The herald., 1898-04-30
OUT OF PAWN

willie with his theatrical party he and they
were in hard luck.
The only hope OF Sam and the company
was that the one performance at Clayvile
would yield them enough to enable them
to square accounts and get on to Tipton
where they had contract for what is
known in theatrical parlance as "a cer-
tainty."
1t was soon apparent that this hope was
doomed to disappointment. The ClayIlle
people failed to be attracted by the attrac-
tion, the little theater was distressingly
empty and 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 1t was settled or
arranged" But they were not due in
Upton for two days and in the meantime
something might be done. In the mean
time, also. the bill would be getting bigger.
Sam Curley proceeded to cultivate the
acquaintance of Mr.. Hobson tho landlord,
who was disposed to be friendly. He was
! rather lonesome In his hotel, especially
during the absence of his son Andrew,
a young man. who was just then finishing
l
But when the manager mentioned his
lack Of money and expressed desire to
take his party and their baggage on to Tip
| ton, with the promise that he would settle
the bill in a few days. the stern hotel keep
| er declared that not a trunk should leave
| the house until the bill was paid.
Sam Curley kept his temper and set his
wits to work to find a way out of the scrape
| He sent his leading lady, known to the
public as Miss Emma Montague, on to
| Upton with the property man to see how
tle land lay there, and Hobson smiled
| grmly as he saw them depart without
| bit of baggage.
| She had scarcely had time to reach Tip
| ton when a telegram addressed to her
came to the hotel Sam Curley received it
| in the presence of landlord Hobson.
| II believe I had better open it," he said
| land if it proves to be of sufficient i'm
| portance 1 will forward it to her at Tip
| ton"
| Hardly had he torn the envelope open
when he uttered cry of amazement.
| 1T is from Tipton!" he exclaimed
II can't understand this. How did she
ever get acquainted with that youEg
man?'
What young man?' indifferenty 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 l
help to break fond fathers heart"
The landlord read. with a mist before
| his eyes, these startling words:
Come on at once without waiting for
time of performance here, and we will be
married tomorrow. Everything is ar
ranged. ANDREW HOBSON."
'She has gone there to meet him.
shrieked the landlord "She will marry
him and my boy will be lost to me. Mar
! ried to a strollng player, who must be at
least ten years older than he is.
at is all a mystery to me- answered
Curey. You must know that l sympa-
thize with you deeply or 1 would never
have shown you that telegram
BLESS you for that! The marriage
must be prevented and must go to Tip
ton at once. But Andrew is of age and is
| fearfully stubborn What shall do?"
II will go with you!" exclaimed Curley.
eat any sacrifice your home must be pro-
tected. have an influence with Miss Mon
tague that no other man possesses. and
will exert 1t to the utmost in your behalf.
/, and l alone, can turn her from her pur-
pose and persuade her not to marry your
SON."
"Bless you again! We will take the next
train"
But the rest of my company are here"
Suggested the manager. Il can't leave
them, and they can't go with me without
their baggage"
Take them along, baggage and all. Tell
them at once to get ready and be in a
hurry"
Sam Curley and his party lost no time in
packing their trunks, and Hobson himself
saw the precious baggage ratified on
wagon and hurried to the depot, where the
"Hit or Miss" comedy company took the
first train for Upton, accompanied by the
manager and the anxious landlord.
They went at once to the hotel at which
Miss Montague was stopping, where Cur
ley led his friend Hobson to a private room.
"You had better stay here little
while" he said. TRY to be calm and hope
for the best l will Immediately have a
private interview with the young lady, and
will use all my influence to persuade her
not to marry your son. Do not fear that
| shall fail. I am determined to protect
you III tHlS HldtlcI.
The landlord waited anxiously and i'm
patiently. At last the manager came in,
bringing his leading lady.
His face was radiant, wearing the flush
of success, and possibly of few drinks;
but Miss Montague was evidently op-
pressed by melancholy of the deepest de-
scription There were tears in her eyes as
she addressed Mr.. Hobson.
81 find myself in q painful position,
SIR she said, but everything must give
way to duty and to gratitude. Mr. Curley
has described your feelings to me, and has
| also told me of the great favor you have
done him in allowing him to bring his COM
! pany to Upton. L now assure you, sir,
most solemnly, that l will not marry your
| son. l never will speak to him after this
hour. I repeat it, sir; shall not marry
| your son."
| Hobson thanked her clumsily, and she
burst into tears and left the room.
| The landlord took the manager down to
his success, and several members of the
company who happened to be present
joined in the celebration.
"How was it, Mr.. Curley," inquired Hob
son, at the conclusion of this ceremony,
"that you had such great influence with
Miss Montague?"
| "She is my wife, briefly responded Sam,
! The next morning he saw his son and
was assured by that young man that he