My dear boy, a woman will never see anything she doesn't want to see.
+But never mind about all that. I don't care particularly whether the
+woman is suited or not; I can fill her place at a few hours' notice. And
+now I must go and see how things are going. I have a good stage manager,
+but I have to do a lot of the work myself, for all that. And I must
+acknowledge that I do feel a little nervous at letting an untrained
+amateur appear in the piece without a rehearsal. Come with me, and we'll
+see if everything is going smoothly."
+
+Al followed the manager through the long passage way and out into a
+damp, dingy court, on the opposite side of which was a door bearing the
+inscription: "Stage Door. No Admittance."
+
+Passing through the sacred portals, Mr. Wattles and Al stepped upon the
+stage.
+
+Al had been "behind the scenes" before; the scene that met his eyes was
+not an entirely unfamiliar one, and he trod the boards with the
+nonchalant air of a veteran.
+
+"Well, Sparkley, how does everything go?" asked the manager of an
+anxious-looking elderly man, whom the boy rightly guessed to be the
+stage manager.
+
+"Badly enough," was the reply. "There's been a big row, and your society
+amateur refuses to appear."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE DEBUT.
+
+
+Mr. Wattles sank into a convenient chair.
+
+"Well," he said, with an air of stony resignation, "there's no use in
+fighting against fate. I give it up. We'll return the people their money
+and shut up the house."
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Al.
+
+"Why," replied Sparkley, "Miss Hollingsworth, who has been playing the
+part that Mrs. Anderson is billed for, has been here, and has had an
+interview with her successor, and got her so worked up that she
+absolutely refuses to appear."
+
+"Why, I told the woman that she needn't come at all to-night!" cried Mr.
+Wattles.
+
+"Well, she's here as large as life."
+
+"Why did you let her in, Sparkley?"
+
+"I couldn't very well refuse her admittance; she is a member of the
+company."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"Besides, I had no idea that she was going to raise a row. I think that
+Farley was at the bottom of the business; I saw him talking to her
+outside just before she came in."
+
+"You did? That explains the whole thing. Well, I'm just going to let
+things take their course."
+
+At this moment Mrs. Anderson came rushing toward them, evidently
+greatly excited. She was closely followed by a young woman, quite as
+much agitated as herself.
+
+Both women began talking at once, and it was two or three minutes before
+Mr. Wattles could make himself heard. When at last he succeeded in doing
+so, he said:
+
+"Now, ladies, if you will speak one at a time, and talk slow, I will try
+to straighten things out. What is the trouble, Mrs. Anderson?"
+
+"That woman," sobbed the society belle, indicating the actress, "has
+grossly insulted me. I cannot, I will not play."
+
+"Have you forgotten your promise to me, Mrs. Anderson?" interposed Al.
+
+"No, I have not, and I am very sorry that I cannot fulfill it. But it is
+impossible."
+
+"I only told her," snapped Miss Hollingsworth, a fiery-looking,
+dark-haired, black-eyed woman, "that she was a rank amateur, and so she
+is. Why, it is an insult to give such a woman my part!"
+
+"Yes, that's what she said," cried Mrs. Anderson, in a high-pitched
+voice. "I would never play the part unless she was discharged."
+
+The manager's face lighted up.
+
+"Will you play," he asked, "if I discharge her?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That settles it. Miss Hollingsworth, you are discharged."
+
+"Wha-a-t?" screamed the actress.
+
+"You heard what I said. You are given the usual two weeks' notice."
+
+"I am discharged, I, Olga Hollingsworth, on account of this woman?"
+
+"No, you are discharged because these exhibitions of bad temper on your
+part have tired me out. And now, madam," turning to Mrs. Anderson and
+speaking with the utmost politeness, "will you kindly return to your
+dressing room and complete your preparations for your appearance? You
+will have to go on in less than fifteen minutes."
+
+"I will do so, sir."
+
+And with a withering glance at the actress, the mayor's wife swept away.
+
+"You shan't forget this evening's work in a hurry, Mr. Gus Wattles!"
+hissed the enraged Miss Hollingsworth. "You'll rue the day when you made
+Dick Farley and me your enemies!"
+
+"So Farley is at the bottom of all this, is he?" said the manager. "I
+thought so."
+
+"Never mind whether he is or not," was the actress' reply. "I wish you
+good-evening, Wattles. I don't want your two weeks' notice. I wouldn't
+play in your company again for ten times the miserable salary you paid
+me. Find some one else to play the part to-morrow night or shut up the
+house."
+
+With these words and a vindictive glance, the woman left the theater,
+slamming the stage door violently behind her.
+
+Mr. Wattles drew a long breath of relief.
+
+"I'm glad to get rid of her," he said. "This isn't the first time she
+and I have had words. I'll have another woman here to play the part
+to-morrow night, or I'll cut it out altogether; it isn't of any
+importance, anyhow. And, I say, I believe that Mrs. Anderson has the
+making of an actress in her, after all. She's as good a kicker as if she
+had been in the business all her life. No danger of her suffering from
+stage fright; she has too good an opinion of herself. Well, I must go
+around to the front now. Come with me and see how things look."
+
+The house was, as Al had predicted, packed to the doors; even standing
+room was at a premium. Such an audience had never been seen in the opera
+house before.
+
+The souvenir spoons had proved a great success; everyone was extolling
+the liberality of the management.
+
+"This is immense," chuckled Mr. Wattles, rubbing his hands. "Allston,
+you are a trump. I wish you could do this in every town we visit."
+
+"Well, I'll do my best to repeat the success," smiled Al. "What can't be
+done in one way can in another."
+
+"And you're the lad who can do it. But the curtain is going up. I hope
+Mrs. Anderson will be all right. She comes on in less than five minutes.
+Come up to the manager's box now; it's the only place in the house where
+we can get a seat."
+
+The two elbowed their way through the crowd; and, not without some
+difficulty, reached the box in question. They had hardly taken their
+seats when Mrs. Anderson stepped upon the stage. Her appearance was the
+signal for a perfect whirlwind of applause.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, as the lady stood bowing and smiling, "she is
+a good-looker, anyway. She's as well made up as if she'd been in the
+profesh for years; and, by Jove! she's as cool as a veteran! What a
+reception! Irving himself couldn't ask for a better one."
+
+In fact, it was nearly or quite three minutes before the debutante could
+go on with her part. By this time the stage was half filled with "floral
+tributes," one huge piece being from the board of aldermen. When the
+mayor, who was seated in an opposite box, saw this, his face, which had
+until then worn a rather gloomy expression, lighted up, and he began to
+manifest some signs of interest in the performance.
+
+As Mr. Wattles had said, the part that had been assigned to Mrs.
+Anderson was one of very little importance. It would have been difficult
+to make a failure of it. The lady recited her lines well, and when she
+left the stage she was furiously applauded.
+
+"That shows what the public appreciation of the drama amounts to,"
+remarked Mr. Wattles, sarcastically, although he had applauded Mrs.
+Anderson as loudly as anyone. "You can't hear yourself think for the
+noise they make about this society woman; yet, on the same stage there
+is a little girl who has real talent. But they ignore her."
+
+"You mean the young lady who plays the part of _Ethel Darlington_?"
+questioned Al.
+
+"Yes, of course I do. I see that you, at least, know good acting when
+you see it; but here comes Mrs. Anderson again. Ah! that old fellow in
+the box over there is going to make a speech."
+
+Al recognized in the "old fellow" referred to one of Boomville's
+prominent citizens--a certain Maj. Duncan.
+
+The major, who enjoyed nothing in life more than hearing himself talk in
+public or in private, had risen in his seat and was signaling for
+silence.
+
+In a few moments the house was so still that the fall of the traditional
+pin would have startled the more nervous portion of the audience.
+
+The major, standing at the edge of the box, delivered, in a sonorous
+voice, a fulsome speech of praise, addressed to Mrs. Anderson, ending by
+presenting her with a wreath of laurels.
+
+The lady, not in the least embarrassed, made a brief reply, and was
+about to resume her part, when Maj. Duncan, who had remained standing,
+said:
+
+"But this is not all. There is here to-night a young fellow townsman of
+ours of whom Boomville should be proud. I refer to the gentleman seated
+in the proscenium box on the other side."
+
+And the orator fixed his eyes on Al's face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A STARTLING SITUATION.
+
+
+Everyone in the house stared at Al, and Mr. Wattles whispered in his
+ear:
+
+"Why, he means you! What have you been up to? I tell you, this is a
+great night for Boomville."
+
+Evidently Maj. Duncan expected some acknowledgment of his compliment
+from Al, for after a moment's silence he added:
+
+"I repeat, I refer to the young gentleman yonder, Mr. Allen Allston."
+
+"Get up and bow," whispered the manager, in our hero's ear.
+
+Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Al obeyed.
+
+The entire audience applauded, although there were not three persons
+among them who knew why they did it.
+
+"Will the young gentleman kindly step upon the stage?" went on the
+major.
+
+Without speaking, Mr. Wattles seized the boy by the arm, and fairly
+dragged him through a narrow door in the rear of the box.
+
+"This is the easiest way of getting on the stage," he said. "I wonder
+what they have got on foot. They ought to have told us. In a case like
+this it is always the proper caper to have a witty impromptu speech
+ready, and they ought to have given you a chance to prepare one at your
+leisure--they really ought. But this is not New York. Now, then, my boy,
+step out on the stage. Don't you hear them shouting for you?"
+
+But Al held back.
+
+"I don't understand all this," he said. "What do they want with me?"
+
+"Go and find out."
+
+"But----"
+
+"Allston! Allston!" came from all parts of the theater.
+
+"Go on!"
+
+And Mr. Wattles fairly pushed his companion upon the stage.
+
+It is not necessary to say that Al was greatly embarrassed as he
+confronted the sea of faces. His appearance was greeted with wild
+cheers, though the audience did not know what they were cheering about.
+
+In a few moments silence was again restored through the efforts of Maj.
+Duncan, who then cleared his throat and began:
+
+"It may not be known to many of you that we have a hero, a genuine hero,
+among us, but it is a fact. And that hero now stands blushingly upon the
+stage before us. Ladies and gentlemen, picture to yourselves this
+scene--a team of maddened horses rushing at a terrible rate of speed
+directly for a spot where a defenseless child has fallen on the highway.
+Apparently the little girl is doomed to a horrible death. The spectators
+stand spellbound--all save one, a youth. He rushes forward and, at the
+risk of his own life, saves the child from the fate that a moment
+before seemed inevitable. That youth, ladies and gentlemen, was Allen
+Allston; the little girl he rescued was the child of our mayor."
+
+The major's rather theatrical speech was here interrupted by frantic
+applause, much to the orator's gratification and Al's embarrassment.
+
+When silence once more reigned the major went on:
+
+"It is not necessary that I enlarge upon the heroism displayed by this
+noble youth; it is evident to all of you, and the performance has
+already, perhaps, been delayed too long. I will close by requesting the
+acceptance by Mr. Allston of this token of esteem and appreciation from
+Mayor Anderson, who has delegated to me the most agreeable duty of
+making the presentation speech. Take it, my young friend; and always
+wear it in remembrance of those whom you have placed under so heavy a
+debt of gratitude."
+
+As he spoke Maj. Duncan extended a diamond ring to the boy.
+
+Al was obliged to cross the stage to receive it. By this time he had
+partially regained his usual self-possession. He took the ring with a
+graceful bow, and attempted to speak.
+
+But the effort proved a total failure. The words stuck in his throat; he
+could only give utterance to an inaudible murmur.
+
+"Speech, speech!" cried a dozen or more persons, but Al was unable to
+gratify their wishes. In great confusion he retired to the comparative
+seclusion of the stage, where Mr. Wattles met him and grasped his hand.
+
+"I had no idea you were a hero," he said. "But why didn't you make a
+speech? Oh, I understand--stage fright. Well, never mind, you're the
+hero of the hour, anyway. Isn't that ring a sparkler! Just completes
+your outfit as advance agent; they always wear a diamond ring, you know.
+Well, this is a great night, and no mistake."
+
+By this time the performance had been resumed. It was brought to a
+successful conclusion two hours later, Mrs. Anderson having been called
+before the curtain no less than ten times.
+
+"I'm glad everything went off so well," said Mr. Wattles to Al, when the
+audience had dispersed. "I was a little afraid that fellow, Farley,
+would try to make some trouble for us. He's just about crazy enough from
+drink to do something desperate if the idea occurred to him. Look out
+for him, Allston."
+
+"I'm not afraid of him," said Al.
+
+"Nevertheless, be on your guard. Well, didn't everything go off in great
+shape? That presentation alone will be worth a good many dollars to the
+show. Accounts of it will be published all over the country."
+
+"I wish they had given me the ring in private," said Al.
+
+"You do? Well, I don't! You must get over some of that modesty of yours;
+you won't need it in your career as advance agent. Going now? Well,
+good-night. You'll be ready to start for the next town at noon
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Good. Look out for Farley on your way home."
+
+"I'm not worrying about him," laughed Al. "I guess you're more afraid of
+him than I am, sir. Good-night."
+
+Al lived a little way out of the town. To get home it was necessary for
+him to ride for half an hour in a horse car, and then to walk some
+distance along a lonely country road.
+
+Singular to say, the subject that engrossed his thoughts during the ride
+was not the events of the day, not the new career that he was about to
+begin. One face was constantly before his mental vision, the face of the
+beautiful young girl--Miss Gladys March, the bills called her--who had
+played the part of _Ethel Darlington_.
+
+Why did her face haunt him so persistently? he asked himself. She was a
+complete stranger to him, yet, somehow, he felt as if he had known her
+all his life.
+
+His thoughts were still on her when he left the car and began his lonely
+walk.
+
+So absorbed was he in meditation that he did not notice that from the
+moment he alighted from the car he was followed at a short distance by a
+man whose face was concealed by a high coat collar and a slouch hat.
+
+The full moon was shining brightly, but Al's pursuer lurked in the
+shadows of the trees and shrubbery that lined the road on either side.
+
+For half an hour this pursuit of the boy continued; then the man gave a
+shrill whistle.
+
+As Al turned, three masked men sprang from a clump of bushes on his
+left and seized him. Before he could cry out a gag was thrust into his
+mouth. A few moments later he was bound hand and foot.
+
+Then one of his assailants lifted him in his arms and bore him up a side
+road, near which the assault had been committed. A covered wagon stood
+in waiting here. Al was placed in it; then his captors and the man who
+had followed him from the car, entered, and the vehicle was driven
+rapidly away.
+
+At the expiration of, perhaps, half an hour the wagon was brought to a
+standstill, and Al was lifted out.
+
+It was a strange sight that met his gaze.
+
+Half a dozen masked men were assembled under a tree, over one of the
+boughs of which was flung a stout rope.
+
+One of the strange party stepped forward and removed the gag from the
+boy's mouth, saying:
+
+"If you have any last remarks to make, make 'em now, and be quick about
+it. We don't propose to fool away any time on this job."
+
+"What does all this mean?" gasped Al. "What are you going to do?"
+
+"We're going to string you up in just about two minutes at the outside,"
+was the reply; "so if you have anything to say you'd better hurry."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A CLOSE CALL.
+
+
+"You are going to murder me?" the boy cried.
+
+"Well, we don't put it just that way," was the cool reply of the man who
+had spoken before.
+
+"How do you put it, then?"
+
+"We are going to execute you. In cases like yours the law is a little
+too slow for us, so we have constituted ourselves judge, jury,
+executioners and all the rest of it. Young fellow, you've stolen your
+last horse."
+
+The truth flashed upon Al.
+
+For several weeks residents of the neighborhood of
+Boomville--principally farmers--had been the victims of a clever horse
+thief, who had, since he began operations, stolen a number of valuable
+animals. The authorities seemed to be powerless in the matter, although
+they professed to be using every possible means to bring the thief to
+justice. Only one clew had been gained; one of the stolen horses had
+been sold to a farmer in a village about fifty miles distant by a youth
+of about sixteen, who had given a plausible reason to the simple-minded
+purchaser for having the animal in his possession. The farmer had been
+able to give a quite minute description of the boy. Al had read that
+description, and now remembered, with a sinking of the heart, that it
+would apply to him fully as well as to the thief for whom he was taken.
+
+"See here," he exclaimed, impetuously, "you are making a terrible
+mistake! I am not the person you think me to be."
+
+"That's all right," was the sarcastic response of the spokesman of the
+crowd. "I told you we were not going to waste any words on you, and we
+are not."
+
+"String him up!" shouted another of the party. "Get the job done with!
+We're taking big chances in delaying the thing."
+
+"That's right!"
+
+"H'ist the derned hoss thief, then!"
+
+"We've had enough chin music; let's get to work."
+
+These were a few of the comments of the would-be executioners.
+
+One man now stepped to the front. It was he who had followed Al from the
+town. He had now donned a mask like the rest of the party.
+
+"I'll do the job," he said. "Will you leave it to me, gents?"
+
+Al started. Where had he heard that voice? Before any reply could be
+made he said, in a loud, clear voice:
+
+"Gentlemen, I am innocent of this crime. My name is Allen Allston. I
+live in Boomville. Hundreds of people there know me, and can tell you
+what my reputation is. Why, I should not have the slightest trouble in
+proving an alibi. If you murder me, you will all bitterly regret it some
+day. You do not want to commit a murder; you want to do what you think
+an act of justice. You are making an awful mistake; give me a chance,
+and I will prove it."
+
+These words had a visible effect upon the desperate men. They began to
+converse together in a low tone--all but the man who had followed Al; he
+stood aloof from the rest.
+
+"See here," he presently said, in a voice that Al noticed trembled
+slightly, "if you gents have any more time to fool away here I haven't.
+I don't propose to get into any trouble through this thing. I have tried
+to do you a service, but you don't seem to appreciate it."
+
+"We don't want to make any mistake," said the spokesman.
+
+"But you're not making any mistake. Don't I tell you I know the boy,
+that he is the same one that sold me the horse last week?"
+
+Here Al interposed.
+
+"Do you claim," he asked, "that you are the farmer to whom the horse
+thief sold one of the stolen animals last week?"
+
+"I do; and I recognize you as the person. It's no use, my fine fellow,
+the jig's up. I've been shadowing you for some time, and I've got you
+down fine."
+
+Al turned to the group of men, who had been listening in silence to the
+brief dialogue.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "do any of you know the farmer who bought the
+horse from the thief? Could any one of you swear to his identity?"
+
+The spokesman replied, this time using a gentler tone than before.
+
+"No, my lad," he said, "not one of us ever saw the man until to-night."
+
+"You don't see him now," said Al. "I do not believe that this is the man
+at all. He is some enemy of mine, who has imposed upon you for his own
+personal ends."
+
+"Bah!" interrupted the subject of discussion, "are we to stand here all
+night listening to this sort of stuff? The young villain is only trying
+to gain time. Of course, if he will steal, he will lie."
+
+"All I ask is a fair trial," said Al, "but I see I cannot get that here.
+However, gentlemen, if you must kill some one, don't kill the wrong man.
+It looks to me a good deal as if this fellow were the real thief, and
+that he was trying to throw dust in your eyes. None of you ever saw him
+before, you say. Now, perhaps I have seen him. Let me see his face; it
+may be that I can identify him."
+
+"That's fair enough."
+
+"That's all right."
+
+"Off with your mask, stranger, and let the boy see your face."
+
+It was evident that the sentiment of the crowd was turning in Al's
+favor.
+
+"Why should I show him my face?" said the boy's accuser. "All the rest
+of you are masked."
+
+"We'll take off our masks if you take off yours," said the spokesman.
+"Eh, boys?"
+
+"Ay! ay!" came from the others.
+
+Still the stranger hesitated.
+
+"It's risky for all of us," he said. "Have done with this nonsense. If
+you are going to do away with the thief, get to work; if you're not,
+why, let him go. We can't stand here all night chinning."
+
+"Off with your mask!" said the leader of the crowd, sternly.
+
+"All right," said the fellow, desperately; "I agree. Off with yours,
+then, all of you."
+
+Several of the crowd removed their masks. The stranger raised his hand,
+as if to take his off, but instead of doing so, he turned suddenly and
+made a rush for a thick growth of wood near which the scene we have just
+described had been enacted. In a few moments--before his companions
+could recover from their astonishment--he had disappeared.
+
+"After him, Hammond and Thompson, and you, Porter!" shouted the leader.
+"Don't let him get away from you."
+
+Then turning to Al, he added:
+
+"Boy, I believe we have made a mistake. That fellow is the real thief."
+
+"I don't know about that," said our hero, "but I do know I'm not."
+
+"If he isn't the thief, what motive could he have had in accusing an
+innocent person?"
+
+"Perhaps it is some one who has a grudge against me."
+
+"It must be an awful grudge to induce him to lay such a plot as that
+against you. Do you suspect anyone?"
+
+"I'd rather not mention any names," said Al.
+
+Here an old farmer, one of the three or four who had removed their
+masks, stepped forward.
+
+"Don't let this here boy fule yer," he said. "I b'lieve he's one o' the
+gang. Mark my word, it'll turn aout so."
+
+"You think so, do you, Mr. Chadwick?" said Al, quietly, looking the old
+man full in the face.
+
+"Yeou know me, dew yeou?"
+
+"Yes, and you ought to know me. Have you forgotten Allen Allston?"
+
+The farmer gasped for breath.
