The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-01
THE EVENING STORY
Rodney and the Lady.
(By Frank Howell

ms one-time friends as "Redney," in
srdceiul allusion to his brightly color
eo match of hair, gazed disconsolately
into the shop window while the warm.
enticing odor Of freshly baked bread
came through the grating beneath the
window.
ne was debating whether to buy a
roar OF bread and make an evening
meal or to save his sole remaining
oime Tor a bed after he should have
mad cup of coffee and a thick slice
or bread on the dread line" The
bread line did not open until 1 o'clock
ana Rodney decided in favor Of sup
per immediately. He was used 10
sleeping in the open, but he was un-
used to going hungry
he half turned to go inside the bak-
cry wnen his attention was attracted
70 girl who had Joined him before
=, ,ne plate glass. hSe was not income
~, IN spite OF certain shabbiness,
ana something seemed to stamp her
as one OF the homeless. With quick
sympathy Rodney turned to her.
manded
The girl sprang back at the sound
OF MS voice and made as though to
move on, but the too" was a common
pond OF sympathy, and she nodded 81
lently.
Amt had nothin' since last night"
she affirmed. 1.-THE landlady threw
me out because 1 owe three weeks
board and there amt a chance in
town for job
Come on In" he invited. leading
the way to the door. The girl stood
silent while Rodney purchased a loaf
OF bread and half dozen cakes, de-
posting the last dime. Then he led
If "a oil RI nd
divided the loaf and the cakes with
her.
Both devoured the bread ravenous-
ly and neither spoke until the last
crumb Of cake had been eaten, then
the girl turned to her companion.
clared gratefully. what you goin't'
do now"
"Nothin'. There's nothin' to do"
he declared with light humor. mo
one seems to want me for odd jobs
and there's no chance for my regular
job in these parts"
whats that ?" she demanded.
"Ridin' range" he answered with
laugh. "Tendin' cows"
"You cowboy?" she gasped. you
a real cowboy?"
Rodney nodded his head.
81 guess that's what" he assented.
you en- throw a lasso?" she de-
manded, her eyes growing bright.
Rodney nodded again.
"I en- fix you up" she declared.
Got your lassos?"
They're at the place where g. !
came east to try the theaters, but the
theater fellows say they're all booked
up-which means that they are some
few shy Of jobs for me. I'd go back
west but I'm busted
It'll show you," declared the girl.
"You know amateur nights?"
Rodney shook his head.
That's strange brand" he said.
Its for the yaps," explained the
girl. 'They have 'em at all the thea
ters. If you're the biggest hit, you get
$40. It's cinch. If there's girl with
you. I'll let you throw the ropes at
me. and We'll cop the CON-"
where do they have 'em?" asked
Rodney, growing interested.
"All over" The girl made a sweep
ing gesture with her hand to indicate
the scope. They're all tn go now.
nights because there amt enough am
ateurs to go around. We can play tn
lot. Come on and get your things and
I'll show YOU"
She sprang to her feet and Rodney
followed after. He was doubtful of
do anything that would permit him
to enjoy the cheering society of the
girl for a couple of hours.
They went over to the lodging house
where Rodney had stored the valfse
containing his spare shirt and his
ropes-all that was left of the outfit
he had brought east. The rest had
gone to the pawnshops.
| The good-natured clerk permitted
| them to go into the empty dormitory
to practice, and presently the girl
dragged him toward a theater whose
j he Avtar n
| forget that it was amateur night.
| After a short parley with gray
coated special OFFICER in the lobby they
| found themselves herded in cellar
under the auditorium with an odd as
| sortment of talent"
| 1t was a long wait before the anna
| teurs were marshaled upon the stage,
but at last the chance came and with
the girls final admonition to do his
best ringing in his ears Rodney fol-
lowed her out upon the stage.
The lights bothered him bit, and he
| was glad that he was not obliged to
| talk above the babel Of noises, but TIL
catcalls and boots ELECTED by his APP
| pearance died down when 1t was seen
! that he was able to do strange things
| with a rope. When at last the turn
was ended and he sought the compare
tive dusk of the wings the girls warm
| you done great" thrilled him with
satisfaction.
Then the amateurs all lined up on
the stage and there was a lot of ap-
plause and the stage manager thrust
| ten one dollar bills into his trembling
hands, and, with the girls prompting.
Redney bobbed his head in thanks and
backed off the stage.
| In the wings a man with fur-lined
| coat was waiting to lead him over into
| a corner Presently Rodney beckoned
for the girl.
"rbis is the manager of the show
that's here this week. Rodney explain
ed. He says he'll give US Jobs with
the show. You get eighteen in the
chorus and 1 get thirty-hve for doing
my rope act. I'll give you nVe 10 heip
me out. Want to conner?
| az -, ..hoad the Girl watcher