The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1897-08-07

the play to come so continually"
"Not so indeed, - said the other, with
an impatient sigh. "It may appear
strange when / say do not like the
play, and think it an ignoble occupa-
ton for man to make fools laugh at
so much week. Each man to his taste. -
II am sorry" said Peter--and indeed
he was--"that we may not ask strangers
behind the scenes, but SO it is, for you
might like to see how curiously dull is
the seamy side of a players life. But
may we not meet again?'' he asked i'm
pulsively.
Peters subdued earnestness was more
than fattering, and he was a handsome,
sunny eyed lad in spite of his dandyism.
After moments thought the stranger
| took his hand.
Let it be SO, young lad. Tomorrow,
then, at 8 o'clock at the Kings Arms"
he said
"Tbank you, sir, and very good
morning to you," said Peter, with his
best stage bow. He retraced his steps,
very well pleased with himself and
with the world in general.
Success attends me-" he thought
snow will he turn out a hero? He is a
proper man indeed, and with no COM
mon history, I'll be bound"
That night the stranger was again at
the playhouse, and the next evening at
the appointed time Peter walked up the
street leading to the Kings Arms, q
coffee house patronized by the patrician
class. He had taken particular pains
with his toilet. His wig. neatly comb
ed and curled, was tied with new rib
bon. He had also sewed fresh ruff1es
around the frayed edges of his sleeves
and turned the silver hatband best side
out.
1t was quite dark, and the lanterns
suspended from the houses were being
lit along the narrow up hill streets He
quickened his steps as he neared the
coffee house, for he saw the familiar fig
ure i'll the long cloak and scallop hat
standing in the gray moonlight, the
white turbaned Hindoo erect and tire
less by his side.
As they pushed open the two leaved
door and entered, CHEEKY scene greeted
them. Small, social looking tables and
benches were scattered about the bare
ly furnished room. A large fire of res
inous logs burned in the tiled fireplace,
throwing a dazzling light upon the
sanded floor. Near it stood the glisten-
ing coffee and tea pots. Men were gath
cred in laughing groups about bar in
one corner, drinking ale from long
mugs. Others sat reading or confden-
TALLY conversing at the different tables
One of his majesty's players near the
fire was singing a catch, which few
of the merriest gentlemen appreciative-
iy appiauded:
"Hey, nonny mol
Men are fools that wish to die.
Is't not fine to dance and sing
When the bells of death do ringf
1s't not fine to swim in wine
And turn upon the toe
And sing, hey, nonny no,
When the winds blow and the seas how1
Hey, nonny nol'
Passing slowly between the scattered
groups, Peter noticed his new friend
looking into the face of every man with
the quiet, intent eagerness he had no
ticed before, and he wondered what ii
could mean. His gaze was too meas
ured, too direct, to be accidental and
some of the men who encountered it
lifted their brows, looked curiously aft
er him and fell to whispering with one
another.
''Let us sit in yonder dim corner and
have dish of coffee together, said the
stranger, throwing back his long cloak
and taking the seat which faced the
door,
J The Hindoo stood behind him, his
arms folded on his breast and his som.
ber, unreadable eyes fixed patiently
ahead. Peter glanced at him once, and
, cold feeling of apprehension stole over
him. For whom was he waiting? For
whom was his master looking? What
was the secret they guarded in commoni
Nov, l pray you, tell me your
, name. 1t is meet we should know some.
: thing of each other" said the stranger.
My name is Peter Ricket."
And your age?" continued the other,
} looking dreamily at him as the serving
man placed the coffee before them
II was 18 on last Twelfth Night"
"Do you never grow weary of play.
, er's life?''
In faith do, sir. / would rather be
a gentleman said Peter laughingly
We'll, and you can. / like you. be.
lieve in you. need secretary ON my
: estate. to which I return shortly. Come
and be also my friend" said the
stranger, laying his white, scholarly
hand on Peters and smiling into the
! lads astonished face.
'Ah, SIR" said Peter warmly, 81
would desire it above all things, but
my learning is small. command ri
diculous penmanship.
What matters that:" asked the
stranger and then continued with &
new earnestness: Upon the stage your
face and voice attracted me from tn,
first. Something in your personality ap
5 peals to me powerfully. You are 81
glad, SO young. so like what once was
{ Your smile awakens memories of my
8 own boyhood, when l, too, was happy
Say, is't bargain?'
: With all my heart" cried Peter
t grasping his hand. ~ am alone in the
world. Oh, sir, if you need a friend,
Q trebly need one. And to travell Did yor
, say indeed we were to travel?'
0 Aye, indeed"
t And where?" leaning his elbows Oh
8 the table and fastening his dancing eye
a on the others face "To Paris? Ecod,
s do so love the French!"
e "Assuredlv to Paris. And now le