+
+"I'll be derned ef it ain't Jack Allston's boy!" he exclaimed. "Why, o'
+course I know yeou."
+
+"I told you my name before."
+
+"I wuz so 'xcited that I didn't take notice. I wuz so sure, yeou see,
+thet we hed the right one. Boys"--turning to the others--"I'll swear
+thet this here lad don't know no more 'baout who stole them hosses than
+we do. I know all his folks, an' there ain't a dishonest hair in the
+heads o' enny o' them. I'd ha' know'd him at fust, but I ain't seen him
+fer a year or more, an' he's grow'd. An' besides, my eyesight ain't what
+it used ter be. Boys, we've hed a narrer escape from committin' a
+murder." The men now crowded round Al and shook his hands, and
+apologized for their rough treatment of him.
+
+While they were thus engaged the three who had gone in pursuit of Al's
+accuser returned.
+
+"Ain't you got him?" cried Farmer Chadwick.
+
+"No, he gave us the slip. The moon has gone under a cloud, and in the
+darkness he got away. But we'll catch him yet."
+
+Then the man turned to Al.
+
+"Boy," he queried, "have you any suspicion as to who the fellow is?"
+
+Our hero hesitated, then he replied:
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"Who do you think he is?" cried two or three of the men together.
+
+"I would rather not say," replied the boy.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because I might be wronging an innocent man."
+
+"But we want to find the thief."
+
+"I cannot help you do that. If the man is the one I think he may be, he
+did not steal the horses."
+
+"Why did he accuse you, then?" demanded one of the party.
+
+"Merely to satisfy a private grudge."
+
+"Then he ought to be found and punished; so why do you try to shield
+him?"
+
+"Because it is my private affair," replied Al, quietly. "And because I
+do not like your way of administering what you call justice. See how
+near you came to making a mistake to-night. But how did you run across
+the fellow who said I was the thief?"
+
+"I'll tell you," replied the spokesman, rather sheepishly. "A few of us
+were in a saloon in Boomville the early part of the evening. We had
+indulged in a few drinks, and we must have talked a little louder than
+we realized, for this fellow overheard us telling how we were going to
+start a search for the horse thief to-night and string him up if we
+found him. He came and told us that he could lead us to him. Well, he
+talked as if he knew what he was saying, and---- Well, you know the
+rest."
+
+"So," said Al, "you took the word of a barroom loafer, or worse, on a
+matter of so much importance as that."
+
+"We were excited and had drunk a little too much."
+
+"Well, it seems to me that you had better leave the future management of
+the business to the proper authorities," suggested Al.
+
+"Maybe you're right," admitted the man he addressed. "Well, you won't
+say anything about this night's affair to anyone?"
+
+"I shall say nothing that can harm you. The thing shall not be made
+public through me."
+
+"We'll take your word for that. And now, get into the wagon, and you
+shall be driven home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR.
+
+
+Al's ride home after his queer adventure was an uneventful one. He was
+glad enough to reach the solitude of his own room. Although his body was
+tired, his mind seemed abnormally active, and for at least two hours he
+lay tossing sleeplessly on his bed, reviewing not only the exciting
+events of the day, but much of his past life.
+
+We have thus far said nothing of our hero's past, nor shall we now; we
+will let him tell the story himself, as he did the next morning when he
+visited the mayor's office.
+
+Ten o'clock was the time Mr. Anderson had appointed for their interview,
+but Al was off hand a little before that hour. Mr. Wattles had told him
+that he must leave Boomville for the next town at noon, and he knew he
+had no time to waste.
+
+The mayor received him cordially.
+
+"I'm delighted to see you, my dear young friend," was his greeting, as
+he grasped the boy's hand. "We had a grand success last night, did we
+not? And it was all due to your efforts. If it had not been for your
+persistency Mrs. Anderson would not have appeared."
+
+"Then you are not sorry that she played, sir?" questioned Al, somewhat
+surprised at the mayor's enthusiasm.
+
+"Sorry? Not a bit of it! Why, it was one of the grandest triumphs in the
+history of the American stage."
+
+Al had his own opinion on that point, but he did not express it; he only
+said:
+
+"The audience seemed to be very much pleased with Mrs. Anderson's work."
+
+"Pleased! Of course they were pleased. How could they help it? As for
+myself, I was as much delighted as I was surprised. I have given my
+consent to Mrs. Anderson's second appearance to-night."
+
+"Indeed, sir?"
+
+"Yes. Mr. Wattles came to me and, in the most respectful manner, asked
+the favor. You see, the woman who has been playing the part was so
+angered by my wife's success that she refused to appear. I could do
+nothing but yield, especially as Mr. Wattles assures me that there was a
+widespread feeling of disappointment on the part of those who were
+unable to gain admission last night. Mr. Wattles, my lad, considers Mrs.
+Anderson one of the greatest geniuses on the American stage; he told me
+so this morning."
+
+Al could not help thinking that the "foxy" manager was overdoing the
+thing a little; but he did not express any opinion. In fact, Mr.
+Anderson did not give him a chance to do so, for he went on as soon as
+he had caught his breath:
+
+"But never mind about all that now. Some day you will doubtless remember
+with pride that you assisted at the debut of Mrs. Anderson; but let us
+now talk of yourself."
+
+"We might find a more interesting subject, sir," suggested Al.
+
+"It is like your modesty to say so, but I cannot agree with you. Now, my
+lad, I have taken a great interest in you, and I am going to do what I
+can to help you along in the world. What do you most need now, Mr.
+Allston?"
+
+"Good health, sir," laughed Al; "or, rather, a continuance of it. I have
+about everything else I want."
+
+"Well, I am about to offer you something that you haven't got."
+
+"What is that, sir?"
+
+"A position under the city government, a position with very little work
+and a good salary. It has never been held by anyone as young as you
+before, but I haven't the slightest doubt that you will be able to
+discharge its duties satisfactorily. In fact, it is almost a sinecure."
+
+"You are very kind, sir," said Al, as the mayor paused, "but I cannot
+accept the position."
+
+"Eh? You cannot? Why not?"
+
+"For two reasons, sir."
+
+"What are they?"
+
+"One is that the position you are kind enough to offer to me is not the
+kind I am looking for. I am not looking for an easy berth. I want a
+place where there will be plenty to do."
+
+The mayor stared at the boy incredulously.
+
+"Well," he said, "you are an original. And what is your other reason for
+refusing?"
+
+"It is that I have a good place now, sir."
+
+"Ah, indeed? What is it?"
+
+"Mr. Wattles has engaged me as advance agent for his company."
+
+Mr. Anderson's face clouded.
+
+"And you would rather travel with a show than have an easy, respectable
+position here at home?"
+
+"I would, sir."
+
+"Well, that is a matter of taste. I should prefer the berth I have just
+offered you."
+
+"I hope you are not offended, Mr. Anderson?" said Al, a little
+diffidently.
+
+"Offended! No, no, my boy; but I think you are making a mistake."
+
+"The end will show, sir."
+
+"Yes, yes, the end will show. Well, I can't help feeling an interest in
+you, not only because you rescued my child, but because you seem to me
+to be a rather unusual lad. Do you mind answering me a few questions?
+Believe me, I shall not ask them out of mere idle curiosity."
+
+"Ask as many as you like, sir."
+
+"Do you live in Boomville?"
+
+"A little way out of the town, sir."
+
+"Are your parents living?"
+
+"Only my mother."
+
+"And your father--has he been dead long?"
+
+"He died before I was born, sir."
+
+"Can it be that your father was John Allston?"
+
+"That was his name, sir."
+
+"Why, good gracious!" exclaimed the mayor, with a new interest, "I knew
+him. It was years ago, and we were never intimate, but I had a speaking
+acquaintance with him. Let me see, was there not something peculiar
+about the manner of his death? I remember hearing something said about
+it at the time, but it was so long ago that I cannot remember just what
+it was."
+
+"People said, sir," replied Al, "and I guess they were right, that my
+father died of a broken heart."
+
+"I remember now!" interrupted Mr. Anderson. "His child, your sister, was
+stolen. Her loss was such a blow to him that he only survived the shock
+a few months."
+
+"Yes, sir; that is true."
+
+"It is a sad story. Was your sister never found?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Nor any clew to the mystery gained?"
+
+"Nothing of any importance, sir. It was suspected that her nurse had
+something to do with the affair, and she was shadowed for a long time.
+But nothing was ever learned."
+
+"I can sympathize with your poor father and mother, my boy," said the
+mayor, with more emotion than Al had seen him manifest before. "I can
+understand his feelings. But the depth of a mother's love is something
+we of the grosser sex cannot ever quite comprehend. I suppose your
+mother has never entirely recovered from the blow."
+
+"She never has, Mr. Anderson; and it is in the hope that I may help her
+to do so that I have taken this engagement with Mr. Wattles' company."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+IN PERIL.
+
+
+The mayor stared at Al.
+
+"You have taken this engagement for your mother's sake?" he said. "I
+don't understand."
+
+"I didn't say that," the boy replied. "I took it because I believed the
+work was just the sort I could do well. At any rate, it was just the
+sort I wanted to do. But I also thought that it might give me a good
+chance to look for my sister. What can I ever do if I stay here in
+Boomville? Nothing. I will go out into the world; and who knows----"
+
+He paused, perhaps a little offended, for the mayor was smiling.
+
+"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, my boy," Mr. Anderson said,
+straightening out his features, "but your hopefulness reminds me of my
+own when I started out in life. Alas! those dreams!"
+
+"But you succeeded, sir."
+
+"Yes, I succeeded, but in a far different line from that I marked out
+for myself. But"--in a changed tone--"it is later than I thought, and I
+must reluctantly say good-by. I am sorry you will not take the position
+I have offered you; but I cannot say that I respect you less for having
+refused it. When do you leave town?"
+
+"At noon."
+
+"And it is nearly eleven now. Well, my boy, let me hear from you once in
+a while; and be sure that you will always have a friend in John
+Anderson."
+
+"Thank you, sir. Good-morning."
+
+And Al backed toward the door.
+
+"Wait a moment," the mayor cried, suddenly producing a sealed envelope
+from his pocket. "I want you to take this. Open it at your leisure. I
+trust the contents will prove acceptable to you. And now, good-day,
+good-day."
+
+Al could not help thinking that the manner in which his companion almost
+shoved him out of the room was due to a fear that he would open the
+envelope before he got out. But he put it in his pocket, saying:
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness to me, sir."
+
+"The obligation is on the other side, Mr. Allston," was the reply. "But
+good-day--and good luck to you."
+
+It was after eleven when Al reached Mr. Wattles' hotel.
+
+"I was beginning to be a little nervous about you," said the manager.
+"But I said to myself: 'I don't believe he is one of the kind that go
+back on an agreement.'"
+
+"And you were right, Mr. Wattles."
+
+"You know you must leave by the noon train."
+
+"I am all ready, sir."
+
+"Our next stand, as you are aware, is Rockton. It has the reputation of
+being a bad show town, and if you can create a _furore_ there you will
+do well."
+
+"I'll try, sir."
+
+"There is one morning paper there; do what you can with it."
+
+"I will. If you could only persuade Mrs. Anderson to go there! She was
+born in Rockton, and the whole population would turn out to see her."
+
+"I thought of that, and tried it. But the mayor wouldn't hear of it. But
+he is going to let his wife appear here again to-night, all the same."
+
+"So I have heard."
+
+"Eh? Are the bills out already?"
+
+"I guess not. I have just come from the mayor's office."
+
+"Ah! indeed? Well, that's right; it's policy to keep in with such
+people."
+
+Al's face flushed.
+
+"I didn't go there as a matter of policy," he said, "but only because I
+promised the mayor yesterday that I would."
+
+"Well, he ought to do something handsome for you in return for the great
+service you did him."
+
+"I think he did quite enough in giving me that ring last night. My
+mother says it must be worth at least five hundred dollars, and she
+knows something about such things."
+
+"It is worth more than that. But Anderson ought to do more for you. Why
+doesn't he get you a job under the city with a fat salary and nothing to
+do?"
+
+"That's just what he offered me this morning," laughed Al.
+
+The manager's jaw fell.
+
+"Then I shall lose you before long, of course?"
+
+"Not on account of that political job."
+
+"Eh?"
+
+"I refused it."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Of course. I want a job where there is something to do."
+
+"Well, you've got it with me," said Mr. Wattles, evidently gratified.
+"But he might have given you a check."
+
+"Maybe he did," said Al, reminded of the envelope that the mayor had
+handed him just before he left the office.
+
+He took it from his pocket, tore it open and drew from it a long, narrow
+strip of paper.
+
+The manager, who was looking over the boy's shoulder, exclaimed:
+
+"Well, he has done the handsome thing, and no mistake."
+
+The check was for five thousand dollars.
+
+"I won't take it!" cried Al.
+
+"Yes, you will take it!" said Mr. Wattles, very emphatically. "To return
+it would be to offend him very deeply."
+
+"But----"
+
+"But you must be starting for the train. Come, I'll walk to the depot
+with you. I have a number of points to give you."
+
+When they parted, the manager was better pleased than ever with Al. His
+"points" did not seem to be needed by the boy; a knowledge of and
+adaptability to the business seemed to have been born in him.
+
+"You're all right," said Mr. Wattles, slapping his new advance agent on
+the shoulder just before they parted. "I consider a big house in Rockton
+a dead-sure thing."
+
+Al was not quite so confident, however. In Boomville circumstances had
+favored him, but he could not hope for the same luck in Rockton; there
+he would have to prove his fitness to be the advance agent of the New
+York Comedy Company by tact and hard work.
+
+In conversation with a gentleman on the train, he learned a fact of
+which Mr. Wattles had not informed him--that Barnum's circus was at
+Rockton.
+
+"There won't be a corporal's guard at your show," said his informant,
+unsympathetically. "Everybody for miles around has been saving up to go
+to the circus. Other shows will be simply not in it."
+
+As if to add to Al's annoyance, the circus parade was going on when he
+reached Rockton; at any other time he would have stopped and looked at
+it, but he was not in the mood now.
+
+The sidewalks near the depot were crowded with eager sightseers. Al
+forced his way through their ranks, and attempted to cross the street,
+heedless of the warning cries of those who saw him.
+
+He had reached the middle of the street when he attracted the attention
+of one of the elephants, an animal with a national reputation for
+viciousness. The beast quickened its pace, reached the boy, seized him
+in its trunk and raised him high in the air, with the evident intention
+of dashing him to the pavement.
+
+A cry of horror rose from the crowd. Apparently Al was doomed to a
+frightful death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+INTERVIEWED.
+
+
+The elephant that had seized Al was, as we have said, well known for his
+viciousness. He had killed two keepers and injured half a score of
+persons. One of his escapades had occurred quite recently, and was fresh
+in the minds of most of the witnesses of his attack on the boy.
+
+There was an almost simultaneous cry from the onlookers, followed by a
+dead silence. The animal's small eyes twinkled viciously. It was evident
+enough that in crossing his path Al had excited his ire, and that it was
+his intention to revenge himself in a characteristic manner.
+
+Suddenly a sharp cry broke the silence. It was the voice of the
+elephant's keeper, who had been lagging a little behind, but who now
+came rushing up, shouting a command to his charge in a language
+unintelligible to most of his hearers. To all of them, perhaps, except
+the animal; it was plain enough that he understood it.
+
+His manner changed. He held his captive poised in the air a moment, then
+dropped him.
+
+Al fell heavily to the pavement directly under the feet of the beast. A
+new plan of revenge evidently suggested itself to the elephant. He was
+about to plant one of his huge feet on the boy's chest when the keeper
+again gave utterance to the same cry of command.
+
+The warning had its effect; the animal stepped over his intended victim,
+not touching him.
+
+In another moment Al had sprung out of harm's way.
+
+It was an exciting scene. Men were shouting, children crying and women
+sobbing.
+
+One nervous, hysterical lady, whom the boy had never seen before in his
+life, clasped him tightly in her arms, and wept convulsively on his
+shoulder.
+
+Al was, perhaps, the coolest person in the crowd. Disengaging himself
+from the embrace of his new-found friend, he said:
+
+"There's nothing to cry about, madam; I'm all right."
+
+"You're sure you're not hurt?" sobbed the lady, scarcely knowing what
+she was saying.
+
+"Not in the least; not so much as scratched."
+
+"You've had a mighty narrow escape, all the same, young man," said the
+elephant's keeper--the procession had come to a standstill, and many of
+the employees had crowded around the boy. "This ought to be a lesson to
+you not to try to cross a circus parade again."
+
+"It will be," said Al, with a smile. "At any rate, I shall be careful
+not to get too near the elephants."
+
+Just then a nervous, bustling little man with a notebook in his hand
+forced his way through the crowd to where Al was standing.
+
+"I represent the Rockton _Daily Banner_," he announced. "Please give me
+your name, sir."
+
+"Certainly," replied the boy, with an eye to business. "I am the advance
+agent of Wattles' New York Comedy Company, which plays here to-morrow
+night, appearing in----"
+
+"That's all right," the reporter interrupted. "I know what it appears
+in. But your name, please."
+
+"It is Allen Allston."
+
+"What! not the youth who so heroically saved the life of the child of
+Mayor Anderson, of Boomville? Not the same who was presented with the
+ring at the opera house last night?"
+
+By this time the circus parade had been resumed; but, in the immediate
+vicinity of the scene of the adventure we have recorded, it excited less
+interest than the interview between Al and the reporter.
+
+The boy colored and hesitated.
+
+"Yes," went on the _Banner_ man, "you must be the same. Why, there were
+two columns about you in the paper this morning. You seem born for
+adventure. You being the hero of the hour, your escape of this morning
+will excite great interest. I can make at least a column of it. Here,
+Mr. Allston, come with me. We must get out of this crowd; then we can
+have a talk."
+
+Al resigned himself to the inevitable, and forced his way through the
+crowd, arm in arm with the reporter.
+
+While he shrank from having his personal affairs made public, he also
+had the interests of his employer at heart; he saw that the exciting
+incident of the morning might be used as an advertisement for the show,
+and he decided to sacrifice his feelings and let the ambitious and
+energetic reporter have his own way.
+
+"We'll step in here," said the _Banner_ man, leading the way into the
+lobby of a hotel. "Really, it is lucky for you that this thing happened;
+it can't fail to boom your show. And it needs booming, too, let me tell
+you, for the circus will be here to-morrow night, and is pretty sure to
+gather in about all the surplus cash that will be left in the
+neighborhood after to-day's performances."
+
+"Still," said Al, "my company is a strong attraction."
+
+"Under ordinary circumstances, yes; but not when the circus is in town.
+Still, we'll see what can be done. I've heard a good deal about you
+during the last twenty-four hours, and, honestly, I'd like to help you.
+You give me all the most startling facts in your career, and I'll write
+'em up in good style."
+
+"But," smiled Al, "there has never been anything startling in my
+career."
+
+"Eh?" gasped the reporter. "What did you say?"
+
+Al repeated the statement.
+
+"An advance agent without a startling career!" said the _Banner_ man.
+"Why, such a thing was never heard of before. As a rule we have to cut
+out nine-tenths of the blood-curdling incidents in advance agents'
+careers, and even then what is left sounds like an Arabian Nights
+story."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"Well," he said, "then I am a remarkable exception. Isn't that a
+startling fact?"
+
+"That may help things out a little."
+
+"Besides, it is not myself that I want to boom, but the New York Comedy
+Company."
+
+"Well, you are a _rara avis_! But by booming yourself you may at the
+same time boom the show. Now, tell me all about yourself first. You see,
+the public is more interested about you personally than about Mr.
+Wattles' company. But I'll work in a good notice for the show, too. Now,
+then, please tell me where you were born, when--and all the rest of it."
+
+Within ten minutes the reporter was in possession of most of the facts
+of Al's "career"; and, as the boy had said, there was nothing very
+startling in the story. But when the _Banner_ man had wormed the fact
+out of the lad that his sister had been lost or stolen in infancy, he
+exclaimed:
+
+"Why, that's just what I want. A romance in your life! Nothing could be
+better. A long-lost sister! That will show up in great shape in the
+heading."
+
+"But," interrupted Al, coloring, "I don't want anything said about it.
+Please omit any reference to my family."
+
+"Well," said the reporter, "just as you say; but it is easy to see that
+you have not been an advance agent very long. Why, my dear boy, the
+article which I am going to write will be copied all over the country,
+and might be the means of restoring your sister to you. But there,
+there"--as Al was about to speak--"I'll consider your wishes in the
+matter, and if I say anything about your sister it will only be a
+passing reference, couched in the most delicate terms. And now, then,
+what about the company? How many thousand dollars' worth of diamonds
+has the leading lady lost during the last week? Which of the men of the
+company is engaged to be married to one of Gould's daughters? Don't be
+bashful; tell me all you have to tell, and I'll use all of the stuff I
+can. You've given me an A1 interview, and I'm glad to have a chance to
+do you a good turn."
+
+Al had a few alleged facts about certain members of the New York Comedy
+Company, and he proceeded to retail them to his companion, who made
+notes of them.
+
+"They're rather chestnutty," he said, as he returned his notebook to his
+pocket, "but I'll fix them up in as good shape as I can, and they may
+help you out a little. However, you mustn't expect a big house to-morrow
+night, for you won't have it."
+
+With this cheering assurance the _Banner_ scribe took his leave.
