Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1893-11-17
Christian eIiina
A Thrilling Romance OF
Land and Sea.
BY ARRAH LEIGH.

CHAPTER III.
IN DEADLY PERIL.
There was large placard on the board
fence on Third avenue, near the City Hall,
announcing to the public:
The child-actress, Miss CHRISTIAN VER1sA will
appear for the first time on any stage, on
in her Great Play, written ex-
"THE Boy HUNTER!'
short, thin man came down the stems
of the elevated railroad and paused to
read the bill.
He smiled as be did SO. but the smile
only caused his thick lips to look more
cruel than usual; and his ewes. eddish-
yellow eyes that twinkled like those of a
serpent, mallciously stared forth beneath
narrow, receding forehead,
AS he turned and went up the street to-
ward Broadway there was something in
his movements which reminded one of the
undulating motion of snake.
Griffith Byrne was very unlike his broth
er Kenneth.
One man sought to wreak out his con.
temptible, petty revenge by stabbing his
enemies In the back and wounding those
incapable of self-defense. The other had
deadly foes who knew in time of misfor-
tune his hand would be extended to assist
them from the pit of despair
They were wealthy younp fellows, men,
bers of tho first society" widowed
mother allowed them many liberties, and
they had invested some of her large for
tune in the theater where, the bill had
informed Griffith, Mademoise Verina
was to take the leading role the next week
and the last day of this.
There was very sullen look on his thin
countenan as he hailed stage going up
Broadway and entered it. Sinking in a
corner he looked modify out at the pass
ers and muttered:
Il don't see how it happens that Kinsey
let the girl have the building? Can it be
she paid for it right down, and if so,
where did she get the money? suppose
this idea of starring had possession of
her when she refused my offer of affec-
ton. Well, if there is any such thing as
making her a failure, will do it. I'll
buy up every paper l can and see if my
pretty, naughty young lady will make
debut that will promise her a future of
Lolita, Or Maggie Mitchell. She will be
glad to accept position as my love, un-
less mistake my power: The idea of her
"a little unknown misunderstanding
to marry me. It is worse than Olga
Astange's slight"
He ground his long, pointed teeth to-
gether (somehow they reminded one of
the fangs Of wolff. and presently
alighted from the noisy vehicle, and
wound his way toward his theater
1t was the hour for morning rehea rsal,
and the back of the theater was widely
confused.
On the stage, acting part, was a
young girl, with sweet, bright face, and
cheeks flushed with youth and excite
ment.
A lovely little creature with soft, vel
low hair, and innocent blue eyes, and
frail, supple figure.
A girl who should have been tenderly
nurtured from the rude blast of ad-
versity, from the hard hand of poverty.
Not the woman to wrest fortune from
the cruel tyrant Fate; not the girl to de-
mand assistance and kindness from her
fellow creatures; not one to gain admira-
ton by display; but rather by meekness
and humility to allow the world to crush
her feeble spirit, and tear from her grasp
all she might earn.
Such females place was at home.
where loving hearts could protect her
from slight, where hearts would appre.
ciate and contend against her hourly self
sacrifice of self to others comfort; but
poverty had drawn her forth from the
security of the home circle, and the aris-
tocratic, feeble, selfish mother, who had
put all the burden of life on this young
creature, wept because the girl could not
do more to make her comfortable than
she had already accomplished
The cheerful, loving, generous child
thought this natural and right. Hers was
the character to feel 1T is more blessed |
to give than to receive"
And it was on this child Griffith Byrne |
glared from wing of the theater till a |
hand fell on his shoulder, and he saw the |
stood beside him. Griffiths |
sister had made a mistake in marrying
out of her own position, and this man |
was her husband, Mr.. Kinsey.
We'll, Griff, what are you thinking |
about?" he asked, familiarly.
Il was just thinking it remarkably |
strange that Miss Verina, who few weeks |
ago was acting minor parts here, should |
now be able to buy play, written ex-
pressly for her, and to hire this tkeatcr
for week to star in. Can You explain |
the mystery"
Yes; she is young. and displays re-
mark able talent. SO BARLEY let her have |
his old play for n song, to be paid after
It gets running, and have loaned her tbs |
theater till Saturday night week hence,
when she is to deliver up the receipts to |
me. You see, il is dull time of year.
and !. thought l might as we'll do kind |
hing and get the advertisement.
But it is not business like. do not