The bee. (Earlington, Ky.) 1889-19??, 1897-12-23

where the money came from, assented,
and accordingly that next day, Christ
mas eve, found them both seated in the
Jollity II this failed
The play commenced, but Marion her.
self had not come to be thrilled. Hold.
ing her hush nd's hand tightly, she sat
stealthily watching for sign of dawn
ing comprehension In vain. During the
first and second acts his expression re-
manned all but lifeless. Suddenly, how
ever. Marion almost cried out His thin
fingers had been quivering Now, half
way through the last act, they closed
upon her own crushingly. The lights
were low, but she could see his eyes di-
lating. Only too thankful that every
one appeared engrossed by the play, she
whisperingly implored;
TRY. try and keep calm dear! It's
nearly over. "
my plot--my playr he said You
You have let them steal my brains!"
For the moment she was stupefied.
Then, Nonsense, dear, she whispered
back. at is safe.
my very words" he gasped, not
needing. LET me 60 I've been rob-
bed. robbed I'll shout it all over the
ethyl"
Then, indeed, she stared and tried to
realize the play. but he was struggling
past There would be a scene. So, hold
ing his hand still, she followed him out
into the corridor. Before she could pre-
vent 1t he had gripped an attendants
shoulder
"Your managerial once I" he breath
ed. Your managerp he repeated. as q
swell Of applause drowned the mans
reply.
1.-The manager? In that box over
there. What name shall say?"
colbert Hartley-the author of this
playr'
They followed him round winding
corridors and up to tho door of box.
Two gentlemen were Just emerging
laughingly when tho white faced man
and whittier faced woman barred their
way.
mot yeti demand, said Gilbert,
pointing, 1.-THE identity of the man who
writes himself tho author of that play. T"
why" said one ooolly. II happen
to DO the author. Anything amiss?"
"YouI' Hartley. looking like one
Just risen from the grave, put out two
working hands. "Come herei Look mo
In the face. wrote it-almost as It
stands. II my manuscript is gone, you
have stolen IL"
The finale was at hand. Tho audi.
ence, little dreaming OF that side drama,
sat spellbound Then-then a crazy.
unmistakable cheering rose TO tho roof
"Authorl Authorl" went up. The
situation was critical. the manager stu
pefed.
The "author," with Marion's wide,
pleading eyes upon him. hesitated.
Then he blurted out:
mo fraud at ALL bought that man
uscript In crude state from man who
claimed to have produced it. There is
nothing discreditable"-
His naine?''
Ill cannot give 1t. He was here
just now. Prove that he stole it, and /
am willing 20 divide alp
The cries for Author" were growing
deafening. when Marion gave that little
scream Of realization and said:
HE was here-Gilbert. look-Main-
waringl He came for his money that
day He stole the papers for spite,
thinking you might never knowl Deny
that name IL you cant" she finished
breathlessly. staring into the other
mans eyes
Madam. can't" Swallowing a
lump. he gripped Hartley's hand. "Sir.
my reputation is at stake. 1 must APP
pear with you as joint author, but
promise you two-thirds of all royalties.
The audience was upon its feet, Etar-
ing about in wonderment when the cur