+
+It had occurred to Al, too, that the notices which had been furnished
+him by Mr. Wattles were somewhat "chestnutty."
+
+"Never mind," he said to himself, "somehow or other I'll fix things so
+that we'll have a big house. But, judging from the way I have begun, my
+first engagement as advance agent is not going to be much of a 'snap.'"
+
+Al was busy during the entire day seeing that the paper--that is, the
+posters, window hangers, etc.--of the company was displayed to the best
+advantage.
+
+This work had been done after a fashion some days before by the local
+manager, but the way in which the duty had been performed did not suit
+the young advance agent, and he kept men "hustling" all day.
+
+"What's the use?" said the manager of the theater, with a weary smile.
+"It's sure to be a losing engagement, anyhow."
+
+"Maybe not," returned Al. "You'd better get the 'standing-room-only'
+sign dusted off, in case we need it."
+
+"Rats!" was the response. "Young man, when you know this business and
+this town as well as I do, you'll sing a different tune. We shall have
+about two hundred people in the house to-morrow night--maybe not quite
+so many."
+
+And he exhibited the advance sheet, which Al examined with a sinking
+heart. Only half a dozen seats had been sold for the performance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A STROKE OF LUCK.
+
+
+"Something has got to be done," said the young advance agent.
+
+"Everything possible has been done," returned the manager, pettishly.
+"The amount of the thing is that we have struck an unlucky night, and
+there's no help for it."
+
+"Maybe there is," said Al, quietly. "I mean to have a big house
+to-morrow night somehow or other."
+
+The manager laughed sarcastically.
+
+"I've heard beginners like you talk before," he said. "You think you are
+going to set the river on fire, but the river is not inflammable. I
+admire your nerve. I've heard how you drummed up business in Boomville,
+and you did well. But you can't do that sort of thing all the time. My
+friend, Wattles, wrote and told me that you would work things so that
+the house would be full when his company played, but he made a mistake
+that time."
+
+"Did Mr. Wattles say that?" cried Al.
+
+"He did; and I was surprised at it, for Wattles is not usually a very
+sanguine man."
+
+"If he said it, I'll do it," announced the boy.
+
+Again his companion laughed.
+
+"There's nothing like youthful enthusiasm," he said, "and I acknowledge
+that it cuts lots of ice at times--but not every time. You might as well
+try to square the circle as to get a crowd here to-morrow evening. It
+can't be done."
+
+"We'll see," responded Al, with the most confident air he could assume.
+
+The task before him was a hard one, apparently an impossible one, but he
+resolved that he would try to accomplish it.
+
+"Sail ahead, and do it if you can," said the manager, with something
+very much like a sneer. "I shall watch your methods with interest."
+
+"It's a pity," said Al, "that you have only one morning paper here. Now
+if----"
+
+"Oh," interrupted his companion, yawning, "we'll have another to-morrow
+morning."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"A young dude named Marcus, with more money than brains--and not very
+much of either, by the way--is to issue the first number of a new daily
+to-morrow morning. He is going to call it the _Bugle_, I believe."
+
+"It being the first issue," suggested Al, "it is likely to have a good
+sale. Wouldn't it be a good scheme to spend a little extra in
+advertising in it?"
+
+"My lad," said the manager, wearily, "your ideas are primitive in the
+extreme. I have given them my usual size ad., and even if I wanted any
+more space--which I don't--I couldn't get it, for the paper is about all
+made up now. Oh, we can't do anything against the circus, and that
+settles that matter."
+
+It did not settle the matter with Al, however. He returned to his
+hotel, and spent what was left of the afternoon in trying to devise some
+plan to arouse public interest in the performance of the New York Comedy
+Company.
+
+He worked at the problem until his head ached, but the harder he thought
+the farther he seemed to be from a solution.
+
+In the evening he went down to the restaurant connected with the hotel,
+quite discouraged.
+
+There was no one in the room when he entered; but a few minutes later
+two men, both of them evidently very much excited, came in and seated
+themselves near him.
+
+After a glance at the boy and a hurried order to the waiter, they
+resumed a conversation in which they had been engaged when they entered.
+
+Al could not help overhearing nearly every word they said, for in their
+excitement they spoke louder than they thought.
+
+"I tell you, Marcus," he heard one of the men say, "it's a bad
+knockout."
+
+Marcus! Al remembered that this was the name of the proprietor of the
+new paper. He was, as the manager had said, a rather dudish-looking
+young fellow, but his face was by no means indicative of a lack of
+brains.
+
+"The worst of it is," added Mr. Marcus, "that the _Banner_ people will
+have the grand laugh on us. They have been poking fun at the 'amateur
+daily,' as they call it, ever since the _Bugle_ was announced; now they
+will go for us."
+
+Al was now interested; for the time he forgot his own worries. What
+could the trouble be in the office of the new paper?
+
+"They'll have a good chance," said Mr. Marcus' friend. "Really, my dear
+sir, I can't see how you could have made such a break. The idea of
+accepting a full-page ad. for 'Dr. Gurgles' Metallic Liver Pads,' only
+to find that there is no such thing on the market, and that you have
+been made the victim of a practical joker! I wish I had had charge of
+the business end of the thing, this would not have happened."
+
+"I dare say not, but don't reproach me, for I'm too much broken up to
+stand it. The question is, how are we going to fill up that page? I've
+been boasting, right and left, about the phenomenal amount of bona-fide
+ads. the first number of the _Bugle_ would contain, and now we are a
+full page short. And I've told a number of people that we were to have a
+page ad. from a well-known concern--something the _Banner_ never had."
+
+"Have you told anyone what the concern was?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then perhaps you could get some firm in town to take the page."
+
+"I'd let 'em have it at any price. But, no, it wouldn't do; I should
+have to own up how I had been victimized. Besides, it's too late now,
+anyhow. Why, nearly the whole paper is in type, and one side is
+printed."
+
+"Well, what are you going to do with that page?"
+
+"I give it up."
+
+Al rose from his seat and approached the table where the two gentlemen
+were seated.
+
+"Perhaps I can help out, sir," he said.
+
+Mr. Marcus started from his chair, his face flushed with anger.
+
+"You've been listening, boy!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I have; I couldn't very well help it, for you spoke in a loud tone."
+
+"That's so, Marcus," added the other gentleman. "A public restaurant is
+not just the place to talk over such a matter."
+
+"Well," said Marcus, glaring at Al, "I suppose you mean to go and tell
+everyone in town what you have heard?"
+
+"I don't know anyone in town, and if I did I shouldn't repeat a word. As
+I just said, I think I can help you out."
+
+"You! How?"
+
+"You said you'd let that page go at any price?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"Perhaps I will take it. I couldn't afford to do anything like regular
+rates, but perhaps by helping you out I can get a lot of advertising
+almost free. I tell you frankly that is my object, and I give you my
+word that no one shall know anything about the transaction."
+
+Mr. Marcus and his companion stared at Al in amazement.
+
+"Well," said the former, "you are a queer youngster. Who the mischief
+are you--another practical joker?"
+
+"No. I am Allen Allston, advance agent of Wattles' New York Comedy
+Company, which plays here to-morrow night."
+
+"A lad like you occupying a position like that?" exclaimed Mr. Marcus.
+
+"Just so, sir. Now, what will you let us have that page for?"
+
+"Perhaps your employer would repudiate the bill."
+
+"I'll pay it myself, right here and now."
+
+"I'll take you up. You can have the page for one hundred dollars. When
+can I have the copy?"
+
+"Not at all at that price," replied Al, coolly. "The page wouldn't be
+worth that much to us. I'll give you fifty dollars, cash now, and the
+copy in an hour or less."
+
+After a moment's hesitation, the proprietor of the _Bugle_ said:
+
+"Done! Give me the fifty dollars, and I'll give you a receipt for four
+hundred. But mind, mum's the word about this deal."
+
+"You may depend upon me, sir."
+
+"But," asked Mr. Marcus, "how are you going to have a full page of copy
+ready in an hour?"
+
+"I'll get it ready," replied Al. "Your foreman will have it on time."
+
+He handed the publisher the fifty dollars, and received a receipt for
+four hundred.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Marcus, "you have a head for business, and no mistake."
+
+"I hope so," said Al, modestly; "but this transaction does not prove
+it."
+
+"I think it does."
+
+"My overhearing your conversation was only blind luck."
+
+"Yes; but many a man would not have been smart and quick enough to take
+advantage of it. The successful business man is he who seizes upon the
+lucky accidents that others pass by, and turns them to his own
+advantage. You'll get along, my boy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+AL'S AD.
+
+
+Mr. Marcus' words haunted Al for some time after their parting.
+
+"I don't know but there is something in that," the boy said to himself:
+"I'll look out for the lucky accidents after this."
+
+But the full-page advertisement had to be prepared in less than an hour,
+and Al had to turn his attention to its preparation.
+
+When he went to his room he had not the slightest idea what sort of an
+advertisement he was going to write; he only knew that it must be
+something taking and brief.
+
+"Brevity is the soul of wit, anyhow," he reflected, "so I don't believe
+I shall make any mistake on that point. But what shall I say in the ad.?
+I wonder if I haven't bitten off a little more than I can chew?"
+
+In half an hour he had the advertisement ready, and a few minutes later
+he presented himself with it at the office of the _Bugle_.
+
+Here everything was in confusion, but he found the foreman of the
+composing room ready and waiting for him.
+
+"Have you got your copy all ready?" asked the man, nervously. "There is
+no time to spare."
+
+"Here it is," said Al, producing a slip of paper from his vest pocket.
+
+"I thought you were to have a full page?" said the foreman.
+
+"So I am, according to contract," smiled the boy.
+
+"But there are only half a dozen lines here."
+
+"That's all."
+
+"Oh, you want a display ad.?"
+
+"No--at least not the kind you mean. I want those few lines repeated
+over and over again until the entire space contracted for is filled."
+
+"You want it printed solid?" gasped the foreman.
+
+"That's it."
+
+"But I could give you a much more attractive ad. We can get up a
+full-page display ad. that would be simply out of sight."
+
+"I don't doubt it, but I want another kind."
+
+"All right," said the foreman, with a pitying sigh; "you pay your money
+and you take your choice."
+
+"That's the idea."
+
+The foreman carefully perused the advertisement. This is what he read:
+
+"See the New York Comedy Company, Augustus Wattles, Manager.
+
+"See this great company in 'Loved and Lost.'
+
+"See the real locomotive, under a full head of steam.
+
+"See the real steam yacht.
+
+"See all this.
+
+"But----
+
+"Please don't look at the queer old man in the third row of the
+orchestra."
+
+The foreman stared at Al as if he thought him an escaped lunatic.
+
+"That's a strange ad.," he said.
+
+"Is it?" laughed the boy.
+
+"I never saw anything like it before."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Well, do you want it to go in just as you have written it?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Without any attempt at display?"
+
+"Without the slightest attempt at display."
+
+"That goes, then. Good-night; I must get the men at work on this at
+once."
+
+"I've done all this on my own responsibility," reflected Al, as he left
+the place. "If it turns out a fizzle, Mr. Wattles won't have so much
+confidence in me in the future. Well, there's no use fretting now; the
+thing is done. If it doesn't work I shall know enough not to repeat the
+experiment."
+
+Still Al did fret a little after he got to his room. The apartment that
+had been assigned to him was a large, gloomy room on one of the upper
+floors of the building. It was about half filled with paintings not
+hung, but standing against the wall. These, the hotel clerk had
+explained, were the property of an impecunious artist who had formerly
+boarded in the house, and were being held until his bill was paid.
+
+"We left them right there," explained the clerk, "not thinking that we
+would need to put anyone in the room for some time. But on account of
+the rush to the circus the house is full, and we must put you there."
+
+It made very little difference to Al where he slept, and he said so. He
+was only going to spend one night in the house, and the room was
+comfortable, if it was rather gloomy.
+
+Entering it after his visit to the _Bugle_ office, he threw himself into
+a chair and fixed his eyes on a full-length picture of a man in modern
+dress. He did not even take the trouble to light the gas.
+
+The rays of the moon dimly illumined the room and lighted up the
+picture. The boy sat for nearly half an hour staring absently at the
+portrait, thinking nothing about it, but trying to plan his work for the
+next day or two.
+
+But soon he began to realize that he was very tired. He found himself
+yawning, and his eyelids drooped in spite of himself.
+
+"It's no use," he said to himself, "I'll have to leave business until
+to-morrow. I'll go to bed."
+
+But just as he rose from his chair--could he believe the evidence of his
+senses?--the figure of the man stepped from the canvas and approached
+him.
+
+It was no dream, for in an instant the boy was as wide awake as he had
+ever been.
+
+Apparently the picture had come to life!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+SAVED BY A SHADOW.
+
+
+In a few seconds Al perceived that the picture had not been endowed with
+life; the painted figure remained in its place; it was a being of flesh
+and blood that was approaching him.
+
+The intruder had been standing in front of the picture; the dim light
+and Al's preoccupation had conspired to render the boy unconscious of
+his presence.
+
+"Who are you?" our hero exclaimed, as the man approached him.
+
+The next moment he recognized the fellow, and added in a startled voice:
+
+"Farley!"
+
+"Yes," said the ex-advance agent, "it's Farley, the man you knocked out.
+You're a little surprised to see me, aren't you?"
+
+"What do you want?" demanded the boy.
+
+"I'll show you what I want."
+
+And he darted between Al and the door.
+
+"Get out of my way!" the lad exclaimed, attempting to push him aside.
+
+But Farley seized him by the throat and forced him to the floor.
+
+"You won't escape me this time," he hissed.
+
+Al struggled to release himself, but the grasp of the drink-maddened
+brute was not to be shaken off.
+
+"No, you don't!" he said, in a fierce whisper. "I warned you that you
+had not heard the last of me."
+
+Al tried to cry for help, but could only make an inarticulate sound.
+
+Farley dragged him in the direction of the window, saying:
+
+"You got away from me last night, but you won't this time."
+
+"So," Al managed to gasp, "you were the masked man who accused me of
+being a horse thief?"
+
+"I was the man. You nearly turned the tables on me that time, but you
+won't have the same luck twice in succession."
+
+As he spoke Farley relaxed his grasp on the boy's throat.
+
+"Youngster," he went on, "if it hadn't been for you I shouldn't have
+lost my job with Gus Wattles. Its loss, under the circumstances, means
+ruin for me. I can't catch up again, unless----"
+
+"Is that my fault?" interrupted Al, seeing that the man was crazed with
+drink, and that the wisest policy was to attempt to conciliate him. "I
+didn't take the position until Mr. Wattles had decided to discharge
+you."
+
+"It's a lie!"
+
+"It's the truth."
+
+"If you had not been available he would have taken me back."
+
+"I don't know anything about that. Of course, I had no feeling against
+you in the matter. I wanted the place, but I could not have obtained it
+if your work had been satisfactory."
+
+"You used some underhanded method to oust me."
+
+"I did not."
+
+"You did. If you had not, how could you have gotten the place? There are
+dozens--hundreds--of experienced men, who would have been glad to take
+the position at half my salary. No, you did it for private reasons of
+your own. You were hired to do it to separate me from her."
+
+"From whom?"
+
+"You know well enough who I mean."
+
+"I have not the slightest idea," replied Al.
+
+By this time Farley had permitted him to rise to his feet, but still
+kept between him and the door.
+
+"I mean Gladys--as you know," said the drink-maddened man; "Gladys, for
+whom I would give my very life."
+
+"Miss March?"
+
+It was with genuine surprise that Al asked this question.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You think that I am in a conspiracy to separate you from her?"
+
+"I know it."
+
+"You are entirely mistaken. I know nothing at all about Miss March's
+affairs; in fact, I have never even spoken to her."
+
+"It is a lie. But come, I have no more time to waste. This job must be
+done."
+
+He again seized the boy by the throat, and dragged him toward the
+window. Al was by no means a weakling, but he was absolutely powerless
+in the grasp of his frenzied assailant.
+
+With one hand Farley held his intended victim, while with the other he
+threw up the window sash.
+
+"No one in the street below," he hissed, "is looking, and if they were
+they could not see us. When your body is found, your death will be
+considered an accident."
+
+Al now lay on his back upon the sill; half his body was out of the
+window. Apparently the villain's object was almost accomplished, and in
+a few seconds the boy's mutilated body would be lying upon the pavement
+below.
+
+"I never knew before," said Farley, "how sweet revenge was."
+
+"You won't know just yet," said Al, "if I can help it."
+
+As he spoke, realizing his extreme peril, he made one last, desperate
+effort, exerting all his strength, and succeeded in regaining his
+footing.
+
+The struggle was renewed, but it seemed certain that it must result in
+the boy's defeat.
+
+Suddenly, however, Farley released his hold on Al and rushed to the
+opposite side of the room, crying:
+
+"Interfere, will you?"
+
+At first our hero could not understand this action, but in a moment he
+comprehended it.
+
+The villain had actually been frightened by his own shadow, which was
+strongly outlined on the wall opposite. It might have been mistaken even
+by a sober man for an intruder; and in his excited condition Farley was
+certain that some one had come to the rescue of his intended victim.
+
+Of course, he quickly discovered his mistake, but Al had now time to
+rush to the door, fling it open, and make his escape from the room.
+
+Outside the door stood one of the hotel clerks, who had evidently just
+arrived upon the scene, and who demanded:
+
+"What's going on in there?"
+
+Before Al could reply Farley rushed out of the room and started for the
+staircase. In a moment he had disappeared.
+
+Al started to follow him, but the clerk seized him by the collar,
+shouting:
+
+"You won't get away quite as easily as all that, my fine fellow! Now,
+what's your little game?"
+
+"Don't keep me standing here," cried the boy, trying to shake off the
+man's detaining grasp.
+
+"That's all right," was the response of the zealous employee, who was
+under the impression that he had captured a hotel thief. "You just keep
+quiet. I've got you all right, and your pal won't get out of the house
+as easily as he thinks."
+
+By the time Al had explained the situation so that the clerk understood
+it, Farley had had ample time to make his escape.
+
+The man was somewhat crestfallen when he realized that he had made a
+mistake.
+
+"No matter," he said, "the ruffian can't have gotten out. They'd be sure
+to detain him downstairs."
+
+But, as they learned when they reached the office, Farley had eluded
+them. He had walked leisurely out, lighting a cigar, apparently in a
+perfectly easy, unconcerned frame of mind.
+
+Having notified the police of what had occurred, Al returned to his
+room, and in a few minutes had retired for the night, having first
+assured himself that there were no other unbidden guests in the
+apartment.
+
+The next morning he found a note awaiting him in the office. It read as
+follows:
+
+      "You are a lucky youth, but your luck won't last
+      forever. You don't lead a charmed life. I am on my
+      mettle now, and I am going to settle you if I swing
+      for it."
+
+There was no signature, but of course Al knew well enough who the writer
+of the precious communication was.
+
+He did not feel particularly worried; in fact, he had no time to worry
+just then, for, as he put the note in his pocket, the morning papers
+were placed in his hand by the clerk, with the remark:
+
+"Well, young man, you are a corker and no mistake."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A LESSON IN JOURNALISM.
+
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" he asked.
+
+"Read that interview with you in the _Banner_, and you'll find out. If
+you've been through half the startling adventures that the reporter says
+you have it is a wonder you are alive now."
+
+Our hero opened the paper with a feeling of apprehension which proved to
+be well grounded.
+
+Undoubtedly the interview would prove a good advertisement for the show,
+but it embarrassed Al greatly; he would gladly have given a hundred
+dollars to have been able to withdraw it. But it was too late for that
+now; already it had, doubtless, been read by half Rockton.
+
+The reporter had not kept faith with him.
+
+"If I say anything about your sister," he had told him, "it will only be
+a passing reference, couched in the most delicate terms."
+
+But instead of that he had headed the article:
+
+      A BOY WONDER!
+
+      AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER! A LONG-LOST SISTER!
+
+And there were other headlines that startled and dismayed Al.
+
+According to them he had been a lion hunter, a champion football and
+baseball player, an exceptional sprinter, and the greatest boxer of his
+age that the world had ever known.
+
+"You must have made yourself mighty solid with the _Banner_ man to get
+an ad. like that," remarked the clerk. "It's simply great."
+
+"I wish I hadn't succeeded in making myself quite so solid," groaned Al.
+
+The clerk stared at him, asking in surprise:
+
+"Don't you like the notice?"
+
+"Hardly."
+
+"What's the matter with it?"
+
+"I'm not here to advertise myself but the New York Comedy Company."
+
+"You're the first advance agent I ever saw who wasn't trying to
+advertise himself at the expense, if necessary, of his show."
+
+"That isn't my way of doing business."
+
+"Well, this article will boom the show, and don't you forget it. But if
+you don't like the headlines what will you think of the interview?"
+
+Al sank into a chair and began a hasty perusal of the article.
+
+He was dismayed at the reporter's audacity; the information he had given
+the man had been so altered and distorted that he could only dimly
+recognize himself in the hero of the newspaper man's weird fancy.
+
+The interview was in the highest degree complimentary--at least from
+its writer's standpoint; it was evident that the reporter had written it
+in a friendly spirit, and with the intention of giving its subject a
+good "send off."
