The Press., 1900-08-16
WHO WAS HE?

For two weeks we had been playing
to crowded houses. The fame Of our
particular star had preceded us to the
Pacific coast, and the welcome we re-
ceived was very enthusiastic, melting
the company to greater exertions and
deeper interest in the noble profess
sion they had chosen.
"For heavens sake, Graham, don't
sell another ticketr' was the message
sent up one night to the manager.
every seat is filed, and there is no
standing ROOM"
was about to close the Office when
a voice from the crowd attracted my
attention. A tall, strange looking man
was making his way toward me. His
face was strikingly intelligent, but
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 and
jammed, never saw equaled. AS he
pushed his way through the crowd,
needless of the angry words and looks
that greeted him on every side, I no.
ticed that one sleeve hung empty at
his side. The way he used the whole
arm, however, convinced me that it
was abundantly able to do duty for
both.
ST beg a favor of you," said he. 81
want to enter the theater for just a mo-
ment. l care nothing for the play. but
1 must see Miss Una Howard"
81 am sorry, but Miss Howard can
not give you audience until tomorrow"
'No, sir. do not wish to speak to
her. I only want to see her-to look
at her."
"And even that l cannot grant. Here
are scores of people all about you
whom I have refused within the last
ten minutes. l 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 l threw up the sash.
Cant go in nowP he asked eager
~.
"You are entitled to the first ticket,
sir. One dollar"
81 have no money" he replied, in a
whisper, "but 1 must see Una. Will
you give me ticket?'
l could not. The rules Of the COM
pany forbade, and, giving a firm yet
kind negative, 1 turned my attention
to the eager crowd and soon forgot
him.
When at last 1 had moments res
pite, 1 met his deep, black eyes once
more.
81 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 II have walked 300 miles to
see her, and I must"
He waited for my answer, but 1
could only disappoint him. There were
at least a 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 must see Una. Will
you be SO kind as to wait one-half
hourY
cheerfully promised, and 1 think If
I had waited but a moment longer I
should have given him a 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 a 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 I sat
there gazing at Una Howard.
And, with the rest, worshiped her,
but without single ray of hope.
When I 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 1 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 giant the one armed ma I dashed
aside everything in his way and, leap.
ing upon the stage, caught the faint.
ing woman in his arms and snatched
her away Just as the flame began to
lick up her light drapery.
''Oh, Una, Una, 1 have saved your he
cried, frantically kissing her pale lips
Look upon me, Una, once more-only
, once more, and then l am gone for.
eyerw
"Silence!' said rough looking man
who had just. come upon the scene, al
the same time firmly grasping the only
arm the poor man had. "Come with
me, my manv
Easily as one could shake off the
grasp of babe did the strange being
shake off the grasp Of the officer.
"Touch me notw he exclaimed fierce.
ly. II took the money-stole it, If you
willard will go with you soon! But
not now. Stand of, or I'll fling you of
the stage"