The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1900-09-04
WHO WAS HE?


Pacific coast. and the welcome we re
ceived was very enthusiastic, melting
the company to greater exertions ant
a deeper interest in the noble profes
sion they had chosen.
"For heavens sake, Graham, dom
sell another ticketp' was the message
sent up one night to the manager
'Every seat is filed, and there is NJ
standing ROOM"
/ was about to close the Office wheI
a voice from the crowd attracted my
attention A tall, strange looking mai
was making his way toward me. His
face was strikingly intelligent bu
there was a look of sorrow and care
that was quite affecting. His clothes
once fashionably cut and of good ma
terial, were now patched and thread
bare, while his hat, all dusty anC
jammed, l never saw equaled. AS he
pushed his way through the crowd
needless of the angry words and looks
that greeted him on every side, l no
ticed that one sleeve hung empty a
his side The way he used the whole
arm, however, convinced me that i
was abundantly able to do duty fol
both.
81 beg a favor Of you," said he. 81
want to enter the theater for just mo
ment. l care nothing for the play, but
1 must see Miss Una Howard"
'T am sorry, but Miss Howard can
not give you audience until tomorrow
mo, sir. l do not wish to speak tt
her. I only want to see her-to lool
at her."
"And even that cannot grant. Here
are scores Of people all about you
whom / have refused within the last
ten minutes. 1 cannot issue another
ticket tonight. Come tomorrow even
ing"
He looked around him and then lean
ed toward me as If to speak; but, seem
ing to suddenly change his mind, he
turned abruptly away and was soon
lost to sight.
The following evening his pale, care
worn face was the first that met me
when 1 threw up the sash.
"Can't go in nowW he asked eager
~.
"You are entitled to the first ticket
sir. One dollar"
IT have no money" he replied, In a
whisper, 'but must see Una. VIII
you give me ticket?"
l could not The rules Of the com.
pany forbade, and, giving firm YET
kind negative, turned my attention
to the eager crowd and soon forgot
him.
When at last had moments res
pite, 1 met his deep, black eyes once
more.
"I must see Una," said he. Cannot
you for once depart from your custom
I am poor, as you may see," and he
pointed almost contemptuously at his
apparel. 81 have walked 300 miles to
see her, and l must"
He waited for my answer, but
could only disappoint him. There were
at least score of persons who asked
me the same and now stood waiting
for my answer to him.
81 cannot blame you," said he sor-
rowfully, "but I must see Una. VIII
you be so kind as to wait one-half
hourY
l cheerfully promised, and l think IL
l had waited but moment longer
should have given him ticket, re-
CARELESS of the displeasure of former
applicants.
He returned sooner than he promis-
ed. All breathless with haste, his hat
gone and the empty sleeve torn away,
he pushed his way to The delivery.
Without word he threw a half eagle
upon the board and, snatching ticket,
was off before l could pass him the
change. Wondering what this strange
man could know or want of the peer
less Una Howard, l closed the office
and entered the theater.
This was the happiest hour to me of
the whole "a. Night after night ! sat
there gazing at Una Howard.
And, with the rest, worshiped her,
but without q single ray of hope.
When l entered, Una had just come
upon the stage. and the applause that
greeted her was still echoing through
the hall. With exquisite grace she ac-
knowledged the tribute and bent her
beautiful head as the showers of fra
grant flowers and costly presents fell
at her feet.
She raised her eyes, and | was star
tied by the change that came over her
face. Her gaze was riveted upon some
object directly in front. There stood
the one armed man, his tall form tow
ering far above the rest, his long
scanty, unkempt hair falling about his
shoulders; his burning, devouring eyes
looking full upon Una.
Whittier and whittier grew Una. With
faint cry she tottered and fell toward
the blazing lights. With the strength
Of a giant the one armed man dashed
aside everything In his way and, leap
ing upon the stage, caught the faint
ing woman in his arms and snatchet
her away just as the fame began tt
lick up her light drapery.
"Oh, Una, Una, have saved your HI
cried, frantically kissing her pale lips
Look upon me, Una, once more-onl.
once more, and then l am gone for
everw
"Silencev' said q rough looking maj
who had Just come upon the scene, a
the same time firmly grasping the onl.
arm the poor man had. Come will
me, my manW
Easily as one could shake off tn,
grasp of q babe did the strange beini
shake off the grasp Of the officer.
"Touch me notp' he exclaimed fierce
ly. 81 took the money-stole it, if yo'
willard / will go with you soon! Blu
not now. Stand off, or I'll fling you of
the stage!"
He kneeled by the side of the uncon
scious Una and In the most implorinl
accents entreated her to look upon hin
''just once more" His prayer was an
swered. The beautiful eyes opened
and a smile of recognition playet
about her lips.
With cry of joy the strange NAL
arose to his feet.
"There, SIR, constable, am ready
Do with me as you like. l stole tn
money that l might see her, and nov
l care not what comes next. Come
sir, / am harmless now"
Una had now recovered, and as tn
officer and the prisoner passed off tn
stage she whispered to me, "Folloy
them, and release that man at an.
cost"
| FASTENED to do her bidding. A purs
of gold opened the officers heart ant
hand, and the man was free.
Tell Una l thank her." said hf