+
+The portion that referred to his sister annoyed Al the most. It was near
+the end of the two-column article, and read as follows:
+
+      "But the life of the hero of this strange, though
+      strictly authentic, tale has not been entirely one of
+      adventurous pleasure. Deep in his heart he carries a
+      sorrow about which he was extremely reticent to speak
+      to the _Banner_ reporter. In referring to it this lad,
+      who has faced dangers from which many a stalwart man
+      would shrink appalled, wept like a child. Years ago he
+      lost an idolized sister. She was taken from the home
+      of which she was the pride, not by the hand of death,
+      but by that of a kidnaper. The story is a most
+      romantic one. The little child was playing one morning
+      on the sloping lawn in front of her father's palatial
+      country seat in Tarrytown, adjoining that of the late
+      Jay Gould. Her nurse was called away for a few
+      moments. During the woman's absence the child
+      disappeared. What became of it? Alas! to this day no
+      one save the ruthless destroyer of the happiness of
+      this once peaceful home knows. It was rumored that a
+      rejected suitor of the little girl's mother was the
+      villain, but nothing was ever proven against him. The
+      father of the child died of a broken heart, and his
+      wife would, without doubt, have soon followed him to
+      the grave had it not been for her boy--the subject of
+      this necessarily incomplete article. For his sake she
+      resolved to live. When he was but four years of age
+      she made him promise her that he would devote his life
+      to solving the mystery of his sister's fate."
+
+Al looked up from the paper, his face white with anger.
+
+"The villain!" he exclaimed.
+
+The clerk looked up in surprise.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"Have you read this thing?" Al demanded.
+
+"Why, yes."
+
+"The part that speaks of my long-lost sister?"
+
+"All of it. Of course, it's a fake, but nine people in ten will swallow
+it whole."
+
+"I don't want anyone to believe it."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"Of course I don't."
+
+"Then why did you grant him the interview?"
+
+"Because he insisted, and because he promised me that everything should
+be printed just as I gave it to him."
+
+The clerk laughed.
+
+"It's evident," he said, "that you have not enjoyed a very extensive
+acquaintance with reporters."
+
+"I've known several, but none like this fellow."
+
+"He's considered one of the smartest men in his line in the State."
+
+"Well, I'd like to interview him just now."
+
+"What would you say?"
+
+"I'd at least give him my opinion of his methods."
+
+"You wouldn't have a chance."
+
+"Why wouldn't I?"
+
+"You have met him once, and you ought to know. Why, he wouldn't give you
+an opportunity to get in a word edgewise. Anyhow, I don't see what you
+are kicking about; you've got the best ad. of the season free of cost.
+Hello! here comes your reporter now. If you want to go for him you have
+your chance."
+
+While the clerk was speaking the little reporter of the _Banner_ who had
+interviewed Al only a few hours before entered.
+
+The boy strode toward him.
+
+"You're just the man I want to see," he began.
+
+The scribe pretended not to notice the look of anger in his face.
+Seizing his hand and holding it tightly, he said:
+
+"And you're just the person I want to see. There are one or two little
+mistakes in that interview of ours, and I was looking for you to find
+out whether the fault lies with you or me. But the article shows up
+well, doesn't it?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Don't say another word."
+
+"But----"
+
+"I know exactly what you are going to say, but it will be all right next
+time. It was the fault of the compositor that your name was spelled
+wrong."
+
+"I wasn't----"
+
+"I was going to ask you whether it was three men or only two that you
+knocked out at that scrap referred to in the second column; I'm afraid I
+got that wrong. But never mind, I gave you the benefit of the doubt,
+anyhow. He! he! he!"
+
+"No such incident ever occurred, and I----"
+
+"Tut! tut!" interrupted the reporter, with a shocked look. "What made
+you tell me the yarn, then?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Never mind, we'll have to let it go now; and, after all, it doesn't
+make much difference. But you ought to be more particular in talking to
+reporters in the future, my dear young friend."
+
+"If I----"
+
+"Oh, that's all right---- No thanks. Hello! there goes a man I've got to
+see right now. S'long!"
+
+And the scribe rushed out, leaving Al staring helplessly after him.
+
+"Isn't he a dandy?" said the hotel clerk, admiringly. "You'll never
+catch him. The traditional Frenchman's flea was a graven image compared
+with that fellow. In your line of business you can profit by the lesson
+he has just given you. He is an artist in 'bluffing.'"
+
+Before Al could reply Mr. Wattles entered the office and approached him
+with outstretched hand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+"I WANT YOU."
+
+
+"I thought I should find you here," the manager said. "I want to offer
+you my congratulations before I say another word."
+
+"Your congratulations upon what, Mr. Wattles?" asked Al.
+
+"Why, upon the way you have worked things here, of course. I heard about
+it before I left Boomville this morning. That interview is out of
+sight."
+
+"I wish it was," groaned Al.
+
+"Eh?"
+
+The boy expressed his opinion of the interview in very emphatic terms.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished, "you're 'way off in your
+ideas on that point. Why, the interview is great. I supposed you had
+taken the reporter out and got him full."
+
+"The interview didn't cost me a cent."
+
+"That's so much the better. I'm mighty glad it appeared, and you ought
+to be, too. It'll help biz; and how do you know but that through it you
+may find your sister?"
+
+"That's not possible," said Al. "Why, the facts are all distorted. My
+father never had any palatial country seat in Tarrytown; there was
+never any talk of a rejected suitor of my mother's; there----"
+
+"Never mind," interrupted Mr. Wattles; "it's a good ad., anyway, and we
+got it for nothing. You mustn't be so thin-skinned, my boy. You see
+here"--in a changed tone--"that ad. of yours in the _Bugle_ must have
+cost a young fortune. You ought to have consulted me by wire before you
+did that. The idea is a good one, and everyone is talking about it, but
+it will not be worth to us what it cost."
+
+"How much do you suppose I paid for it, sir?"
+
+"Oh, I don't know; three hundred at least, probably more."
+
+"It cost just fifty dollars; and if it is not worth that to you, I'll
+pay it out of my own pocket."
+
+"Fif---- Is that straight?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"How did you do it?"
+
+Al explained.
+
+"Well, that was a mighty good transaction, and you deserve credit for
+it, as well as for writing the ad. The new paper was selling like hot
+cakes on the train this morning, and everyone was reading that ad. Al,
+my boy, you're a genius!"
+
+"Not quite that, I guess," laughed the boy.
+
+"You are, I tell you. But who is the queer old man in the third row of
+the orchestra?"
+
+"A myth, a creation of my imagination."
+
+"I supposed so, though I did not know but you had hired some one to play
+the part."
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, there'll be lots of people out to see the old man. How did you
+happen to strike the idea?"
+
+"I don't know. I had to get the copy ready in a hurry, and I wanted
+something new and taking."
+
+"Well, you got it. I believe that ad. and the interview are going to
+produce results."
+
+They did; though some of the results were quite different from those Mr.
+Wattles and his advance agent expected.
+
+While Al went into the restaurant for breakfast, his employer hurried to
+the theater to inquire about the advance sale.
+
+He returned an hour later, flushed and excited.
+
+"Well?" questioned the boy.
+
+"Well, we've caught 'em again. Half the house is already sold, and that
+means a crowd to-night. The local manager says you're a corker."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"He didn't think so yesterday."
+
+"He does now. He's going to try to get you to stay here under his
+employ."
+
+"I shall not do it."
+
+"I told him you wouldn't, but he's going to make you an offer, anyhow.
+Oh, by the way!"
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"I nearly forgot that Miss Gladys March, who, with the rest of the
+company, came with me this morning, is very anxious to have a talk with
+you."
+
+"With me? Aren't you mistaken, Mr. Wattles?"
+
+"No; she asked me to tell you as soon as I saw you, but I did not think
+of it."
+
+"What can she want of me?"
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"I don't know her; I never spoke to her in my life."
+
+"So I thought. Well, the best way to find out what she wants is to go
+and ask her. You'll find her upstairs in her room."
+
+"I'll go at once."
+
+A few minutes later Al presented himself at the door of Miss March's
+room and knocked rather timidly.
+
+"Come in," said a sweet voice, which the boy recognized as that of the
+young actress.
+
+He entered the room.
+
+Miss March, who was seated by the window, rose to meet him.
+
+"I supposed that it was one of the servants," she said, with a sweet
+smile, "or I should have welcomed you at the door. Please be seated."
+
+The young girl's perfect self-possession embarrassed Al a little. He
+stammered out something about its being of no consequence, and seated
+himself on the extreme edge of the sofa.
+
+Certainly Miss March was a very beautiful girl; unlike many actresses,
+she looked prettier off the stage than on it.
+
+"I suppose," she began, "that you wonder why I have requested the favor
+of this interview."
+
+"I am a little curious to know," Al admitted.
+
+"When I have told you, I suppose you will think me a very foolish girl;
+probably I am. But I cannot leave a stone unturned."
+
+She paused, evidently agitated. What new mystery was this? Al asked
+himself.
+
+"I have read the interview with you in this morning's Rockton _Banner_,"
+went on the young lady.
+
+"I'm sorry to hear that," said the boy, bluntly.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because there are scarcely ten words of truth in it."
+
+A genuine look of disappointment appeared upon Miss March's face.
+
+"I am very sorry to hear you say that," she said.
+
+Al stared at her in surprise.
+
+"You surely did not believe all that stuff, Miss March?"
+
+"Not all of it, of course," replied the girl, with a faint smile; "but
+there was one part that I thought might be true."
+
+"What part?"
+
+"About your sister, who was stolen in infancy."
+
+"It is true," said Al, "that my sister was stolen."
+
+"Ah!" interrupted the young lady, with an appearance of agitation that
+the boy could not understand.
+
+"But the facts were so twisted and distorted that the story is very
+different from the truth."
+
+"What is the truth?"
+
+Al hesitated.
+
+"Believe me," said Miss March, "I do not ask from mere idle curiosity. I
+have a most important reason for putting the question. Will you not tell
+me the story?"
+
+Her agitation communicated itself to her companion; the boy's voice
+trembled slightly as he replied:
+
+"Certainly, Miss March; for I feel that you have some strong motive for
+desiring to hear it."
+
+"Believe me, I have. Go on, I beg of you."
+
+Al was about to speak when the door was thrown open and a rough-looking
+man strode into the room.
+
+"I thought I should find you here," he said, addressing our hero.
+
+"Who are you, and what do you want?" demanded the boy.
+
+"I'm a deputy sheriff, and I want you. I have a warrant for your
+arrest."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+MR. MARMADUKE MERRY.
+
+
+"A warrant for my arrest?" gasped Al, half believing that the sudden
+appearance of the stranger was only a joke.
+
+"That's what I said. Now, young fellow, don't you try to resist me, for
+it won't work."
+
+"I'm not going to resist you if you really have a warrant," said Al.
+
+"Well, I have, and here it is."
+
+And the stranger produced a document from his pocket.
+
+"What am I accused of?" asked the boy.
+
+The deputy, who evidently felt the importance of his position, produced
+a copy of the first number of the Rockton _Bugle_ from his pocket.
+
+Slowly unfolding it, he turned to Al's full-page advertisement, and
+said:
+
+"You writ that, didn't you?"
+
+"I did," admitted our hero, promptly.
+
+"Well, that settles it. Come along."
+
+"But hold on," laughed Al. "It isn't a crime in these parts to advertise
+a theatrical performance, is it?"
+
+"Yes," replied the deputy, without hesitation, "it is--the way you
+advertise."
+
+"What is the matter with my advertisement?" asked the astonished boy.
+
+"You don't know, eh?"
+
+"I certainly do not."
+
+"Well, of course my business here is only to serve the warrant, but I'll
+read the advertisement over to you."
+
+"Go ahead," said Al, thinking that there might be a misprint in the
+page.
+
+The deputy sheriff read:
+
+      "See the New York Comedy Company, Augustus Wattles,
+      Manager.
+
+      "See this great company in 'Loved and Lost.'
+
+      "See the real locomotive, under a full head of steam.
+
+      "See the real steam yacht.
+
+      "See all this.
+
+      "But--
+
+      "Please don't look at the queer old man in the third
+      row of the orchestra."
+
+The deputy laid the paper down and glared at his prisoner with a
+triumphant air.
+
+"Well?" said Al, greatly puzzled.
+
+"Didn't you write that and cause it to be inserted in the _Bugle_?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"That settles it, then."
+
+"It may settle it for you, but it doesn't for me," said the boy. "What
+is the matter with the ad.?"
+
+"You know well enough what the matter is with it."
+
+"I do not. Is it a crime in this town to try to boom a show by any
+legitimate means?"
+
+"No; but it is a crime to try to boom it the way you have; it is a
+crime here and everywhere else, as you will find out if you try the same
+game again in another town."
+
+Here Miss March, who had listened in silence until this moment,
+interposed.
+
+"What is the matter, sir?" she cried. "I read the advertisement, and I
+am sure there was nothing in it that could offend anyone."
+
+The deputy, who until now had forgotten or neglected to doff his hat,
+did so.
+
+"As far as you see, miss," he said, "the ad. is all right."
+
+"Well, what is there--what can there be--that I do not see?" the young
+lady cried.
+
+"You are not acquainted in this town, are you, young lady?" the deputy
+asked.
+
+"I am not."
+
+"That accounts for it, then. But this young fellow is acquainted here,
+and he knew just what he was doing when he wrote that advertisement."
+
+"Yes, I think I did," interposed Al, "But will you please tell me right
+now why you are here?"
+
+"I am here in my capacity of deputy sheriff of this county," replied the
+official, with dignity, "and also as a personal friend of Mr. Marmaduke
+Merry."
+
+"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" exclaimed Al.
+
+"Yes. No wonder you start and turn pale at the mere mention of that
+name."
+
+"But I did not start or turn pale. Who is Mr. Marmaduke Merry?"
+
+"You pretend not to know?"
+
+"I pretend nothing at all; I do not know. I never heard the name of
+Marmaduke Merry before in my life."
+
+"This subterfuge will avail you nothing," said the deputy, who was
+becoming theatrical. "We know all."
+
+"All what?"
+
+Al could not help laughing, and this evidently angered the overzealous
+deputy.
+
+"I am not here to bandy words with you, young man," he said; "I have
+already spent too much time in talk."
+
+"That's what I think," smiled Al.
+
+"I'm glad we agree upon that point. Come along."
+
+"I am ready."
+
+"One moment," interposed Miss March. "Won't you please tell me, sir, of
+what crime Mr. Allston is accused?"
+
+"I will," the deputy replied, with a look that was very evidently
+intended to be languishing. "I can refuse you nothing, miss. He is
+accused of holding one of Rockton's most respected citizens up to public
+ridicule; and Mr. Marmaduke Merry is the man."
+
+"But," interrupted Al, more bewildered than ever, "haven't I told you
+that I never heard of this man, Merry, before?"
+
+"You have told me so--yes."
+
+"Well, I told the truth."
+
+"You will have to convince the court of that."
+
+"But what has my ad. to do with Mr. Merry? His name is not mentioned in
+it."
+
+"Ah, that is where your cunning comes in. But doesn't everyone in
+Rockton know that for years and years Mr. Merry has always occupied a
+seat in the third row of the orchestra at the first performance of a new
+play?"
+
+At last Al grasped the situation.
+
+"Oh!" he exclaimed, "that's what you mean?"
+
+"That is what I mean."
+
+"And you think I meant Mr. Merry when I referred to the 'queer old
+man'?"
+
+"Of course I do, and so does Mr. Merry."
+
+"Both of you are very much mistaken."
+
+"For your own sake, I hope you will be able to prove that statement."
+
+"Why, I never heard of Mr. Merry until you mentioned his name."
+
+"You have said so several times since I have been here, but I do not
+believe you. However, I am not your judge. But if you did not mean Mr.
+Merry, whom did you mean?"
+
+"Nobody at all; the old man was only a creation of my imagination."
+
+The deputy coughed, and had the audacity to wink knowingly at Miss
+March.
+
+"This is a great tale," he said, "and will be believed, I don't think.
+You have got yourself and the local management into a scrape, my lad.
+But what could be expected?"
+
+At this moment there was a tap upon the door. "Come in," the actress
+cried.
+
+A servant entered.
+
+"A card for you, Miss March."
+
+The young lady took the bit of pasteboard and glanced at it; then she
+exclaimed:
+
+"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!"
+
+"Mr. Marmaduke Merry!" echoed the deputy.
+
+"Show him up, please," the actress said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A STARTLING ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
+
+
+"He is here!"
+
+With this theatrical exclamation, a man pushed his way past the servant
+and entered the room.
+
+"I am Mr. Marmaduke Merry," he announced.
+
+Both Al and Miss March gazed with considerable curiosity and interest at
+the visitor.
+
+He was at least seventy years of age, but was dressed in the most
+youthful fashion, and wore a light blond wig. Much below the medium
+height, shrunken, shriveled and weazened, he presented a decidedly
+ludicrous appearance as he stood, a huge bouquet in hand, bowing and
+smiling at the young actress.
+
+Miss March could not help smiling herself; this evidently encouraged the
+old gentleman.
+
+"You pardon the liberty I have taken, then?" he said. "I was sure you
+would."
+
+"What is your business with me, sir?" the girl asked, composing her
+features.
+
+"It is to offer a tribute to your art and beauty," replied Mr. Merry,
+with a smirk. "But"--for the first time seeing the deputy and Al--"who
+are these persons?"
+
+"Don't you know me, Mr. Merry?" asked the official.
+
+"Why, bless my soul!" ejaculated the old man, adjusting his glasses,
+"it's Bullfinch!"
+
+"Yes, sir; it's me."
+
+"What are you doing here in Miss March's apartment?"
+
+"Attending to business, sir."
+
+"What business?"
+
+And the old man glared suspiciously at the cringing deputy.
+
+"Your business, Mr. Merry."
+
+"I didn't send you here."
+
+"You sent me to find the writer of that infamous advertisement in the
+_Bugle_, didn't you, sir?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, I have found him."
+
+"Where is he? Who is he?"
+
+"There he stands."
+
+And Mr. Bullfinch pointed triumphantly at Al.
+
+"That boy?" gasped the old man.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You must be mistaken."
+
+"I am not. I went to the office of the _Bugle_ and asked who wrote the
+advertisement. They told me it was the advance agent of the company, a
+young man named Allston. I tracked him to this place, and was about to
+drag him forth when you arrived."
+
+"You talk like a fool, Bullfinch," snapped Mr. Merry.
+
+"Sir, I----"
+
+"That will do. If this is the person who is responsible for that
+advertisement take him away."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+And the deputy laid his hand on Al's shoulder.
+
+But Miss March interposed.
+
+"Wait a moment, Mr. Merry."
+
+"Certainly, my dear young lady. What is it?"
+
+"This gentleman, Mr. Allen Allston, never saw or heard of you before he
+came to Rockton. It was not in a spirit of malice that he wrote that
+advertisement. Don't you see, Mr. Merry, that by having him arrested you
+will only subject yourself to ridicule? You acknowledge yourself to be a
+'queer old man.' Why should you do that?"
+
+The old gentleman coughed.
+
+"Ahem! That aspect of the case had not occurred to me," he said. "You
+assure me, Miss March, that the young man did not intend to hold me up
+to ridicule?"
+
+"I am absolutely certain," interrupted the deputy, "that he did."
+
+"Shut up, Bullfinch!"
+
+"Mr. Merry," interrupted Al, "I give you my word of honor that I should
+not have inserted that advertisement if I had for one moment supposed it
+would injure the feelings of anyone. It was only a joke on the public."
+
+"A joke at my expense, young man!"
+
+"I have given you my word of honor, sir, that I did not intend to hurt
+you or anyone else by that ad."
+
+"Your word of honor!" sneered Mr. Merry. "What is your word of honor
+good for? Who are you?"
+
+Al colored.
+
+"You have heard my name from Miss March. I am Allen Allston."
+
+The old man started.
+
+"I did not catch the name before," he said. "Surely you are not Allen
+Allston from Boomville?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"The noble young fellow who saved the life of my grandchild?"
+
+"Is Mayor Anderson's little girl your granddaughter, sir?" asked Al, a
+little embarrassed.
+
+"Of course she is. My boy, I beg your pardon."
+
+And the old man grasped Al's hand and shook it warmly, adding:
+
+"The youth who performed such a heroic act could not be guilty of such a
+crime as that of which you are accused. Bullfinch"--turning fiercely
+upon the deputy--"you are a fool!"
+
+"Sir----"
+
+"What put it into your head that he could have had any malicious intent
+in writing that advertisement?"
+
+"I only acted upon your instructions, sir," responded the deputy, very
+humbly.
+
+"Nonsense! I thought you had a little common sense. Leave the room, sir.
+Your presence is an insult to me and to my friends."
+
+"But the arrest, sir----"
+
+"There will be no arrest to-day; I withdraw the complaint."
+
+"But the warrant----"
+
+"Tear it up--do anything you like with it, only don't worry me any
+further with your nonsensical remarks. Go, sir!"
+
+The deputy slunk out of the room.
+
+Mr. Merry turned to the actress.
+
+"I am extremely pained," he began, "that such a scene should have
+occurred in your room. I am----"
+
+"Will you please state your business, sir?" interrupted Miss March.
+
+The old gentleman was a little disconcerted at first, but he quickly
+recovered himself and said:
+
+"I come, as I remarked before, to pay a tribute to genius and beauty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+Al had not supposed the girl capable of assuming such a frigid air as
+that with which she now confronted her aged admirer.
