The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1885-12-24
OUT OF PAWN.

When Sam Curley, the manager of the
"Hit or Miss Comedy company, reached
Clayville with his theatrical party he and
they were in hard luck. The concern had
made more misses than hits, and the
money chest was reduced nearly to its
last dollar The only hope of Sam and
the company was that the one perform
ance at Clayville would yield them
enough to enable them to square ac-
counts and get on to Upton, where they
had a contract for what is known in
theatrical parlance as "a certainty" 1t
was soon apparent that this hope was
doomed to disappointment, and 1t was
indeed most wofully disappointed. The
Clayville people failed to be attracted by
the attraction; the little theater was dis
tressingly empty, md the receipts were
lamentably small. There was Just about
enough money in the concern to pay the
way of the party to Upton, but nothing
beyond that to settle the hotel bill. and
they knew well that their trunks would
be held until it was settled or arranged" "
Tut they were not due in Upton for two
davs-tleir dates having been clumsi-
" made-and in the meantime some
thing mioSt be done. In the meantime,
also. the bill would be getting bigger.
Sam Curley rut bold face on the
matter, and proce eded TO cultivate the
acouaintance of Mr.. Hobson, the land
lord. who was disposed to be friendly,
though he had iron-clad ideas II his own
concerning play actors. He was
rather lonesome in his hotel, especially
during the absence of his son Andrew, a
Young man who was just then finishing
his course at the Upton college. 1t ap-
neared that Andrew was the old man S
iov and hope and pride. and he loved 10
talk about him. But when the manager
mentioned his lack of money, ana eX,
pressed desire TO take his party ana
their baggage to Upton, with the prom
iae that he would settle the bill III few
davs. the stern hotel-keeper became
sterner than ever and solemnly declared
that NOT n trunk should leave the house
until the bill was paid. In vain did Cur
ley enlarge upon the certainty 'ha'
awaited him at Tiptcn, and his ability to
meet the claim if he cou.i I'LL ns en-
gagement in that town. The ultimafnm
of the obdurate Hobson remal2ed I'M
changed.
kept his temper and set his wits to work
to find way out of the scrape. He sent
his leading lady, known to the public as
Miss Emma Montague, on to Upton
with his property man to see how the
land lay there, and Hobson smiled grim
" as he saw them depart without bit
of baggage. She had scarcely had time
to reach Upton when telegram adj
dressed to her came to the hotel. Sam
ual had received it in the presence of
Landlord Hobson.
Il believe had better open il" he
said, land if it proves to be of sufficient
Importance | will forward it to her at
Upton"
Hardly had he torn open the envelope
when he uttered a cry of amazement.
at is from Tiptonr' he exclaimed. y
can't understand this. How did she
ever get acquainted with that young
man?"
What young man?" indifferently in
quired Hobson.
Your son, Andrew Hobson."
My son?'
Yes This telegram is from him.
Take it and read it. l can't uphold her
in that sort of thing. Not for worlds
would | break fond fathers heart"
The landlord read, with mist before
his eyes, these startling words:
Come at once without waiting for time of
performance here. and we will be married to
Andrew Hobson.
''She has gone there to meet him"
shrieked the landlord. 'She will marry
him. and my boy win be lost to me.
Married to u strolling player, who must
be ut least ten years older than he Is.
This is terrible. How did it happen?
Where did he meet her?"
1T is all mystery TO me. answered
Curiey. You must know that | sympa-
thizc with you deeply, or would never
have shown you that telegram.
BLESS YOU for that The marriage
must be prevented, and l must go to
Upton at once. But Andrew is OF age,
and is fearfully stubborn. What shall l
do?n
Il viii 90 with you." exclaimed Cur
lev. AT any sacrifice your home must
be protected. | have an Influence with
Miss Montague that no other man pos
sesses, and will exert il to the utmost
in your behalf. |. and / alone, can turn
her from her purpose and persuade her
not TO marry your son.
s.Bless YOU again. We will take the
next train"
But the rest of the company are
here, " suggested the manager II can t
leaye them anu they can't go with me
without iheir baggage"
'.TaSe them along, baggage and all.