The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-06-28

porous appearance OF the place and the
many handsome traps and carriages
awaiting their occupants. A groom In
surprisingly tight breeches came up to
him and, touching his hat, inquired,
"Mr, Benton?"
''Yes," said Benton. Mrs Van
Cleave's carriage;"
"Master Harry awaits you In the dog
cart. SIR" replied the man. possessing
himself dexterously Of Benton's luggage
and leading the way across the plat
form. Benton followed. A boy Of six
teen or so was endeavoring to calm a
mettlesome cob that was trying to see
how straight he could stand on his
bird legs without falling over back
ward.
"Chuck those things in behind,
Burns, and get to his head" he or.
dered. How de do, Mr.. BentonS Ex.
cuse my not shaking hands and climb
In"
Benton waited for a moment of com.
parative quiet and then climbed In.
He was not accustomed to horse like
this, and the boy noticed 1t at once.
He hasn't been out for week." he
explained, "and he feels good. Let him
80, Burns" And, with a plunge. they
started, the well trained Burns clutch
ing the rail and swinging up behind
with the greatest imperturbability.
Once on the straight road leading from
the station the cob settled down to
good steady gait, and Benton began to
enjoy himself. Young Van Cleave was
surprisingly easy for one of his years
and kept up constant flow of talk.
That's corklng good play of yours.
Mr. Benton" he said. 'T'm going to be
James, and Pm dead letter perfect
Got my clothes last night, and Aunt
Fan thought | was the new man and
asked me to get her glass of water.
Say, can't James come on In the last
act with letter or something?"
Benton good humoredly said that he
thought 1t might be arranged and in
quired who was to play Henry.
"0h, Artie Brown, and he thinks he's
the whole show. Wanted to kiss sis
every rehearsal. Said he didn't want
1t to go wrong the night of the play.
Sis couldn't see 1t and said she
thought that was something man Of
his experience could do without re-
hearsing. Rough on Artie, for he
knows 1t all and likes to have people
think he's regular killer Whoa,
boyi Easy now," to the cob as they
turned into private roadway and
whirled up to the steps of fine old
colonial house.
The groom was at the cob's head be-
fore they really stopped, and Benton
climbed down and followed young Van
Cleave into the house. Mrs. Van
Cleave welcomed him cordially and In
troduced him to her daughter and the
members Of the house party, some Of
whom were to take part in the play
Miss Van Cleaye showed him the mu-
sic room, where the performance was
to be held, and exhibited the stage,
which was already set for the first act
"Do you not feel very important"
she asked, when you consider that
you are really responsible for it allT
NO." said Benton. II cannot say
that do. After all, the real RESPONSE
bility rests with the players"
"You cannot shirk your share so
carelessly," she said, laughing. Stand
or fall, you are one Of us in this, and
/ shall see that you receive your full
measure of praise or blame"
"Let us hope, then, that 1t will be
praise-for all our sakes," he said, with
an admiring look at her.
Seriously" said Miss Van Cleave,
II do hope you will not be disappolnt-
ed in us, and you must not be too
critical"
II shall not be disappointed in you,"
he replied decidedly.
While Benton was dressing for din |
ner some one knocked at his door.
"Its mc--.Jack. Can | come inY'
said that ungrammaticaI young man
in an excited tone Of voice.
Benton opened the door and inquired |
what the trouble was.
Here's gov' said Jack "Artie |
Brown has busted his leg or some
thing and can't act. Sis is having a
fit, and the others are just wild It's |
too late to put it off, and what are we
going to do?"
rs there no one else to take the part
no understudyY inquired Benton.
mo one knows it except the prompt
er, and she's a girl. Father has just
come in, and he's tearing his hair. He
plays the old man. you know. Got a
bald wig and whiskers, and he'll die if
he can't wear 'em. Say, what can we
do about it anyhow"
Another knock at the door, and Mr.
Van Cleave, Sr.. appeared.
pardon me, Mr.. Benton, for intro
ducing myself in this unceremonious
manner" he said, shaking hands, "but
this is serious matter. The tickets
have been sold, and it is too late for
any postponement. My daughter has
suggested that possibly you are sufii-
nsz., l., o.. H.. 4. i