+
+"Will you accept these flowers?" stammered the old man. "They are a
+tribute to----"
+
+"Thanks," interrupted the actress. "You may leave them on the table."
+
+"You are very kind. And now----"
+
+"And now you must excuse me; I have business of importance with Mr.
+Allston."
+
+"Oh, certainly! May I call again?"
+
+"I am too much occupied to receive callers. Good-morning."
+
+And with perfect self-possession the young girl opened the door.
+
+Mumbling a few inaudible words, the aged admirer of the drama left the
+room.
+
+"I am sorry to say," remarked Miss March, "that I have seen men like
+him before. He means no harm, but I cannot endure such silliness. But
+never mind about him; let us talk about ourselves. Sit down, please, and
+I will try to commence where I left off. When we were interrupted I had
+asked you to tell me the story of your sister's disappearance----"
+
+"And I was about to do so."
+
+"Exactly. Go on."
+
+Al hesitated.
+
+"Why do you want to hear the story, Miss March?" he asked.
+
+"Because--because----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Because I believe that I may be your sister!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE LOCKET.
+
+
+Al started. Could Miss March seriously mean what she said?
+
+"You surely do not think," the girl said, earnestly, "that I would jest
+on a subject so sacred?"
+
+"No, no," Al assured her, "but what ground have you for thinking that we
+may be related?"
+
+"No logical ground, perhaps," the actress replied; "but from the moment
+I first saw you--and I have seen you when you were not aware of my
+presence--I was strangely attracted to you. You may laugh at this, you
+may think it only the foolish fancy of a foolish girl, but it is true."
+
+"And I, too," said Al, thoughtfully, "have had the same feeling toward
+you. I remember I could think of nothing but your face all the way home
+on the night of your first performance in Boomville. Can it really be
+that you are my sister, restored to me in this strange way? If she is
+alive she must be about your age."
+
+"Tell me all you know about her," entreated the girl; "the circumstances
+under which she was lost--all. But no"--with sudden change of manner--"I
+will tell you my story first, if you will listen to it."
+
+"Go on, please, Miss March."
+
+"My first recollections are of a miserable home on the upper floor of a
+tenement house in New York. I lived with a hard-featured woman who
+called herself my aunt. Her name was Ann Thompson. Did you ever hear of
+her?"
+
+And Miss March gazed anxiously into the boy's face.
+
+Al shook his head.
+
+"Never!"
+
+"Aunt Ann, as I used to call her," went on the actress, "was always more
+or less under the influence of liquor. Gin was her favorite drink. She
+would work until she had money enough for a debauch, and then--but I
+cannot bear to recall my unhappy childhood."
+
+Miss March paused and turned away her face; her trembling voice showed
+the emotion she felt.
+
+"I can imagine it all," said Al, sympathetically. "Go on, please, and
+spare yourself unnecessary pain."
+
+"How kind you are!" the young girl said, gratefully. "I will, then, omit
+many details which I am sure would be as painful for you to hear as for
+me to relate. When under the influence of alcohol Aunt Ann was sometimes
+very cruel to me. She would beat and otherwise ill-treat me; and to-day
+I bear scars inflicted by her. But I bore all as patiently as I could,
+and for what reason, do you suppose?"
+
+"I should think you would have left her," said Al, as the actress
+paused.
+
+"I should have done so but for one thing."
+
+"And that was?"
+
+"Sometimes while intoxicated she would hint to me that in reality we
+were not flesh and blood, that I was in no way akin to her, that there
+was a secret in my life that she could reveal if she would, a secret the
+publication of which would be greatly to my advantage. But she never
+became so intoxicated that she told me the whole truth; I could only
+guess it. Sometimes during her sober intervals I would tax her with what
+she had said; but she would always reply by telling me that I must pay
+no attention to anything she said when she was drunk--that she was at
+such times out of her mind, and did not know what she was saying. Once,
+when I persisted, she became greatly enraged, and gave me such a beating
+that I was taken to a hospital and she was arrested and sentenced to a
+term of imprisonment."
+
+At this point in her story Miss March burst into tears.
+
+"Postpone telling the rest of it until another time," said Al, to whom
+the recital was almost as painful as to the girl.
+
+"No," said the actress, "I must go on. I was discharged from the
+hospital on the day on which Aunt Ann was released from jail, and the
+old life was renewed."
+
+"You went back to live with the woman?" cried Al.
+
+"Yes. I had no other home. Besides, I still hoped that I might be able
+to learn from her the secret of my birth--for that there was a secret I
+was now more firmly convinced than ever. At the time of which I have
+just been telling you, I was about twelve years of age. Three years
+later Aunt Ann, while under the influence of liquor, met with an
+accident which terminated her miserable life in two days. When she was
+told that she was really dying, she sent for a priest and confessed to
+him. When the clergyman was gone she summoned me to her bedside, and
+told me that at the suggestion of the good father she was about to tell
+me at last the secret that I had been striving so long to learn."
+
+"And she said----" demanded the boy, breathlessly.
+
+"She began by telling me that she was not my aunt, that we were in no
+way related. Years before she had been my nurse. My poor mother had in
+some trivial way offended her, and under the influence of her
+anger--and, I suppose, of alcohol--she determined to revenge herself by
+kidnaping me. She carried this resolution into effect, and her guilt was
+never proven, although it was suspected. 'My name is not Ann Thompson,'
+she said to me, 'but you shall know now what it really is, and who your
+parents are. Your father is dead, but your mother still lives. For years
+she has mourned you unceasingly.' The woman then bade me unlock and open
+a certain drawer in her bureau. I did so, and took from it at her
+direction a small package. 'That bundle,' she said, 'contains proof of
+your identity. Take it to your mother and show her what is in it. Tell
+her what I have said, give her my real name, and she will acknowledge
+you as her 'daughter.' 'What is your name?' I cried, breathlessly--'what
+is mine?' The woman opened her lips to reply, but not a sound escaped
+them. The next moment she fell back upon her pillow. I bent over her,
+crying in an agony of suspense: 'Speak, speak!' But she could not, she
+was dead!"
+
+"What did the package contain?" asked Al.
+
+"Only a few articles of infant's clothing and two pieces of jewelry.
+Some time they may be of assistance to me in finding my parents, but
+thus far they have proved of no value as a clew. Well, after Aunt Ann's
+death I was adopted by a family in moderate circumstances. They had no
+interest in my personal affairs, all they wanted of me was my services
+as housemaid, and I served in that capacity for two years. Then came an
+opportunity to adopt a stage career, and I eagerly seized it, against
+the advice of all who were in any way interested. I must say that, so
+far, I have had no reason to regret my decision in the matter. I find
+that the stories of the temptations of stage life that I had heard were
+gross exaggerations, and that a woman can be as good and pure on the
+stage as off it. And now, my friend, you have heard my story; can you
+help me find my mother? Do you think it possible that I am the sister
+for whom you have been searching?"
+
+Al's voice trembled with emotion as he replied:
+
+"That question can very soon be decided. Have you the package of
+infant's clothing that you spoke of?"
+
+"Yes; I always have it with me wherever I go."
+
+"May I see it?"
+
+"I am very anxious to show it to you."
+
+And the actress rose and opened her trunk, from which she took a small
+parcel.
+
+Her face was very pale, her hands trembled as she unfastened the little
+package.
+
+"Look!" she said.
+
+Al took the garments, yellowed with time, in his hands.
+
+"I have heard my mother describe the clothing that my little sister wore
+when she disappeared," he said, "a thousand times. She would be able to
+tell you if these are the ones, but I cannot. But the jewelry--where is
+that?"
+
+"Here."
+
+And the girl handed him a box.
+
+The lad took from it a baby's ring and a chain, to which was attached a
+locket.
+
+"My sister wore a chain and locket like these when she was lost," he
+said, "In a moment I will tell you if this is the locket."
+
+"How can you?" the actress cried.
+
+"Because the locket contains my father's picture."
+
+"There is no picture in this," said Miss March, with a look of deep
+disappointment.
+
+"You do not know whether there is or not," said Al. "There is a secret
+spring and I can find it. Look!"
+
+As he spoke the locket flew open.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+BROTHER AND SISTER.
+
+
+As Miss March bent over the locket she uttered an exclamation of wonder
+and delight.
+
+The portrait revealed was that of a singularly handsome man in the prime
+of life. The calm, thoughtful eyes and the sensitive mouth were those of
+the young actress herself; the likeness was not only unmistakable, but
+remarkable.
+
+"Is it possible that this picture has been here all these years, and I
+have never known it?" the girl exclaimed.
+
+"You might never have discovered it," replied Al. "I should not have
+known but for the fact that I have a locket precisely like it, which
+opens in the same way."
+
+"Then there can be no doubt----"
+
+"That you are my sister."
+
+"Brother!"
+
+The next moment the singularly united couple were folded in each other's
+arms.
+
+It was a moment that in all their after lives neither of them ever
+forgot, a joy that no future sorrow had the power to efface from their
+memories.
+
+When the first transports of emotion were over, the young girl said,
+tremulously:
+
+"My mother--when shall I see her? Oh, I must go to her at once! I must,
+I must!"
+
+"Of course, Mr. Wattles will give you leave of absence as soon as we
+tell him what we have discovered."
+
+"I do not see how he can."
+
+"Why can't he?"
+
+"I have no understudy. No, I must remain; he has been very kind to me,
+and I could not ask a favor that I knew it would be so very difficult
+for him to grant."
+
+"That is right, sister. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll telegraph
+to mother to come on here at once. She will arrive before the evening
+performance."
+
+"Do so, brother---- Oh, how strange, yet how delightful, it is to utter
+that sacred name! But do not tell her the truth until she comes."
+
+"No, indeed. Why, I think the shock would almost kill her. We must break
+it to her gently."
+
+At this moment Mr. Wattles came bustling into the room.
+
+"The advance sale," he began, "is something unheard of in Rockton.
+Why---- But what's the matter? Nothing wrong, is there?"
+
+"No, indeed," Al replied. "Everything is all right."
+
+And he proceeded to acquaint the manager in a few words with what had
+happened.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, when he had finished, "you beat the deck,
+young man. I'm going to write a romance about you when the season is
+over. You're no sooner done with one startling adventure than you're
+right in the midst of another. Why, you're almost equal to one of
+Dumas' heroes! Well, I sincerely congratulate you both."
+
+After a hearty handshake the manager added:
+
+"And now I must be off to give this story to the papers."
+
+"No, no!" cried Miss March.
+
+"Not by any means," added Al.
+
+Mr. Wattles stared at them.
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked.
+
+"We mean," said Al, "that this is a private affair with which the papers
+have nothing to do."
+
+"But, my dear boy, think--only think--what a grand ad. it would make for
+the show!"
+
+"No matter; we don't want a word printed about it."
+
+"Of course not," said the actress. "I should think you would understand
+our feelings in the matter, Mr. Wattles."
+
+"Well, I don't," returned the manager, evidently chagrined. "I cannot,
+to save my life, see why you are willing to throw away such a chance for
+a stunning free ad. Nor"--addressing Al--"can I understand your
+scruples. By Jove! you are the queerest combination of impudence and
+modesty that I ever met. But have it your own way, my children; throw
+away the chance if you want to."
+
+As he was about to leave the room the old gentleman turned again,
+saying:
+
+"I almost forgot that I had a letter for you, Miss March. Here it is,
+and I think I know the handwriting."
+
+As the actress glanced at the superscription on the envelope she changed
+color.
+
+"It is from that wretch, Farley!" she exclaimed.
+
+"So I thought," said Mr. Wattles. "You had better look out for that man,
+my dear. He is, or thinks he is, desperately in love with you, and he
+may give you some trouble yet. If you don't mind, I should like to know
+the contents of that letter. Believe me, it is not from mere idle
+curiosity that I ask you to let me read it."
+
+"I know that, Mr. Wattles," said Miss March. "Ever since I have been in
+your company you have been like a father to me. You shall open the
+letter yourself if you will."
+
+She handed the epistle to the manager, who tore it open. As he glanced
+at its contents a frown appeared upon his usually cheerful countenance.
+
+"The scoundrel!" he muttered, crushing the letter in his hand; "if I
+ever meet him again I will thrash him within an inch of his life--I
+will, by Jove!"
+
+"What does he say?" the girl asked, anxiously.
+
+"It will do you no good to know the contents of this precious epistle,"
+replied Mr. Wattles. "You had better let me destroy it."
+
+But Miss March's feminine curiosity was now aroused, and she insisted
+upon knowing what was in the letter.
+
+"Well, if you will have it," said the manager, resignedly, "I'll read it
+to you. But if you don't sleep nights for the next week or two you
+mustn't blame me."
+
+"Go on, go on!"
+
+The old gentleman read as follows:
+
+      "GLADYS: This is to remind you that, although we are
+      separated, I am near you. Do you remember what I told
+      you the last time we met, that no power on earth could
+      make me give you up? I meant what I said, I mean it
+      still. I am not far away; you will see me sooner than
+      you think."
+
+"Is there no signature?" asked Miss March.
+
+"None, but there can be no doubt as to the identity of the writer."
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"I don't want to alarm you, my dear, but you ought to be very careful."
+
+"I shall be."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"I don't think there is much danger," he said. "That letter sounds like
+an extract from a sensational novel. A barking dog never bites, you
+know."
+
+"I don't know anything of the sort," returned Mr. Wattles. "Some barking
+dogs do bite; and this one, as you have reason to know yourself, has
+sharp teeth. Well, just let me lay my hands on him and I'll settle him
+in short order."
+
+"What will you do?" smiled Al.
+
+"First, as I said before, I'll give him a sound thrashing. Oh, you may
+laugh, but I can do it, if I am not a boy. And then I'll hand him over
+to the authorities. By Jove! I had no idea that the fellow was such a
+scoundrel when he was in my employ, or I wouldn't have kept him an
+hour. But now I really must be off. Do your best to-night, Miss March;
+you'll have one of the biggest houses of the season--thanks to the
+exertions of that sharp young brother of yours."
+
+And the manager rushed out of the room.
+
+"Brother!" the girl said, softly. "How sweet the name sounds. To think
+that I have a brother! And a mother!"
+
+"Don't cry--please don't!" entreated Al, with a boy's horror of feminine
+tears.
+
+"They are tears of joy, brother. And now you must go and send the
+telegram."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+AN AWFUL CATASTROPHE.
+
+
+A telegram, carefully worded so that Mrs. Allston's maternal alarms
+might not be aroused, was sent. In it Al requested her to come to
+Rockton by a certain train, and promised to be at the depot to meet her.
+
+A reply came within an hour:
+
+"Yours received. Shall be there. Hope nothing has happened."
+
+"I should say something had happened," laughed Al, when he and his
+new-found sister had read the message.
+
+"Poor mother!" sighed the girl. "She fears that you have met with some
+accident."
+
+"In a very few hours that fear will be dispelled. What will she say when
+she learns the truth?"
+
+"Ah, what?" responded Miss March. "I dread almost as much as I long for
+the meeting."
+
+The anxious mother arrived on time. It is not our purpose to chronicle
+the first meeting between the long-separated couple. Such scenes defy
+the skill of the storyteller's pen or the artist's brush. Suffice it to
+say that the proofs of her identity presented by the young girl were
+perfectly satisfactory to Mrs. Allston, and that the reunion of mother
+and daughter was all that the fancy of either had ever pictured it.
+
+True, the somewhat Puritanical old lady was a little shocked at finding
+her daughter a member of the theatrical profession; she had always
+regarded player folk as far beneath herself, both socially and morally,
+and her own daughter was probably the first actress she had ever seen
+off the stage.
+
+"I wish, my dear," she said, "that you would give up this dreadful
+business and go home with me. To think of my child, my daughter, a play
+actress! It is dreadful!"
+
+"Not quite as dreadful as you think, mother," the girl replied, quietly.
+"I could not conscientiously leave Mr. Wattles until he had secured some
+one else to play the part. Then, however, if you wish me to give up the
+stage, I shall do so. We will talk it all over after the performance
+to-night."
+
+"Yes, we will talk it over after the performance," echoed the mother.
+
+The house was crowded to the doors that night. Not a seat was to be had
+at eight o'clock; even standing room was at a premium.
+
+Again Al had demonstrated his ability as a hustler.
+
+Everyone in town had read and re-read his strange advertisement; many
+eyes were bent on the third row of the orchestra, in search of the
+"queer old man." And Mr. Marmaduke Merry was there, too, not a whit
+abashed, a huge bouquet in his withered hand.
+
+A good many people had heard of his attempt to have Al arrested in the
+morning--such news travels fast--and he was the unconscious butt of many
+a covert jest.
+
+Some one--it will never be known who, though there may be reason to
+suspect Mr. Augustus Wattles--had caused the report to be spread that
+the pretty actress, Miss Gladys March, was the long-lost sister of the
+young press agent, Al Allston, and that they had been reunited through
+the article in the _Banner_. That more than one person knew about it was
+evident when Al made his appearance in a box, with his mother on his
+arm; the applause that greeted him was as unexpected as it was
+embarrassing.
+
+At first the boy did not realize that he was the object of these unusual
+demonstrations.
+
+"What are they making all that noise about?" he said.
+
+"Why, they are applauding you," his mother said.
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"Don't you see that every eye is fixed on this box?"
+
+"I don't know but you are right," gasped Al, feeling symptoms of a
+return of the "stage fright" with which he had been seized on the
+occasion of the first performance in Boomville.
+
+"Of course I am."
+
+"Of course she is," added Mr. Wattles, suddenly appearing upon the
+scene. "Bow, my boy, bow! And couldn't you make a little impromptu
+speech?"
+
+"Not much!" replied Al, very emphatically. "I tell you, Mr. Wattles, if
+I had had any idea that the duties of a press agent included so many
+public appearances, I should not have gone into the business."
+
+He bowed; then some one--probably under the manager's direction--called
+out:
+
+"Speech! speech!"
+
+But Al shook his head so emphatically that the audience saw he meant his
+refusal, and the applause soon subsided.
+
+A few moments later the curtain rose.
+
+There was very little applause until Miss March made her entrance; her
+appearance was the signal for another demonstration of enthusiasm.
+Probably seven-eighths of the audience did not know why they were
+applauding, but the other eighth did, and its enthusiasm was, as a
+matter of course, contagious. The applause was literally deafening. In
+its midst Mr. Merry hurled his bouquet upon the stage. It fell at the
+feet of the young actress, who picked it up, smiling and blushing, to
+the evident delight of the elderly "masher."
+
+Mrs. Allston shuddered.
+
+"This life of feverish excitement will kill my child," she said. "She
+must abandon it."
+
+"Wait till you see her play, mother," said Al.
+
+"That will not alter my determination."
+
+"Wait," added the boy, quietly.
+
+He was not wrong in the conclusion he had reached. Miss March's part was
+small, but it was a strong one. It was that of a persecuted young girl
+who had been driven from home because of a misunderstanding. It was a
+pathetic role, and before the actress had been on the stage five minutes
+the entire female portion of the audience were in tears, and there was a
+suspicious moisture in the eyes of more than one of the sterner sex.
+
+"Isn't she fine?" whispered Al in his mother's ear, as the girl left the
+stage, after her first scene.
+
+"It is wonderful! I am amazed."
+
+"You did not think there was so much talent in the family, did you? Now,
+wouldn't it be a pity to rob the stage of such an ornament?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I thought you would say so. I believe she has a great future. But let
+us leave the decision to her."
+
+"We will do so, my boy."
+
+At this moment there came a shrill cry from the gallery.
+
+"Fire!"
+
+For one instant there was a dead silence; then three-quarters of the
+audience sprang to their feet.
+
+Then came a mad rush for the exits.
+
+It was a scene of indescribable confusion. Women and children were
+trampled beneath the feet of those who should have been their
+protectors, but whose only thought now was to save their cowardly
+selves.
+
+The shrieks of the terrified women, the groans of the injured, the
+curses of the rougher element, who, though face to face with death, did
+not fear to blaspheme--these added to the horror of the scene.
+
+It was evident that the alarm had not been a false one, for the house
+was rapidly filling with smoke, and the crackling of flames could be
+plainly heard.
+
+The doors soon became blocked. It seemed certain that many must perish
+in the flames.
+
+Al quickly led his mother through the door that connected the box with
+the stage, and conducted her in safety out of the building through the
+stage entrance.
+
+As he passed Mr. Wattles at the door he uttered one word:
+
+"Gladys?"
+
+"She is safe," the manager replied. "She went out but a moment ago."
+
+"Thank Heaven! Mother, are you afraid to go back to the hotel alone?"
+
+"No, no; it is but a very short distance. But what are you going to do,
+my boy?"
+
+"I think I can be of some assistance in getting the people out. Good-by!
+I shall be with you again soon."
+
+And he rushed around to the front of the house, where the confusion was
+greater than ever.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+AN EVENTFUL NIGHT.
+
+
+The Rockton police force were evidently not equal to the emergency--two
+or three Hibernians in blue uniform were rushing wildly about, issuing
+orders to which no one paid the slightest attention.
+
+Meanwhile nearly a thousand people were confined within the burning
+building, most of them apparently doomed to a horrible death.
+
+At the doors--of which there were only two--men were fighting like
+maniacs to escape, and actually retarding their own progress in their
+mad excitement.
+
+What could one boy hope to do against this panic-stricken throng?
