Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-04-20
8he Hrgus Daily Short Story
THE Real Man" BY Martha Cobb Sanford.
Associated

to regard as one of her most effective
satellites. suddenly wavered from his
accustomed course and began TO re
Polly's friend Elsie
Now, Polly ought not TO have re-
scented this. for she knew very well III
her heart that she never intended Bert
Ia develop. so far as she was con-
cerned. into anything beyond an obse-
Trious and ornamental attendant.
However, since he was her lover in
the play. ii pfqued her not little tn
have him constantly missing his cue
while making love to Elsie behind the
scenes instead
On one of these embarrassing occa-
sions Jim Marshal came To the rescue
with what seemed TO him nothing sort
Of an inspiration.
See here. Polly he exclaimed jo-
viaily rs Polly. alone in the center of
| the stage. mpatientiy waited the dra
| matte entry of Captain Wheeler aft
| err his absence in the field" I've got
| Il simply corking IDEA. Bert and will
| change parts. You see. off the stage
| he's Else's lover. and on the stage he's
| yours. Now. why not Ak it as ii really
is and let me be your lover on the
| stage as well as of: Don't you think
that would work out we'll? I'd be ON
hand for this scene, you can bet your
| life."
| But Polly received his suggestion
with anything but enthusiasm.
| Don't be foolish. lin. and please
hunt Captain Wheeler" was all she
| answered.
| Accordingly Bert. alias the missing
captain, soon rushed In. and Polly ran
to meet him. falling into his arms
With a cry of joy" as the stage direc-
lions called for.
"Oh. that will never do at ALL" com
| planned the prompter '.You don't act
as though you We're really glad to see
him. Miss Moves. And you don't stay
Tong enough in his arms. You Just
/ jump away as if you'd been shot"
Polly made up a comical little face
and tried the scene over again.
NO" sighed the prompter THAT
rushed into Captain Wheeler's arms,
Miss Moves, just stay until you're com
Portable"
l There was a general laugh ut this.
and then Jim Marshall came forward.
rs usual. with an original suggestion
Il don't believe it's all Polly's fault -
he said. lust let me try the scene
with her, and then Bert can see how it
ought to he DONE"
4 But Polly scorned the offer
| "I'll try it with Mr.. Rogers" she said
archy. '.You see. he's perfectly safe"
The shout that went up at Bradley
expense did not daunt him.
Everything comes to him WHO'S
modest" he paraphrased good ma
turedly.
So Polly tried the affectionate well
come home scene with Bradley-and a
strange thing happened. In each of the
many times she had rushed into Bert
Crawfords arms she had felt embar-
raised and conscious. Her one impulse
was to tear herself away again. But
when Bradley's arms closed about hei
, she felt a strange thrill of happiness,
!. and as she looked up into his face thei,
glances met in the discovery of an un-
guessed secret.
4 'There." exclaimed the delighted
: prompfer. chats something like. Now
try it again with Mr.. Crawford, Miss
Il Noyes."
Il But Polly wouldn't.
y I'm tired OF the old scene" she said
: laughingiy determined that no on,
should guess how madly her heart wa.
beating. I'll do it all right the nigh
Of the performance truly. Now. com,
on. Mr.. Rogers; you're my father aSall
81 now. you know. and I've got to teas
I you into letting me marry captai