The Washburn leader., 1907-03-15

early rehearsals," he laughed. There
was one afternoon when st. Elmo got
so excited at the way one of the stupid
girls behaved that had to jump in
and catch his arm to keep him from
striking her. He's genius, but his
temper is something awful It's no
worse, though. than with some Of the
big companies"
II don't think shall want any of It,"
she shuddered. ut has cured me CON-
pletely of my desire to go on the
stage"
"Do you think you could settle down
to being just Mrs. Tom seaton?" he
pleaded. II want you so, dear"
Don't. please" she begged. You
know how feel.'
He turned away. He knew all too
well how she felt That same roman
ticism that urged her to the stage act
ed against him. He was just Tom Sea-
ton, big, good natured and q faithful
friend. but entirely too unromantic tn
appeal to her heart. He had destroyed
the glamour of the stage for her by
bringing her to rehearsal. Only mir
acle could work the other change.
He had slipped his coat Off when he
had come in, following the example Of
the rest, and now lie turned to a cigar
for solace. He was carefully selecting
one from his case when a cry from
Beth caused him to turn.
There just below the platform stood
King, the lion used in the trick In
the excitement some one had neglected
to fastcn the door Of the cage. and
while they had been talking he had
slipped out aud started on a tour Of
investigation.
All of the players had gone to change
their costumes, and the property man
had taken advantage of HernIes' a1-
sence to slip out to the corner for IL
glass of beer. They We're alone. just
below him on the edge of the platform
were couple OF revolvers loaded with
blank charges. With bound he
caught one Of these up and discharged
it. into Kings face. With an angry
snarl the brute turned aud charged to-
ward the other end of the ROOM
Tom caught up the other revolver
and slipped it into his pocket. Then he
seized St. Elmo's wand and followed
the retreating form. Back and forth
they went, up and down the hall. until
at last with quick turn Tom headed
the brute into his cage just us Hermes
rushed in.
1t was he who latched the door Of
the cage, for now that the danger was
over Beth was clinging to Tom, MUIR
muring praises that sounded sweet to
his ears.
Herlnes came forward, but Tom. dis
engaging himself from Beth's clasp,
went toward him and whispered in his
ear. Hermes smiled knowingly and
darted out. Presently he was back
again.
''There is IL carriage at the door," he
said. 81 am sorry that Miss Albright
should have had so unpleasant All ex-
perience while my guest"
"Alps we'll that ends WE'LL" laughed
Tom. Good night, Hermes, and many
thanks for your courtesy. I'll see you
tomorrow"
In the carriage Beth clung to Tom as
though the danger were not yet over.
"And to think" she sobbed penitently.
"that l did not realize what brave
man you were! do love you, Tom.
but somehow
Il know" he said gently as she fal-
tered. "You wanted hero, and was
so dreadfully commonplace"
you're mott" she cried Indignantly.
"Only I-well, l never realized before
how big and brave you were"
"All's we'll that ends WELL" he
chuckled. Tomorrow morning you
will be wearing the biggest solitaire
that an engaged girl ever had"
Il don't deserve It," she said meekly.
You're awfully good, Tom"
Some hours later Seaton sat in his
little den absorbing u brandy and soda
In absolute content. He looked up ut
Beth's picture on the mantel.
II guess you've had lot o. ideals
smashed tonight, little girl" he mused.
"but it was good for you, and If any
one ever tells you that that poor old
brute was a darned sight more scared
then you ever could be I'll knock his
blamed head off,