+
+This is the question that Al Allston asked himself.
+
+"I'm afraid I shan't accomplish much," he said to himself; "but I'm
+going to try, anyhow."
+
+Assuming as cool an air as he could, he ran up to the entrance.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "there is no danger. Take it easy; walk out just
+as you would at any other time, and everything will be all right. Keep
+cool."
+
+Probably not more than half a dozen persons heard the words, but the few
+who did hear them were impressed by the calm, fearless demeanor of the
+boy, which was in such striking contrast to that of everyone else in the
+crowd.
+
+An example of this sort is contagious; word was passed from one man to
+another that the danger was not as great as had been supposed. The
+conduct of the throng changed almost immediately.
+
+"Walk out quietly," went on Al, who was now able to make himself heard.
+"Those on the right-hand side go in the direction of Grand Street, and
+those on the left in the direction of Market Street. Don't block the
+sidewalk. Keep cool, and everyone will get out all right. There is
+nothing to get excited about."
+
+These words had almost a magical effect. In reality, there was quite
+enough in the situation to excite anyone, but Al's apparent calmness and
+his assertion that the danger did not amount to anything produced just
+the result he desired.
+
+The crowd became more rational, and to make a long story short, within
+three minutes the building was emptied, even of the women and children
+who had fainted or been injured.
+
+Five minutes later the roof of the building fell in, but there was every
+reason to believe that not a single human life had been sacrificed.
+
+Al started for his hotel as quietly as if nothing unusual had happened.
+But he had gone only a few steps when he was overtaken by Mr. Wattles.
+
+To his astonishment, the manager folded him in his arms, exclaiming:
+
+"By Jove! I wish you were my son!"
+
+"What's the matter now?" asked the boy, disengaging himself.
+
+"Matter? Why, the matter is that you have in all probability saved the
+lives of several hundred people."
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"That's just what you have done, all the same. You have a cool head for
+such a young fellow--I can tell you that. If it hadn't been for you--I
+shudder to think of what might have happened. You are, as I have had
+occasion to remark before, a wonder."
+
+"Nonsense, Mr. Wattles! But I must go now; mother is sure to be worrying
+about me."
+
+"But there are a score of people waiting to be introduced to you, and I
+have promised to bring you back with me."
+
+"I can't go, Mr. Wattles."
+
+"But----"
+
+"Tell them that I---- Oh, just tell them the plain truth."
+
+"That you have a morbid horror of being lionized?"
+
+"If you want to put it in that way; and that my mother is waiting for
+me."
+
+"Well, well, I won't urge you--particularly as I know that you generally
+mean what you say and stick to it. But, let me tell you, young man, you
+will have to stand considerable lionizing before you leave this town,
+whether you like it or not."
+
+"I don't think so," smiled Al. "There is an early train in the morning,
+if I am not mistaken."
+
+"But you won't take it."
+
+"You will see. Well, good-night, Mr. Wattles. Oh, wait a moment!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"You are sure my sister got out all right?"
+
+"Oh, yes; everyone on the stage escaped within two minutes after the
+first alarm. Don't you know I told you that I saw her go out? You will
+find her with your mother when you get back to the hotel."
+
+Al said good-night once more, and walked away.
+
+"Well," muttered the manager, as he stood and watched the lad's slim
+figure until it was lost to view, "that boy is a corker. I don't believe
+he is afraid of anything on earth--except speech-making. I should like
+to see him really agitated for once."
+
+Mr. Wattles had his wish in less than fifteen minutes.
+
+He had just lighted the gas in his hotel room when there was a quick
+knock upon the door.
+
+Before he could say "Come in!" Al rushed into the room.
+
+One glance at his face showed the manager that something unusual must
+have happened. Never before had he seen the boy so intensely excited; he
+was panting for breath, and his face was ghastly pale.
+
+"What is the matter?" the old gentleman gasped.
+
+"Gladys--my sister----" the boy began.
+
+"Has anything happened to her?"
+
+"We cannot find her."
+
+"She has not returned to the hotel?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Oh, there can be no occasion for alarm. I told you she got out of the
+theater all right."
+
+"But she may have returned."
+
+"What should she return for? But she did not; that I am sure of."
+
+"Where is she, then?"
+
+"Oh, don't worry, my boy; she will turn up all right. Perhaps she has
+gone to visit friends."
+
+"Would she be likely to visit friends under such circumstances?" said
+the boy, almost angrily. "She has no acquaintances in this place--she
+told me so only this afternoon; and if she had, this is not the time she
+would choose for making a social call."
+
+"No, of course not, my boy. Well, what do you think has become of her?"
+
+"I believe that she has been the victim of foul play. Have you forgotten
+Farley's letter?"
+
+Mr. Wattles started.
+
+"It may be so."
+
+"I am sure it is."
+
+"But I have seen nothing of Farley."
+
+"He would not be likely to let you see anything of him if he could help
+it."
+
+"True. Well, what shall we do? Command me, my boy; I am at your
+service."
+
+Before Al could reply the door, which the boy had only partially closed,
+was opened, and a man entered.
+
+Both our hero and the manager recognized him as one of the stage hands
+in the Rockton Theater.
+
+When he saw Al he started, then he said:
+
+"Mr. Wattles, I came here on purpose to get this here young gentleman's
+address."
+
+"My address?" cried Al. "What do you want that for?"
+
+"Is it true, sir," the man asked, "that the young lady as was on the
+bills as Miss Gladys March is your sister?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, sir, I have some information for you."
+
+"Do you know where she is?" demanded the boy, breathlessly.
+
+"No, sir; but I know that she is in a trap, and that if you want to save
+her you must act quick. I've come here, sir, to make a clean breast of
+my part in the affair."
+
+Overcome by excitement, Al seized the fellow by the throat and forced
+him to his knees.
+
+"Speak!" he hissed. "Tell the truth, or I will strangle you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A CLEW.
+
+
+Mr. Wattles stepped forward and gently forced Al to relax his hold on
+the man's throat.
+
+"Don't get excited, my boy," he said. "This is just the time when you
+need a cool head."
+
+"That's so, sir," added the visitor. "I don't blame the young gent for
+the way he feels, but if he expects to get the best of that villain,
+Jack Farley, he has got to keep his wits about him."
+
+"Then," gasped Al, "it was Farley that enticed her away?"
+
+"It was him, sir."
+
+"And what had you to do with it?"
+
+"More than I wish I had. The truth is, sir, I did not realize what I was
+doing at the time. I was not onto his game until it was too late, and
+then I----"
+
+"Don't beat about the bush any longer," interrupted Mr. Wattles,
+impatiently. "What was Farley's game?"
+
+"Where is my sister?" added Al, in an agony of suspense.
+
+"It's like this, gents," replied the man. "Just before the alarm of fire
+was given a man came to the stage door, where I happened to be standing
+at the time. His collar was turned up, and his hat was pulled down, and
+at first I did not recognize him. 'I want you to do me a favor,' he
+says. 'What is it?' says I, 'and who are you?' 'Don't you know me?' he
+asks me. 'No, I don't,' I tells him, 'and I ain't got no time to stand
+here fooling with you.' You see, I thought maybe he was a stage-door
+masher, though he didn't look much like one, to tell the truth, for he
+was dressed in a way that----"
+
+"Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Wattles again. "Get to the point.
+The man told you he was Farley?"
+
+"He did, sir."
+
+"Why were you any more willing to talk to him then? Had you ever met him
+before?"
+
+"Oh, yes."
+
+"By your own admission you knew he was a villain. Why, then, were you
+willing to do him a favor?"
+
+"He did me a great service once, sir, and I was glad of a chance to
+repay him."
+
+"Even at the risk of a young girl's life happiness, perhaps her life
+itself?"
+
+"I did not think it was as serious as all that then, sir. You see, all
+he asked me was to tell Miss March that a friend bearing important news
+was waiting just outside the stage door to see her, and that he would
+not detain her more than a minute. He also told me not to say that it
+was him if she should ask."
+
+"And you did this?"
+
+"I took the message to Miss March, and, as she had at least half an
+hour's time before she had to go on again, she went with me to the door
+without any hesitation."
+
+"And then?" cried Al, breathlessly.
+
+"There was no one else around at the moment. Miss March stepped out. I
+was surprised to see that there was a carriage waiting in the alley. He
+said something to her that I could not hear, and led her to the door of
+the carriage. The next moment, to my surprise, he lifted her in his arms
+and put her into the carriage. She didn't have time to make any
+resistance at all. I am not sure, but I think there was another person
+in the carriage."
+
+"And you made no attempt to interfere?" cried Mr. Wattles.
+
+"What could I do, sir?"
+
+"I am pretty sure that if I had been in your place I should have done
+something," said the old gentleman, warmly.
+
+"The carriage drove off like mad as soon as the young lady was put into
+it, sir."
+
+"Didn't Farley enter it, too?"
+
+"Oh, yes, he jumped right in after her. The driver seemed to know what
+to do; anyway, he received no directions from Mr. Farley in my hearing.
+I suppose it had all been arranged between them beforehand."
+
+"Of course. You might have given the alarm at once; why didn't you?"
+demanded Al.
+
+"By that time, sir, the alarm of fire had been given, and there was a
+terrible commotion in the theater. In the confusion I did not know what
+to do."
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, "better late than never. But what put it into
+your head to come here at all?"
+
+"I don't know that I should have come, sir, but when I heard of the
+heroic way in which this young gent behaved, and how he saved the lives
+of maybe half the audience--when I heard all this, and was told that the
+young lady, Miss March, was his sister, I made up my mind that I would
+come here and make a clean breast of my part of the affair."
+
+"And you have really told us all you know?"
+
+"All, sir, so help me Heaven!"
+
+"I believe you, my man," said Mr. Wattles.
+
+"And so do I," added Al. "But we must not spend any more time in talk;
+we have got to do something at once."
+
+"I will do anything in my power to help you, sir," said the man.
+
+"I don't see that you can do much more than you have done," said Al.
+"You can give me a description of the carriage and the horse, though."
+
+"The carriage was an ordinary livery coach. There were two horses, both
+of them gray. It was a livery turn-out--there can't be any doubt about
+that--and not a first-class one, either."
+
+"You don't know what stable it came from?"
+
+"No, sir; but it won't be a very hard job to find that out, for there
+are only three stables in town. Two of them are quite swell, but the
+other isn't, and I guess it was from that one that the coach came."
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, springing to his feet, "we can get to work
+now. Come, my boy, this man shall take us to the stable at once, and we
+will see what they have to tell us there."
+
+"I don't want to drag you out, Mr. Wattles," said Al. "I can manage this
+business alone."
+
+"You can, eh?" said the manager, almost indignantly. "Well, maybe you
+could, but you won't get the chance. I am going to be right in it with
+you. Why, do you suppose I could sleep a wink to-night with this thing
+on my mind? I tell you, my boy, I thought more of that girl than you
+imagine, and if anything should happen to her----"
+
+Mr. Wattles choked and turned away his head. Al was surprised at this
+exhibition of emotion; he had not given his employer credit for the
+possession of so much feeling.
+
+He extended his hand.
+
+"Mr. Wattles," he said, "you are a good friend of mine and hers. Have it
+your own way, then. Come!"
+
+The manager pressed the boy's hand.
+
+"I don't like scenes--off the stage," he said, rather shamefacedly. "I
+dislike emotion, and am seldom betrayed into it. But--but---- Oh, well,
+we mustn't stand here talking all night. Lead the way to the stable you
+spoke of, my man."
+
+Ten minutes later the trio reached the stable. Here several delays
+awaited them. In the first place, the man who had been on duty in the
+office at the time the coach must have been hired, was asleep in a room
+above the stable, and when awakened refused to get up. After some
+persuasion, he agreed to do so, and came downstairs half dressed. He was
+also half asleep, and for several minutes could not recall the event
+about which his visitors were so anxious to be informed. It had been an
+unusually busy evening, and he was not sure whether the coach had come
+from that stable or not.
+
+At last, however, his memory having been stimulated by a five-dollar
+bill, which Mr. Wattles slipped into his hands, he remembered having
+rented the team to a man who answered Farley's description.
+
+"There was a lady with him, too," the man added.
+
+"What sort of a looking woman?" asked the manager.
+
+"Tall, dark, with very black eyes."
+
+"Miss Hollingsworth!" exclaimed Mr. Wattles.
+
+"Just the idea that occurred to me," added Al.
+
+"It was she, beyond the shadow of a doubt. She is in the scheme, too,
+then. That woman is capable of anything. At last we have a clew, and a
+strong one."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+ON THE TRACK.
+
+
+"But why," questioned Al, "should Miss Hollingsworth lend herself to
+such a scheme?"
+
+"For several reasons," Mr. Wattles replied. "In the first place, she is
+a woman who likes mischief for its own sake--there are such people, you
+know. Then, she is under the influence of Farley; that is a fact that I
+have known for a long time. That man can make her do almost anything he
+wishes."
+
+"Is she in love with him?"
+
+"Sometimes I have thought so, and sometimes I have thought she almost
+hated him. He seems to exercise a sort of hypnotic influence over her;
+that is the only way in which I can explain it."
+
+"If she is in love with him," suggested Al, "it is rather strange, isn't
+it, that she should help him to abduct a rival?"
+
+"Not when you consider everything. Remember that the woman has a grudge
+against you. You haven't forgotten that episode at the Boomville Opera
+House, have you? You were the indirect means of throwing her out of an
+engagement."
+
+"That is so."
+
+"You can depend upon it," went on the manager, "that the woman in the
+case--and in the carriage--was Miss Olga Hollingsworth. But we mustn't
+stand talking here any longer."
+
+Mr. Wattles had observed that the stableman was listening to the
+dialogue with considerable interest.
+
+"Where did the couple say they were going?" he added.
+
+"They said," was the reply, "that they wanted to catch a train, but that
+they had to make a call first."
+
+"Did they say where they were going to call?"
+
+"They did not."
+
+"Did they say what train they wanted to catch?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Where is the driver that took them out? Has he returned yet?"
+
+"He came back long ago, and has gone home."
+
+"Did he say where he took them?" questioned Al.
+
+"No, sir, he said nothing about the matter; all we were talking about
+was the theater fire."
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wattles, with a wink at Al, "we are much obliged for
+your information. Good-night."
+
+And he took the boy's arm and walked him rather unceremoniously out of
+the place.
+
+"I wanted to ask a few more questions," said Al, when they were outside.
+
+"It wouldn't have done any good, my boy. The man told us all he knew
+about the case."
+
+"I'm not so sure about that," demurred Al. "It seems rather queer to me
+that the driver should say nothing at all about such a peculiar case
+when he got back to the stable. According to the report of the stage
+hand he must have been posted about Farley's intention. He was really a
+party to the crime."
+
+"Exactly; and that, of course, is just the reason he said nothing when
+he got back. But we can find out all that later on. Now, in my opinion,
+they--Farley, Hollingsworth and their victim--did really take a train.
+The question now is, what train?"
+
+"Perhaps we can learn that at the railway station."
+
+"Just what I was going to say. We will go to the station now and find
+out what trains leave at about the time that our friends would have been
+likely to reach the place."
+
+"Rockton is not a very big place; there are not many trains a day."
+
+"No; we shan't have any trouble in getting the information we want."
+
+They found the station agent at the depot. He was a small, shriveled-up
+old man, and he glared suspiciously at them when they questioned him.
+
+It took them some minutes to elicit the information that two trains left
+the station at nine-ten--about the hour that the carriage would have
+reached the place if it had gone there direct from the theater.
+
+"And where do these two trains go?" asked Mr. Wattles.
+
+"One goes to New York."
+
+"And the other?"
+
+"The other is the Boston express."
+
+The manager then described the occupants of the carriage.
+
+"I remember them; what of it?" said the station agent, crustily.
+
+"What do you remember about them?"
+
+"I remember that one of the ladies--the smaller one--seemed to be sick;
+at any rate, she had to be helped into the waiting room, where they all
+three stayed till the train arrived."
+
+"Which of the two trains did they take?" cried Al.
+
+"That I don't know."
+
+"You don't know?"
+
+"That's what I said. Do you suppose I keep tabs on everyone that comes
+into this place? Hardly."
+
+"The New York train and the Boston train were here at the same time?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And they might have taken either?"
+
+"They might."
+
+"It is of a good deal of importance to us," said Al, "to learn which of
+those two trains they took."
+
+"I can't help that," was the reply. "I'm no clairvoyant or
+fortune-teller."
+
+"Isn't there some one about the station who could give us some
+information?"
+
+"I don't think there is. The ticket-seller that they bought their
+tickets from might tell you something, but he's off now; there is
+another man in his place."
+
+Al and Mr. Wattles stared at each other in perplexity.
+
+Just then a hang-dog looking young fellow of about Al's age came
+slouching up.
+
+"Here, Smith," called out the station agent, "these folks want some
+information; perhaps you can give it to 'em. Tell this chap what you
+want, gents, and maybe he can help you out."
+
+Al explained the situation to the fellow, who said, readily enough:
+
+"Oh, yes; I remember that party."
+
+"And which of the two trains did they take?"
+
+"The one goin' to Boston."
+
+"At last," exclaimed Mr. Wattles, "we have a little information. Now,
+then, my boy, what shall we do?"
+
+"I shall follow them," replied Al, promptly.
+
+"I wish I could go with you, but----"
+
+"I know it would be impossible, Mr. Wattles; and probably I shall get
+along just as well alone."
+
+"Maybe; but I'd like to be with you to witness the discomfiture of that
+arch-villain. Well, come along and get your ticket for Boston."
+
+They were now walking in the direction of the ticket office.
+
+"No," said Al, "I shall get a ticket for New York."
+
+"Eh?"
+
+The boy repeated the statement.
+
+"But that fellow said they went to Boston; you must have misunderstood
+him."
+
+"Oh, no, I didn't."
+
+"He certainly said Boston."
+
+"I know he did."
+
+"And yet you are going to get a ticket for New York?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"I'll explain. You didn't see the wink he gave the station agent when he
+told us the Boston train yarn, did you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I did."
+
+"You think he was lying to us?"
+
+"I am sure of it. Farley probably paid him to put us off the track."
+
+"Allston, you are a smart young fellow, but there is such a thing as
+being too smart. It may be that by going to New York you will lose
+them."
+
+"I don't think so, Mr. Wattles; I am sure I am right. At any rate, I
+will take the chances."
+
+Twenty minutes later Al was on his way to the metropolis.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+"DR. FERGUSON."
+
+
+As may be imagined, Al was very tired when he boarded the train for New
+York. It had been a hard day for him; yet, though physically fatigued,
+he was mentally alert.
+
+Next him sat a clerical-looking man of about fifty, who presently
+remarked:
+
+"You got on at Rockton, young gentleman, did you not?"
+
+Al, glad of the chance to speak to anyone, replied in the affirmative.
+
+"I once had a charge there," went on the old man.
+
+Al did not understand him.
+
+"A charge?" he said, interrogatively.
+
+"Yes; I am a minister of the Gospel."
+
+"Indeed, sir?"
+
+"Yes; I was pastor of the wealthiest church in Rockton. I left it to
+accept a call to New York."
+
+As this statement possessed no especial interest to the boy, he made no
+reply.
+
+There was a silence of some minutes' duration. Then the old gentleman
+broke out with:
+
+"May I offer you my card?"
+
+At the same time he thrust a bit of pasteboard into Al's hand.
+
+Upon it was inscribed the name, David Ferguson, D. D.
+
+"I haven't a card with me, Dr. Ferguson," said the boy; "but my name is
+Allen Allston."
+
+His traveling companion grasped his hand, and shook it with a remarkable
+exhibition of warmth, considering their short acquaintance.
+
+"I am delighted to meet you, my young friend," he said. "Are you going
+far?"
+
+"To New York, sir."
+
+"Indeed! Then we shall be traveling companions for nearly three hours.
+How delightful!"
+
+The prospect did not seem quite so delightful to Al; for, although he
+was glad to have some one to talk to, he began to fear that the Rev. Dr.
+Ferguson might not prove a wholly congenial companion.
+
+"Are you a resident of Rockton?" went on the doctor.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Only a visitor there?"
+
+"That's all."
+
+"Rockton is a beautiful place."
+
+Al acquiesced.
+
+"And you don't live there?" continued Dr. Ferguson.
+
+"I do not."
+
+"You were visiting friends?" questioned the old man, whose bump of
+curiosity seemed to be well developed.
+
+"I was not, sir; I was there on business."
+
+"On business! Really? You are quite young to be actively engaged in
+business."
+
+As this was a point upon which Al was a little sore, he made no reply.
+He was now quite willing to let the conversation end right there and
+then.
+
+But Dr. Ferguson would not have it so.
+
+"What was the nature of your business, if I may ask?" he resumed.
+"Pardon me, if I seem inquisitive."
+
+"Well," said Al, with a sigh, "I don't know that I have any reason to be
+ashamed of my business."
+
+"I trust not, my dear young friend--I most sincerely trust that you have
+not."
+
+"I am connected with Wattles' New York Comedy Company."
+
+Dr. Ferguson gasped for breath.
+
+"You are an actor--at your age?" he cried.
+
+Al laughed, a little sarcastically, it is to be feared.
+
+"It isn't quite as bad as that," he said.
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"I am only the advance agent."
+
+"And what, may I ask, is an advance agent?"
