The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-10-22
DeadwOOd
Charles II. Day

Eazselz1sAEsEsSHscus55IzIEs
Copyright, 1905. by Daily story Pub. Coz
DRYANT thought it quite funny
ID wlen he put at the top of
has letterhaads a stipulation in regard
10 the size of performers dressing
room and hotel trunks and the condi-
tiOus. Trunks at hotels twice
week. No dogs or guns carried. No
deadwood permitted" In spite of
Bryant's rule and resolution he did
have 70 carry some deadwood. and it
came about through the necessity of
engaging an equestrienne.
Bryant had no standing in the circus
business and was despised by artists
and managers alike. Stolid and mer-
cenary. he had cuticle like a rhinoc-
eros and when the comments of others
reached his ears he laughed al the I'M
complimentary criticisms, when man
OF timer feelings would have blushed
for very shame.
one spring Bryant found himself at
a very ia-e day minus that all impor-
taut feature. a lady rider as already
stated Several had applied, been
turned down and put off, or, better
said biutfad in the standard Bryant
way. Now that the man was in
pinch h did not advertise or confde
his imperative necessity to his agents,
BIZ, dogsediy declared obtusely:
The saow will go out, rider or no
rider
CTe afternoon he had a caller 1t
vas flora Eryine, a rider Of repute and
physical charms and to the managers
astonishnent ner mission was to Sc
cure an engagement
Il thDgsht you was engaged" said
Bryant, as soon as the visitor made
known her errand.
Il cancelled was the reply.
"Boaause?"
BHCaGse | am married"
oh hO." exclaimed Bryant, mis-
trusting the reason of the cancella-
ton, is your husband in the bust
ness"
Jha 2lUe3trienne bit her lip before
she answered, hesitated while Bryant
looked upon her with something be-
tween glare and a grin:
My husband is not in the bust
ness
Il thought as much" blurted Bryant,
C13rsely, and then he quickly recov-
cred himself and remarked apologet-
ically: Excuse me-"
An awkward pause followed the Wis
itor quietly breaking the ice anew
Il learned that you were without a
rider and thought l would call"
The manager cut her off with the
blunt statement:
Il don't carry any deadwood with
my trick, I don't"
"DeadwOod.' repeated the eques-
trienDs
Yes" drawled the manager.
"Dead-wood, deadwood," With that
he pushed , letterhead into his callers
hands. with his finger indicating the
conditions.
Then might as well be going"
observed the equestrienne By the
time that she had gained her feet he
had interpOSed a request for her to
remain:
Wait a leetle.'
Bryant was not fool enough to throw
away last chance, and he fastened to
say. with an effort to conciliate:
'P'raDs We might make a dcker an
include. the-the-er your husband;
that is, if you make the figure right
(Foxy Bryant never lost sight of the
doilar) Twould lie nard TO spoil your
honeymoon. wouldn't it? la. hal
Ohe visitor smiled noO. Bryant
Iesred and chuckled. I'm a widower
you knox. but l never dreamt that
You han an idea of matrimony."
The visitor looked grave and Offend
ed, whereat the manager ceased his
distasteful banter and proceeded to
business. deal was made. and il is
scarcely necessary to state that Bryant
took considerable advantage of the
situation AS the equestrienne was de-
parting with her contract the manager
remarked:
~ hope that while your husband is
with the show he will pick up some
thing Of the trade and not be excess
baggage all the season"
When Milton Folsom came on with
his wife FOR rehearsals be got the cold
shoulder both from the manager and
the performers. Even the animal
kee9ers. grooms. canvasmen and
razorbacks pointed him out as Flora
Err;ne's deadwood The performers
were especially severe in their com
moh s. Said the first singing clown,
ths oracle Of the dressing room:
why the chappie don't know
enough to even keep up her horses"
Or groom them added gr0tesque
who always confirmed the oracles
opiaions.