The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1897-12-23

signs of lifting. And when he crent
down stairs again it was only to sit
staring vacantly through the hours.
And Christmas was close at hand-dear,
Joyous Christmas!
| .It's most strange" said the doctor
one day. 1--WE been thinking-what
mild excitement would be likely to rouse
| him?"
"Oh, the theater-the play" she an
swered mechanically.
"Then take him. Here. There's a
matinee advertised for tomorrow at the
Jollity-some new and wonderful drama
to be tried. The very thing!'
| Gilbert, never seeming to wonder
where the money came from, assented,
and accordingly that next day, Christ
mas eve, found them both seated in the
Jollity If this failed ..
The play commenced, but Marion her
self had not come to be thrilled. Hold
ing her husbands hand tightly, she sat
stealthily watching for Il sign OF dawn
ing comprehension. In vain. During the
first and second acts his expression re-
NAMED all but lifeless. Suddenly, how
sver, Marion almost cried out. His thin
fingers had been quivering Now, half
way through the last act, they closed
upon her own crushinSly. 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 inlplored: -.g
Try, try and keep calm dear! It's
nearly over. .
My plot-my play" he said. "You
you have let them steal my brains''
For the moment she was stupefied.
Then. Nonsense, dear, she whispered
back. 1t is safe y.
"My very Words he gasped. not
needing Let HE go. I've been rob-
bed, robbed! I'll shout it all over the
city!"
Then, indeed, she stared and tried to
realize the play, but he was struggling
past. There would be scene. So, hold
ing his hand still, she followed him out
into the corridor. Before she could pre-
vent it he had gripped all attendants
shoulder.
Your managerial Orce"' he breath
ed. Your manaSer! Ee repeated, as a
swell of applause drowned the man S
reply.
THE manager? In that box over
there. What name shall say?'
"Gilbert Hartley-Jhe author OF this
play"
They followed him round winding.
corridors and up to the door OF Il box
Two gentlemen were just emerging
laughingly when the white faced man
and whittier faced woman barred their
way.
mot yet! demand" said Gilbert,
pointing 1.-The identity Of the man who
writes himself the author of that play"
why" said one coolly, IL happen
to be the author. Anything amiss?'
"You!" Hartley, looking like one
just risen from the grave. put out two
working hands. Come here! Look me
in the face. | wrote it--almost as it
stands. If my manuscript is gone, you
have stolen it.
The finale was at hand. The audi-
ence. little dreaming of that side drama,
sat spellbound Then--then a crazy,
unmistakable cheering rose to the roof.
Author! Authorn' went up. The
situation was critical. the manager stu
petied.
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 a man who
claimed to have produced it. There is
nothing discreditable''-s &. 80
His name?''
81 cannot give it. He was here
just now. Prove that he stole it. and l
am willing to divide alp
The cries for Author" were growing
deafening, when Marion gave that little
scream of realization and said:
He was here-Giibert, look-Main.
waring! He came for his money that
day! He stole the papers for spite,
thinking you might never know! Deny
that name if you cant she finished
breathlessly, staring into the other
man s eyes.
Madam, l can't" Swallowing
lump. he aripped Hartley hand. ''Sir,
my reputation is at stake. l must ap-
pear with you as joint author. but l
promise you two thirds Of all royalties. "
The audience was upon its feet, star
ing about in wOnderment when the cur