+
+Al explained.
+
+"It is not, then, quite as bad as I thought," said his companion.
+
+"It might be a heap worse," responded the boy, laconically.
+
+"But still," went on the reverend gentleman, "a position such as that
+you hold may lead to something worse. You may in time--pardon me, if I
+hurt your feelings--you may in time become an actor."
+
+"I guess not," said Al, who had some difficulty in repressing a smile.
+
+"You cannot tell, my dear young friend; one wrong step leads to another,
+and once on the road to destruction, there is no knowing where or when
+the end will come."
+
+"I hope I am not on the road to destruction yet," said Al, "and I feel
+pretty sure that I am not."
+
+"Pride cometh before a fall, my dear young friend," said the doctor,
+impressively. "The moment you begin to be too sure of yourself, you have
+taken the first downward step. You may not be conscious of it, but it is
+taken."
+
+Al began to shift about uneasily in his seat.
+
+"I know that what I say is not pleasant for you to hear," continued the
+old gentleman, "but I speak for your own good."
+
+He then went on to deliver a long homily on the evils of theatrical
+life, and actually succeeded in tiring Al to such an extent that he fell
+asleep.
+
+He was awakened by a voice shouting in his ear:
+
+"This ain't a sleeping car, young man. All off!"
+
+Al leaped to his feet, only half awake. The car was empty of everyone
+except himself and a brakeman.
+
+"Where are we?" he cried.
+
+"In New York," was the reply. "Say, young fellow, you are a pretty sound
+sleeper."
+
+"Well, I'm awake now," said the boy. "I'm sorry to have given you any
+trouble."
+
+"Oh, that's all right. But you haven't lost anything, have you?"
+
+"No. Why?"
+
+"I don't see your baggage anywhere?"
+
+"I didn't bring anything with me."
+
+"That's all right, then. I was afraid that duck in the seat with you
+might have got away with your stuff."
+
+Al laughed.
+
+"That was a clergyman," he said--"the Rev. Dr. Ferguson."
+
+"Reverend nothing," grinned the brakeman. "Say, young man, you must be
+from 'way back."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Why, that fellow is one of the cleverest confidence men in the
+country."
+
+"Do you know what you are talking about?" asked the boy, in amazement.
+
+"You can bet I do. Oh, he has fooled sharper ones than you or I. You
+didn't lend him anything, did you?"
+
+"I did not."
+
+"Nor invest in green goods or anything of that sort?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, you are one of the lucky ones, then. When I saw him giving you so
+much chin music I thought he had you sure."
+
+"Well, he didn't."
+
+And Al left the car on very good terms with himself.
+
+"Now, then," he mused, "I'll start in on the business that brought me
+here. I'll go to the nearest police station first. I don't know where it
+is, so to save time I'll take a cab."
+
+As he thus ruminated, he mechanically felt in his pocket.
+
+The next moment he uttered an involuntary exclamation.
+
+His money was gone, and so were his watch, and the ring that had been
+presented to him in Boomville.
+
+He had not, after all, escaped scot-free from the "Reverend David
+Ferguson."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+AN UNLUCKY ERROR.
+
+
+Al's self-esteem had suffered a severe shock.
+
+He had considered himself quite competent to look out for "Number One,"
+but this plausible swindler, the very first person he had met on the
+train, had easily succeeded in swindling him out of all the valuables he
+had about him.
+
+He had lost about a hundred and fifty dollars in cash, his watch, which
+was worth at least another hundred, and the valuable diamond ring that
+had been presented to him on the stage of the Boomville Opera House.
+
+He was alone and penniless in a great city at two o'clock in the
+morning, with a mission to perform that would almost necessarily involve
+the outlay of money.
+
+While he stood at the entrance of the Grand Central Depot the brakeman
+who had addressed him on the car came along. Noticing the look of dismay
+on the boy's face, he said:
+
+"There's nothing the matter, is there?"
+
+"I should say there was."
+
+"What is it? That bunco man didn't get the best of you, after all, did
+he?"
+
+"Rather."
+
+And Al proceeded to inform the man of his loss.
+
+His companion uttered a low whistle.
+
+"Well, he did soak it to you, for fair," he said. "He don't generally
+play that game; as a rule he works the thing in a more artistic way than
+that. Well, he got the money, all the same. It was a pretty good haul,
+too."
+
+"I don't see how he got that ring off my finger without waking me up,"
+said Al, ruefully.
+
+"Oh, he can do more than that," grinned the brakeman. "He'd manage to
+rob you of your eyeteeth if he happened to take a fancy to them. He's a
+daisy!"
+
+"I wish you had warned me when you saw him talking to me on the train."
+
+"I couldn't very well do that; but I kept an eye on you both, and if I
+had seen him up to any funny business, I should have spoken. Hasn't he
+left you any money at all?"
+
+"Not a cent."
+
+"Well, see here, I'll let you have a few dollars if you'll promise to
+return 'em as soon as you get funds."
+
+"Of course I will, and I am very much obliged to you," said Al,
+surprised at this unexpected offer.
+
+"Here you are, then."
+
+And the man handed him a small roll of bills.
+
+"Give me your address," said Al, "and I'll return this to you within a
+day or two, with something to boot."
+
+"I don't want anything to boot. I'll write down my address, if you'll
+lend me a pencil a minute."
+
+Al handed him a pencil. The man was about to write the address on the
+back of an envelope, when, to his amazement, his companion made a rush
+for a cab that stood at the curbstone, gave the driver a few hasty
+directions in a low tone, and then leaped into the vehicle, which
+immediately started off at a rapid pace. Before the brakeman could
+recover from his astonishment, the cab had turned a corner and
+disappeared.
+
+"Well," gasped the man, "if I haven't been buncoed myself, and by a kid
+at that. I'll bet he and the other fellow were pals. And I never
+suspected it! Well, I'll get my ten dollars back if it costs me a
+hundred to do it. This is the last time I'll ever lend money to a
+stranger. I wish I could hire some one to kick me round the block."
+
+The brakeman could scarcely be blamed for forming this opinion of Al,
+erroneous though it was. Appearances were certainly against the boy, and
+the reader is, perhaps, wondering if he had suddenly become insane or
+developed into a kleptomaniac.
+
+The reason for our hero's strange action was this: Just as he handed the
+brakeman the pencil a carriage was passing the depot, from the window of
+which peered the face of the very man for whom Al was seeking--Jack
+Farley.
+
+There was no time for explanations; the carriage was going at a rapid
+rate. Al rushed out to the cab that stood at the entrance and said to
+the driver:
+
+"Do you see that carriage yonder?--the one that is just about to turn
+the corner? Follow it wherever it goes and I'll pay you well."
+
+"Enough said!" the man responded.
+
+As we have seen, the boy entered the cab, and was driven away.
+
+"That brakeman will think that I am a thief, too, I'm afraid," Al mused.
+"Well, I can't help it; it will be all right to-morrow. But he is a good
+fellow, and I don't like the idea of being misunderstood in that way by
+him even for a few hours. There's no help for it, though; I couldn't
+afford to let Farley get away from me!"
+
+The two vehicles kept at an even distance from each other until Tenth
+Street was reached. At the corner of that thoroughfare and Fifth Avenue
+the carriage in advance came to a sudden halt.
+
+Al's driver stopped almost at the same moment.
+
+"What shall I do now, sir?" he called out to his passenger.
+
+"Go right ahead," the boy directed. "When you get to the spot, stop, if
+the other coach has not started again in the meantime; if it has, go on
+as long as it does."
+
+In less than a minute later Al's carriage once more come to a
+standstill.
+
+At the same moment a man leaped from the other carriage, advanced to the
+cab and threw open the door.
+
+"What do you mean," he demanded, "by following my carriage? I have been
+onto you ever since you started. Who are you, and what do you want?"
+
+The man was not Jack Farley; he did not resemble him in any way.
+
+He was an elderly man, fashionably dressed, and had the appearance of
+one who was on his way home after a ball, or some other social
+function, with just enough wine on board to make him quarrelsome.
+
+"What is your little game?" continued the man. "Come, out with it; I am
+going to know."
+
+Al was decidedly embarrassed.
+
+"It is all a mistake," he stammered.
+
+"That's too thin," said the stranger. "I'm onto you; you are a
+detective! Now, what are you shadowing me for?"
+
+Al could not help laughing.
+
+"I am no more a detective than you, sir," he said. "I told my driver to
+follow a certain carriage, and he has made a mistake; that's all there
+is to it."
+
+"I made no mistake," interposed the driver, surlily. "This is the
+carriage you told me to follow."
+
+"You are wrong; the man in that carriage was not this gentleman.
+Remember, it turned the corner before we left the depot, so you lost
+sight of it for half a minute or so."
+
+"That's so," admitted cabby.
+
+"It had probably turned out of the street before we turned into it, and
+you, seeing this gentleman's carriage, supposed it to be the same, and
+followed it."
+
+"I guess that explains it."
+
+"Well, it doesn't explain it to me," said the aggrieved stranger. "I
+consider this affair an outrage, and I am going to have it
+investigated."
+
+"Go ahead and investigate, then," said Al, losing his patience. "You are
+making a mountain of a mole hill."
+
+"I am, eh? Well, you'll see whether I am or not. Cabman, I have your
+number."
+
+"That's all right; keep it," growled the jehu.
+
+"I shall keep it, and make good use of it, too. You will hear from me
+again."
+
+And the man climbed back into his carriage, flushed almost as much with
+anger as with wine.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+AN EXCITING INTERVIEW.
+
+
+As the carriage rolled away Al and the cabman stood and stared at each
+other. Then the latter burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"Well, sir," he said, "this is the funniest job I have had for many a
+long day."
+
+Al failed to appreciate the humor of the situation.
+
+"It does not strike me as being particularly funny," he said.
+
+"It doesn't?"
+
+"Decidedly not. Why did you lose sight of the other cab?"
+
+"Why, you explained that yourself just now. The two carriages looked
+just alike; I believe they were the same."
+
+"No, they were not. The man I saw looking from the window of the
+carriage that passed the Grand Central Depot was not the man we have
+just been talking to."
+
+"Are you sure?"
+
+"Yes. You followed the wrong carriage; that is all there is to it."
+
+"Well," admitted the cabby, "I think you are right. Where shall I take
+you now?"
+
+"Nowhere; I'll walk. How much do I owe you?"
+
+"Ten dollars," was the calm reply.
+
+"Ten what?" demanded Al.
+
+"Dollars."
+
+"Ten dollars for driving me that short distance?"
+
+"Do you call that a short distance?"
+
+"Yes; I could have walked it in a good deal less than half an hour."
+
+"Why didn't you, then?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Now, see here," interrupted the cabman, with a threatening air, as he
+put his face in very close proximity to Al's, "I don't want no muss with
+you. See? But I get that ten dollars. Do you think I'm driving this here
+thing for fun? Not on your life!"
+
+This was Al's first experience with one of the class known in New York
+as "night-hawks," and for a moment he hesitated. Imagining that he had
+gained an advantage, the man added:
+
+"Now, look lively! I've got something else to do besides standing here
+chinning with you."
+
+"Yes," said the boy, quietly, "you have. On second thoughts, I'll keep
+your cab a little longer. Drive me to the nearest police station."
+
+The man stared at him, then asked, rather uneasily:
+
+"What for?"
+
+"So that I can find out just what I ought to pay you. It won't take
+either of us long to get the information."
+
+The night-hawk saw that he had, for once, met his match.
+
+"See here, young gent," he said, "I don't want no trouble with you."
+
+"If there is any trouble, you will bring it on yourself," responded the
+boy.
+
+"I've got no time to waste. Give me a V and I'll call it square."
+
+"I'll give you nothing of the sort."
+
+"What will you pay, then?"
+
+"Two dollars is quite enough."
+
+"Make it three, boss."
+
+"I can't do it," said Al, who saw that he had by luck hit upon about the
+right price. "Will you take two, or will you go with me to the nearest
+police station and let them settle the matter there?"
+
+"Give me the two," said the man, sullenly. "I'll take it, but I'm losing
+money on the job. If I'd stayed up at the station I might have picked
+up----"
+
+"You might have picked up a bigger greenhorn than you did," added Al.
+"Well, I'll wish you good-morning."
+
+He was about to turn away when a heavy hand was laid on his shoulder,
+and a familiar voice exclaimed:
+
+"Well, this is luck. I didn't expect to find you as easy as all this."
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" cried Al, recognizing the friendly brakeman who
+had loaned him the money. "I'm mighty glad I ran across you."
+
+"You are, eh?" sneered the man.
+
+Al looked at him in surprise.
+
+"Yes, I was going to hunt you up."
+
+"Oh, you were?"
+
+"Of course I was. I wanted to explain to you why I left you so suddenly.
+You must have thought----"
+
+"I thought the truth--that I had been made the victim of a swindler. I
+made up my mind that I would hunt you up, but I didn't expect to find
+you quite so soon; that was blind luck."
+
+"See here," said Al, his anger rising, "you are going a little too far.
+I was, and am, much obliged to you for lending me that money, but I----"
+
+"Lending nothing," interrupted the cabman, who had been a silent
+listener to the conversation. "Why, the young villain has just been
+telling me how he euchered a brakeman up at the Grand Central out of a
+wad."
+
+"It is a lie!" burst from the lips of the indignant boy, and he advanced
+toward the treacherous fellow with clinched fists.
+
+But the cabman retreated and leaped upon his box.
+
+"If I didn't have my cab here," he said, as he gathered up the reins,
+"I'd teach you to call me a liar. Boss"--to the brakeman--"you're in
+luck to find the young rascal so easy. Don't let him off; I know him
+well, and, in spite of his innocent looks, he is one of the toughest
+youngsters in the city."
+
+With these words the rascal whipped up his horses and started up the
+avenue at as rapid a pace as his steeds were capable of.
+
+"Do you believe that fellow's story?" demanded Al, looking his companion
+squarely in the eyes.
+
+"You can bet I do," was the prompt reply.
+
+"You think I am a thief?"
+
+"Haven't I pretty good proof of it?"
+
+"I----"
+
+"Now, see here, young fellow," interrupted the indignant brakeman, "I am
+not going to sit up till daylight to discuss this matter with you. You
+can talk it over with the judge later. You buncoed me in a very neat
+manner; I admit you did the job well, but luck happened to be on my
+side, and the game is lost for you. But see here; just to avoid trouble,
+if you hand me back my ten dollars, I'll let you off."
+
+"I'll give you all I have left of it," said Al; "and some day I'll prove
+to you that I am not----"
+
+"That's all right," interrupted the uncompromising brakeman. "I don't
+care what you are; all I want is my ten dollars, not what you have left,
+but just what I gave you."
+
+"I have just paid that cabman two dollars," said Al, "and all I can give
+you is eight. I am very sorry I accepted the loan at all."
+
+"You ain't as sorry as I am," sneered the brakeman. "But, see here, I'm
+not going to fool any more time away with you. I've had a hard day, and
+I've got to start in again at eleven o'clock. To save myself trouble, I
+have offered to let you off if you would give me my money back. If you
+won't, you will go with me to the station house, where I shall make a
+formal complaint against you. Now, what do you say?"
+
+Before Al could reply a man suddenly turned the corner of Eleventh
+Street.
+
+As he approached, the boy grasped his companion's arm.
+
+"Now," he said, "I'll prove to you that you have made a mistake."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Do you see this man coming?"
+
+The brakeman looked, then started.
+
+"It's your pal!" he exclaimed, recognizing the individual who had been
+introduced to the reader as the "Rev. David Ferguson."
+
+"He's no more my pal than you are," said Al. "Just keep your eyes and
+ears open, and I'll convince you on that point, at any rate."
+
+The alleged reverend gentleman was approaching rather slowly. His eyes
+were on the pavement. He was smiling; evidently his thoughts were of an
+agreeable nature.
+
+He did not observe Al and his companion until he was within a few feet
+of them; then the boy suddenly stepped forward, saying:
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+A DANGEROUS JOB AHEAD.
+
+
+The reverend gentleman started; a decidedly uneasy expression appeared
+upon his face.
+
+"I don't know you, young gentleman," he said.
+
+"Oh, you can't have forgotten me, Mr. Ferguson," said Al. "My name is
+Allston; don't you remember the interesting conversation we had on the
+train this morning?"
+
+"Ahem! I think I do recognize you now."
+
+"I thought you would. Isn't this rather early for you to be out, Mr.
+Ferguson?"
+
+"I have not yet returned to my home; I have been on an errand of mercy.
+And now I must ask you to excuse me, for I am greatly fatigued."
+
+"Wait a minute."
+
+"Well, what is it?"
+
+"I suppose you have often heard it said that justice and mercy ought to
+go hand in hand."
+
+"It is a very true saying, my lad."
+
+"Well, you say you have just been on an errand of mercy; suppose you now
+perform an act of justice."
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Ferguson, uneasily.
+
+"I guess you know. I mean that I want you to hand back the money and
+jewelry that you stole from me."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me, or are you mad?" almost shouted the alleged
+clergyman. "Do you dare accuse me, me, David Ferguson, of theft?"
+
+"That's about the size of it," replied Al, coolly. "And, remember, I
+know now that your name is no more David Ferguson than mine is."
+
+"Do you dare----" began the fellow.
+
+"That'll do," interrupted Al. "Bluff will not work with me. Are you
+going to return my property?"
+
+He had not uttered the last word when "Mr. Ferguson" abruptly turned on
+his heel and started to run.
+
+He did not go far, however. Out went Al's foot, and the next moment the
+adventurer lay sprawling on the pavement. He was helped to his feet by
+Al and the brakeman, who both kept a tight hold on him.
+
+The sanctimonious expression had entirely vanished from the fellow's
+face, which now wore a look of rage and fear.
+
+The transformation was wonderful; he did not seem the same man.
+
+"Well," he said, "what are you going to do about it?"
+
+"I'm going to hand you over to the police in short order if you don't
+return my property."
+
+"If I give it all back," demanded the man, "will you agree not to make
+any charge against me?"
+
+"Don't agree to anything of the sort," interrupted the belligerent
+brakeman.
+
+But Al said:
+
+"I ought not to do it, but I have no time to attend to the case, so, if
+you hand back what you took from me you can go."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson" fished the roll of bills from his pocket and handed it to
+Al, who carefully counted it.
+
+"Now, the watch and ring," he said.
+
+The "crook" produced the timepiece and gave it to its owner.
+
+"I can't return the ring," he whined.
+
+"Why can't you?"
+
+"I've pawned it."
+
+"Give me the ticket, then."
+
+"I can't do that, either."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I've lost it."
+
+"Well," said Al, "that's unlucky--for you. Now, see here, my reverend
+friend, I have no more time to waste. If your story is true, you'll come
+along with me to the police station. If it is a lie, which I believe,
+you had better hand over that ring in quick time."
+
+"I----"
+
+"I advise you to hurry, for here comes a policeman, and if the ring is
+not on my finger by the time he gets here, I shall hand you over to him
+as sure as I am standing here."
+
+The "crook" hesitated no longer.
+
+"Here you are, then," he said.
+
+As he spoke, he thrust the ring into Al's hand.
+
+"Now," he asked, in a voice that trembled with nervousness, "may I get
+out?"
+
+"Skip," responded Al, laconically.
+
+In less than ten seconds the fellow had disappeared from view.
+
+The brakeman extended his hand to his companion.
+
+"I have wronged you," he said.
+
+"That's what I told you," replied Al, quietly, "but you wouldn't take my
+word for it."
+
+"I hope you'll accept my apology."
+
+"Of course I will; and you must accept your money back."
+
+And the boy handed his companion a ten-dollar bill.
+
+"I hope you don't feel hard toward me?" persisted the man.
+
+"Not at all," Al responded, readily. "You were very kind to offer me the
+money at the depot. I was a perfect stranger to you."
+
+"But I sized you up as a square lad."
+
+"It didn't take you long to change your mind, though."
+
+"You must admit that I had some reason to change it."
+
+"I do admit it. Appearances were very much against me, and if I had been
+in your place I should, very likely, have thought just what you did."
+
+"Nevertheless, I'm sorry I was so hasty. Now, see here, young fellow,
+I've taken a liking to you--honest, I have. I'd like to help you. Now, I
+have an idea that you are in some sort of trouble."
+
+"You are not far out of the way there," admitted the boy.
+
+"Of course, it's none of my business, and I'm not one of the sort that
+cares much about other people's affairs; but--but what is your trouble?
+I only ask, thinking that I may be able to help you in some way."
+
+Al hesitated, then said:
+
+"I need help badly enough, but I don't see what you could do. However, I
+will tell you why I am in New York."
+
+In a few words he told the story of his sister's abduction. When he
+explained why he had left the depot so suddenly his companion
+interrupted him.
+
+"Why," he cried, excitedly, "I saw the cab that you wanted to follow! I
+can tell you just where you can find its driver, too."
+
+"You can?"
+
+"Yes. As it happens, he is an old friend of mine, and there isn't much
+that he won't do for me. He drives for a stable up on Fifth Avenue, but
+he ought to be home by this time. I can get a good deal more information
+out of him than they would give you if you went up to the stables. Do
+you want to go round to his house with me now and see if he is in?"
+
+"Is it far from here?"
+
+"Not ten minutes' walk."
+
+"Let us go, then. But, perhaps, we ought to go to a police station
+first."
