The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-01
PLAYwfsIGHT's LONG CHASE.
swede Has Followed Charles Froh-
man twice Across Ocean.
New York Sul.


One Of the passengers on a transatlantic
steamer that; sailed from this port last
spring was a grave young Swede, who
spoke 10 few OF his fellow travellers ana
was seemingly absorbed in his own
thoughts.
He was seated at a table occupied chiefly
by company OF well-known New Workers
on their way TO Europe. Among them
were Charles FrOhman and Paul Potter
The young man was just as much occupied
IN his thoughts at the table as elsewhere
and FOR several days he paid no attention
TO the members OF the party and made no
attempt 10 know them.
After the steamer had been two days out
Paul Potter. the dramatist. was standing
on the deck watching a game of shuttle
board When Il was concluded the strang-
er. who was few feet from him, advanced
and asked II he would not like 10 play a
game with him. Mr.. Potter assented and
for half an hour they were absorbed in the
game.
When they finished and the Young man
started TO walk along the deck with Mr.
Potter he seemed anxious to make some
kind Of confidence TO him. He was visibly
embarrassed. but after a while his story
II should be explained that he was man
or tile and apparently OF wealth sufficient
for his needs. lie started his story slowly
but all the details came after awhile
I have written q play" he said "and
have TRANSLATED IL into English When 1
read Il TO INF manager of the theater in
Stockholm he Nold me that he thought that
II was great 'play; too great indeed. To be
done at his theater or I'm any country so
small as SweTen or any city so small as
stockholm. Ht. said that SO great a play as
mine was w:rld play and should be acted
II metTopoSs and produced by a world
manager. He BOLD me 10 make a transla-
ton OF the plaiy into English and take il 10
Charles Frohr.an in London.
Il went 20 london and tried I'm vain 70
zee Mr.. FrOhuian. I was at his hotel and at
MS oihce- ] sent up my card but OF course
the name or COUNT y suggested nothing to
NJ trohmant Then he left London and |
knew that II E wanted 10 see him. Ii would
be necessary for me 70 come 10 New York
Il had been SOr two months trying to see
the manager and j thought might as well
make the efcrt complete by coming here
and putting in;two months more. I thought
that 1 would thave less troAble in getting
access 10 him lin New York where he was
not likely 20 - so much occupied as ne was
IN London So. followed him over in the
next ship.
When / gotito New York began calling
ssaln on Mr.. -Frohman- / went TO his Of
ice and 20 his. hotel. But he was not TO be
seen.
Il made the acquaintance of persons who
knew him: but that Gid not seem TO get me
any nearer 10 che manager. 1 spent a win
ter trying 10 get an Interview and sue
ceeded so little that when 1 sat down at the
table. i did not know which OF the men
about me was the manager
Il am not on this steamer now for any
other purpose than 10 see AIr. FrOh~lan. /
want 20 get a chance 10 speak 10 hin and
see II he will allow me 10 read my play 10
him. don't want anything else than his
promise 20 read II. for / am certain that he
will accept IL 80 soon he knows what IL
4. have not had the courage 10 speak TO
him as yet; but want 10 ask you 10 help
me IL you can"
He told Mr. Potter that ne had left his
wife IA this city and was coming back on
the return trip OF the steamer Then he
unfoiced TO hiIt the weirdest and most IN