+
+"We shall pass one on our way there. Come on; I'll bet that you won't be
+sorry you met me."
+
+Within five minutes Al had given a description of his sister to the
+police, and an alarm was about to be sent out when he left the station.
+
+"Now, to see my friend, Tim Story," said the brakeman, "who, if I am not
+mistaken, will be able to give us as much information in five minutes as
+the police will gain in twenty-four hours."
+
+Tim Story's home proved to be a floor in a West-Side tenement. The
+cabman had just returned home, and did not seem to be in a very
+communicative mood. But in a few minutes Al's new friend had obtained
+information from him that gave the boy a new hope.
+
+"We have found her!" he exclaimed. "How can I thank you?"
+
+"Don't thank me yet," was the reply. "Remember the old saying, 'There's
+many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.' You have a dangerous job ahead
+of you, my boy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+HARD LUCK.
+
+
+Among the passengers that arrived at the Grand Central Depot by a train
+which reached the city about three hours before Al Allston's arrival,
+were a trio who attracted some attention from their fellow passengers;
+attention that was evidently unwelcome and annoying to at least two of
+the three.
+
+There were two women and a man. One of the women, slight and heavily
+veiled, was supported, almost carried, by her companions. She seemed to
+be very ill.
+
+As she was lifted from the car, one of the passengers, an elderly
+gentleman, overheard her say:
+
+"Where am I? Where are you taking me?"
+
+The gentleman stepped forward and asked:
+
+"Can I be of any assistance? The lady seems to be sick."
+
+His voice and manner showed very plainly that he suspected there was
+something wrong, but the two persons he addressed either did not notice
+this, or willfully ignored it.
+
+"You are very kind, sir," responded the male member of the party of
+which the apparent invalid was one. "The lady is ill, and we are anxious
+to get her to her home as soon as possible. Would you be kind enough to
+call a carriage for us? I would not ask this of a stranger had you not
+so kindly proffered your assistance."
+
+"I will do so with pleasure," replied the gentleman, evidently a little
+surprised at the manner in which his offer was received. "But may I ask
+what is the matter with the lady?"
+
+The man he addressed tapped his forehead significantly.
+
+"Brain disease?" questioned the gentleman.
+
+"Yes. Brought on by overwork at school. Poor girl! But we have hope that
+in a few weeks she will be herself again."
+
+"It is very sad."
+
+"Very; and now, sir, if you will kindly call the carriage for me, I
+shall be greatly indebted to you."
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+As the gentleman hurried away, the woman whom we have mentioned as the
+third member of the party, a tall, showy-looking brunette, said:
+
+"What's your game, Jack? Why did you send that old fellow for a
+carriage?"
+
+"It was the easiest way to get rid of him," was the reply. "Didn't you
+see that he was very suspicious?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"The way in which I accepted his offer took him off his guard, and,
+perhaps, saved us some trouble."
+
+"Hush! here he comes."
+
+"I see him. Don't say a word. Leave all to me."
+
+"I have found a very good coach for you," announced the old gentleman,
+hurrying toward them. "Come this way, please."
+
+Murmuring his thanks, Jack Farley, whom the reader has, perhaps, ere
+this, recognized, hurried toward the entrance, supporting the alleged
+invalid, who was now moaning piteously.
+
+A few moments later the three were ensconced in the carriage.
+
+"Where shall I tell the driver to go?" asked the gentleman.
+
+Farley gave an address.
+
+As the carriage started, Miss Hollingsworth asked:
+
+"Why did you give that address?"
+
+"You didn't suppose I was going to give the right one, did you?" said
+Farley, petulantly. "When we are out of sight of the depot I'll tell the
+driver where to go."
+
+As soon as the coach had turned a corner he leaned out of the window and
+called out:
+
+"Driver, I've changed my mind."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"Take us to this address."
+
+And he handed the man a card.
+
+"You think of everything," said Miss Hollingsworth.
+
+"I have to."
+
+"I was afraid that we were going to have some trouble with that old
+man."
+
+"So was I at first, but it turned out all right. I tell you, Olga, it
+takes a smart one to get the better of Jack Farley."
+
+Miss Hollingsworth gave a peculiar laugh.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" demanded Farley. "What have you got in your
+head now?"
+
+"Oh, nothing."
+
+"Yes, you have. What is the matter with you, anyway? Your whole manner
+to-night has been unnatural and peculiar."
+
+"That is only your imagination."
+
+"It is not. Olga, you are not thinking of rounding on me, are you?"
+
+"Of course not. What an idea!"
+
+"Because if you are, I warn you not to try it; if you do, I'll make you
+wish you had never been born."
+
+"Why should I round on you, as you put it? Are not our interests one? Am
+I not helping you in this affair? Am I not unquestioningly obeying you
+in everything? Jack, you are nervous and excited."
+
+"Well, I guess that's so. What I need is a bottle of fizz; and, as soon
+as I get the girl to your flat, I'll go down to Billy's and get it."
+
+"Don't do that," said Miss Hollingsworth, uneasily.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It is too late."
+
+"It's only a little after twelve o'clock."
+
+"But you will stay there gambling and drinking until morning, and I do
+not want to be left alone with this girl."
+
+"I shan't stay more than an hour or so; as for the girl, give her
+another dose of the stuff, and she'll be quiet enough."
+
+At this moment the carriage halted in front of a tall apartment house on
+a fashionable thoroughfare within a stone's throw of Fifth Avenue.
+
+Farley alighted first, carrying the unconscious girl, and was followed
+by Miss Hollingsworth.
+
+"Wait for me, driver," he ordered. "I shall need you again in a few
+minutes."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+Ten minutes later Farley emerged from the house.
+
+"Do you know Billy Rawlins' place?" he asked the cabman.
+
+It was a notorious gambling house, and the man knew it well, as did most
+of his fraternity.
+
+"Take me there, and wait for me."
+
+Twenty minutes later the resort of vice was reached. Farley entered, and
+did not emerge for more than an hour. When, at last, he did come out,
+his face was flushed with wine, and wore a look of disgust and anger.
+
+"That's the last time I'll ever set foot in that place," he said,
+addressing the sleepy driver. "I believe I've been hoodooed by some one.
+I never have any luck in Billy's nowadays, anyway."
+
+"Luck against you to-night, sir?" asked the cabman, sympathetically.
+
+"I should say luck was against me. I went in there with two hundred
+dollars, and all I have got left now is only a little more than enough
+to pay you."
+
+"Hard luck," commented the man, evidently relieved by the latter part of
+the sentence.
+
+"Home," ordered Farley, leaping into the carriage.
+
+As the vehicle passed the Grand Central Depot he happened to look out;
+it was at the precise moment when Al Alston handed the brakeman the
+pencil.
+
+"That boy here!" muttered Farley. "Well, he hasn't lost any time. I
+believe he is my evil genius. Somehow or other the sight of him sends a
+cold chill over me. I wonder if he saw me? I hope not. Pshaw! Why should
+I bother my head about the kid? I'll try to dismiss him from my mind for
+to-night."
+
+The task did not prove an easy one, however, though Farley stopped at
+two saloons on the way; when the carriage reached its destination his
+mind was still busy with the boy he hated.
+
+Having paid the driver with almost the last cent he possessed, he
+entered the house and ascended to the second story.
+
+Unlocking a door at the head of the stairs, he entered a plainly
+furnished flat.
+
+Miss Hollingsworth met him at the door. There was something in her face
+that he did not like, as she said:
+
+"Back at last, are you?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+A WOMAN'S VENGEANCE.
+
+
+Farley stared at her, scowling savagely, as he said:
+
+"What's the matter? Got one of your cranky fits? If so, you had best not
+worry me, for I'm in no mood for nonsense."
+
+"Neither am I," was the quiet reply. "But I am going to talk a little
+solid sense to you."
+
+"I won't listen to you. I'm tired, and want to sleep."
+
+"You will sleep soon, and soundly. Come into the drawing room."
+
+Farley followed her, asking:
+
+"How is the girl?"
+
+"Asleep, under the influence of another dose of the drug."
+
+"Good! Well, what have you to say?"
+
+And he threw himself into a chair.
+
+"I shall not detain you long. I see by your manner that you have lost
+again to-night."
+
+"Nearly every cent I had with me."
+
+"As usual."
+
+"I shall never enter Billy's place again."
+
+"No, I don't think you will."
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Farley, uneasily. "I don't understand you
+to-night, Olga."
+
+"Don't you? Well, I will try to make myself understood."
+
+"Go on, then, and be quick about it. I'm dead tired."
+
+"I have stood by you for five years, have I not, Jack Farley?" demanded
+the woman, fixing her large, dark eyes firmly on those of her companion.
+
+"Well, what of that?" growled the man. "It has been to your interest to
+do so, hasn't it? Have you ever had a decent engagement that I have not
+obtained for you? And haven't I stuck to you, too? See here, Olga, I am
+in no mood for recriminations this morning, and you may as well quit
+just where you are. I see you are going to have one of your tantrums;
+well, you can have it all by yourself."
+
+Farley rose to leave the room, but his companion placed herself between
+him and the door.
+
+"Wait," she said, in a strange, hard tone.
+
+"What's the matter with you to-night?" demanded Farley. "Have you gone
+crazy?"
+
+"Perhaps. At any rate, I will compel you to listen to me."
+
+"You will compel me?" sneered the man. "And how do you propose to do
+that?"
+
+"Do you see this?"
+
+And Miss Hollingsworth opened her hand, revealing a small cylindrical
+object.
+
+"What is it?" asked Farley, curiously.
+
+"Dynamite."
+
+The man recoiled.
+
+"You're joking, Olga."
+
+"I am not. There is enough of the explosive here to tear this house to
+pieces."
+
+"Where did you get it? What are you going to do with it?"
+
+"Never mind where I got it. As for what I am going to do with it, that
+you will learn very soon. Now, Jack Farley, will you listen to me?"
+
+"Yes, yes; but give me that stuff, Olga."
+
+"Sit down."
+
+Farley obeyed, with a very pale face.
+
+"Well, what is it?" he asked.
+
+"We are going to have a settlement at last. You no longer love me, Jack
+Farley."
+
+"Nonsense, Olga. You know----"
+
+"I know that I am speaking the truth. You have thought me merely the
+creature of your will; I have let you think so, I have borne your
+indignities patiently----"
+
+"What indignities?" interrupted Farley. "I don't know what you are
+talking about."
+
+"Was it not an indignity to almost force me to assist you in abducting
+my rival?"
+
+"Your rival! Nonsense!"
+
+"This girl has supplanted me in your affections."
+
+"This is folly. I only did what I have to revenge myself on that kid,
+Allston, the girl's brother."
+
+"It is a lie, and I know it. But all will soon be over now."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Just what I say, Jack Farley."
+
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"Explode this dynamite, and end all at once. Jack, in two minutes you,
+she and I will be in eternity!"
+
+"Are you stark, staring mad? Give me that stuff!"
+
+The woman laughed wildly.
+
+"No, the hour has come!" she cried.
+
+She lifted the cylinder above her head, with the evident intention of
+hurling it to the hard wood floor.
+
+But at that instant her arm was seized and the dynamite forced from her
+hand.
+
+"You have saved at least twenty lives!" gasped Farley, sinking, pale and
+trembling, into a chair.
+
+"Where is my sister?" demanded Al Allston--for the newcomer was
+he--paying no attention to his enemy's words.
+
+"She shall be restored to you," said Farley, who was thoroughly sobered
+by the shock.
+
+"She shall not," cried the woman. "She shall not leave this house
+alive!"
+
+It was plain to Al that Miss Hollingsworth was mentally deranged, and
+not wholly responsible for her conduct and words.
+
+"Where is she?" he repeated.
+
+"She is asleep in yonder room," said Farley, pointing to a door at the
+farther end of the drawing room. "Take her with you and go."
+
+The plotter seemed entirely unnerved; he was ready to surrender at once
+and without protest all that for which he had schemed so long.
+
+The boy advanced toward the apartment designated. Miss Hollingsworth
+made no attempt to detain him as he passed her; but there was a strange,
+meaning smile on her face, the significance of which our hero did not
+comprehend.
+
+He entered the adjoining room. His sister lay upon the bed, fully
+dressed and apparently asleep. He was about to lift her in his arms when
+there came from the other room a strange, wild peal of laughter. It was
+immediately followed by a terrific explosion.
+
+Al was thrown to the floor, half stunned by the shock.
+
+In a few moments he had risen. The wall separating the two rooms was
+partially destroyed; the drawing room was in flames, there was no
+possibility of escape in that direction.
+
+The boy rushed to the window and threw it open.
+
+An exclamation burst from his lips; there was a fire escape outside.
+
+He lifted the still unconscious girl in his arms, and a moment later he
+had begun the perilous descent of the frail iron ladder.
+
+It was made in safety; in a few moments Al had deposited the girl in a
+carriage which had been in waiting for him.
+
+By this time, early as was the hour, the street was thronged with
+people, attracted by the terrific explosion.
+
+The upper part of the house was in flames, the fire escape was now
+crowded, and the half-dressed tenants of the building were rushing out,
+panic-stricken, from the various exits.
+
+Al was fortunate enough to attract but little attention; five minutes
+later he and his sister were in a place of safety.
+
+His sudden appearance on the scene may be briefly explained.
+
+The hack driver, Tim Story, had given him the card which he had received
+from Farley, and Al had lost no time in going to the address given.
+
+In their excitement Farley and his companion had left the outer door of
+their flat unfastened, and the boy had been able to effect an entrance
+without difficulty. As had happened more than once before in his life,
+his natural energy and push had been supplemented by good luck.
+
+A physician, whom Al at once summoned, gave it as his opinion that
+Gladys was under the influence of an opiate, but that in all probability
+there was no danger of serious results from the adventure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+AND LAST.
+
+
+It was nearly ten o'clock that morning when the girl awoke from her
+stupor; and, to Al's intense relief, she seemed none the worse for her
+experience.
+
+All she could remember of the events of the previous night was that she
+had been forced to enter the carriage at the stage door of the Rockton
+Theater, and that as soon as she was inside the vehicle a handkerchief
+saturated with some drug--chloroform, she believed--had been pressed to
+her nostrils. Then she lost all consciousness of her surroundings.
+
+She had no recollection whatever of the journey to New York, or of any
+of the subsequent events.
+
+The afternoon papers contained exciting accounts of the explosion. Al
+had unreservedly given the police all the facts in the case; and in the
+hands of the reporters the story lost nothing.
+
+The building had been saved from total destruction by the efforts of the
+firemen, and it was known that no lives had been lost, except those of
+Miss Hollingsworth and Jack Farley; it seemed certain that they must
+have perished. It was found that the former had premeditated her
+horrible crime, and had prepared for emergencies; she had, on the
+previous day, supplied herself with no less than half a dozen of the
+dynamite cylinders, so that the loss of the one which Al had taken from
+her was no obstacle to the accomplishment of her plan.
+
+Once more Al was the hero of the hour. When he rejoined Mr. Wattles, two
+days after the events we have just related, he was met at the station by
+a crowd of citizens, who unhitched the horses from the carriage that was
+in waiting for him and his sister, and insisted upon dragging the
+vehicle to the hotel, much to the embarrassment of the two young people.
+
+Al suspected Mr. Wattles to be the instigator of this proceeding, and
+accused him of having incited the populace to behave as they had.
+
+"What is the matter with you?" the old gentleman asked. "Such a tribute
+of admiration would turn the head of almost anyone, but you kick about
+it."
+
+"Didn't you work up the demonstration?" persisted Al.
+
+"Suppose I did?"
+
+"Well, don't do it again."
+
+"I shan't have to. I've set the ball rolling, and the chances are that
+something of the sort will happen at every town we visit during the next
+two weeks."
+
+Al groaned.
+
+"I believe I'll throw up the job," he said, half in jest, and half in
+earnest.
+
+"Well, I believe you won't," said the manager, very much in earnest.
+"You're just the sort of agent I want. Why, you can't help having
+adventures and getting into the papers."
+
+"That sort of thing won't last forever."
+
+"I suppose not; but, when you cease to be a popular hero, I think I can
+trust to your good judgment and business ability to manage things. Throw
+up the job! I should say not! I couldn't get along without you. And,
+besides, if you left me, your sister would go, too."
+
+"That need not necessarily follow."
+
+"She would go; and I tell you I could not get along without her,
+either."
+
+Mr. Wattles always spoke of Miss March with an awkward, embarrassed air
+that puzzled Al.
+
+"But, of course," he continued, hastily, "you do not mean what you said.
+Remember, you promised me----"
+
+"I never went back on my word yet," interrupted Al, "and I shall not
+now. But I wish these public demonstrations would cease. They seem to me
+ridiculous, and they annoy me a good deal more than you seem to think."
+
+"Well, you are the queerest press agent I ever struck," said the
+manager. "However, I guess you won't be much bothered--after to-night."
+
+"Eh?" cried Al. "After to-night? What do you mean by that? What is to be
+done to-night?"
+
+"Oh, nothing in particular. I ought not to have mentioned it."
+
+"Yes, you ought. Come, out with it!"
+
+"Well, I suppose I may as well. The fact is, the citizens of this place
+have decided to----"
+
+"Not another speech-making affair at the theater?" interrupted the boy,
+in horrified accents.
+
+"Well," blurted out Mr. Wattles, "that's just it."
+
+"I shan't be here. You know I've got to go ahead to the next town this
+afternoon."
+
+"Oh, no, you haven't," smiled the old gentleman. "The fact is, the sale
+is so big that I have felt justified in canceling the next two towns,
+and we are to stay here the remainder of the week. There's no getting
+out of it, my boy; the thing has got to come off, and this time you will
+have to make a speech."
+
+At first Al would not hear of this, and declared that he would start for
+home. But he at last allowed his companion's eloquence to overcome his
+objections, and agreed to remain.
+
+How he dreaded the ordeal no one but he ever knew, but he made up his
+mind that, as he put it to himself, he would "see the thing through." He
+prepared a brief speech, which he memorized, and which he hoped to be
+able to deliver without breaking down.
+
+Evening came only too soon, and Al, arrayed in a new dress suit, awaited
+the inevitable call for his appearance. Everything had been "cut and
+dried," and he knew that there was no escape.
+
+At the end of the first act of the play there arose a shout, "Allston!
+Allston!"
+
+"Go on, my boy," said Mr. Wattles, who, with his protege stood upon the
+stage, just behind the curtain. "What are you trembling for? This ought
+to be the proudest moment of your life."
+
+With these words he fairly pushed the boy before the audience.
+
+Then arose a whirlwind of applause. When it had subsided, Al tried to
+begin his speech. But to his utter consternation, he found that he had
+forgotten every word of it.
+
+But he was not, after all, obliged to deliver it. As he stood, trying to
+remember at least one word of the carefully prepared effort, a man
+suddenly advanced from the rear of one of the proscenium boxes, leveled
+a pistol at the boy's head and fired.
+
+The bullet whistled past Al's ear, but did not graze it. The next moment
+the would-be assassin was struggling in the hands of the other occupants
+of the box. He managed to free himself; then came another report, and
+the next moment Jack Farley lay dead on the floor of the box, a suicide.
+
+How he had escaped from the doom with which he had been threatened on
+the previous night, how he had succeeded in entering the theater without
+attracting attention, will never be known.
+
+Al's speech was forgotten in the excitement, and he was not obliged to
+make it, after all.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In a few weeks Al ceased to be a popular idol, but he was daily learning
+new "points" and becoming more and more valuable to his employer; he was
+already recognized as one of the brightest advance agents on the road.
+
+One morning, about two months after the tragedy that we have just
+recorded, his sister came to him and said:
+
+"Al, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you grant it?"
+
+"I promise in advance," was the prompt reply.
+
+"Then congratulate me."
+
+"On what?"
+
+"I am going to be married."
+
+"Married!" gasped the boy. "To whom?"
+
+"To Mr. Wattles."
+
+"You're joking."
+
+"Indeed, I am not!"
+
+"Why, he is forty years your senior."
+
+"He is a good, true man, and I love him; that's enough for me."
+
+"Then it is enough for me, too, sister," was Al's quick reply, "and I do
+heartily congratulate you."
+
+We need add but a few words. The marriage proved a most happy one, and
+Mrs. Wattles--whose real name we should give, if we were permitted--is
+now one of the most popular actresses and most estimable ladies on the
+American stage.
+
+Al is now no longer an advance agent, but a manager. He is rapidly
+making a fortune; and, what is better, has earned a reputation for
+integrity and uprightness second to that of none in his business.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+The original edition of this book did not contain a table of
+contents. A table of contents has been created for this
+electronic edition.
+
+The following typographical errors in the original edition were
+corrected.
+
+In Chapter III, "would, perhaps, he a good scheme" was changed to
+"would, perhaps, be a good scheme", and "his eyes over s contents" was
+changed to "his eyes over its contents".
+
+In Chapter IV, "your prepartions for the performance" was changed to
+"your preparations for the performance".
+
+In Chapter VI, "his attention was atrracted by the sound" was changed to
+"his attention was attracted by the sound".
+
+In Chapter XI, "I want you take this" was changed to "I want you take to
+this".
+
+In Chapter XXVI, "Where are ye?" was changed to "Where are we?"
+
+In Chapter XXVIII, "the boy grasped his ccompanion's arm" was changed to
+"the boy grasped his companion's arm".
+
+
+
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