Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1909-06-10

It was shrill and unmusical, and often
out Of key. Poor little pug-nosed grill
But the gallery seemed loyal, and
Elliot heard q perfect din Of applause.
The girl came to the wings with two
bright spots on her white cheeks, and
then went on and sang an encore that
was worse than her first attempt FL
hot was glad that they treated her
kindly, and when she came OF, all
flushed and happy, he told her she
had sung splendidly.
The manager announced that e. K.
Brown would do character sketch
and dance. Elliot had given that name,
and when the orchestra began tho
spirited little introduction to his first
song he stole last glance at the
cracked mirror on the wall and danced
lightly out on the stage.
The sea of faces before him looked
strange. The air was heavy with to-
hacco-smoke and glasses of beer
clinked heavily. He saw Peters, up
in the balcony, watching him with
fascinated eyes. Then he caught the
music and sang his song.
The audience liked it. Elliot tripped
back with smile and sang again.
Then he began his dance. It was .
quiet dance, replete with dimcult
steps. The West side audience did not
take kindly to It; a buck and wing
would have suited It better. 49, .s..
Elliot took up the thread Of his mon
ologue and began the funny little H.
ciel contortions and affectations that
had won him a place in the circuit He
worked his hardest, and down In his
heart he knew he was giving the best
performance of his life. The audience
was impressed and called him back.
Then Elliot took OF his Wig with q
flourish, bowed, and ran laughing from
the stage.
The girl who sang met him With
outstretched hand.
you're a peach" she said, "only I
think you orter cut out that monkey
business. You-you amt 30 funny,
you know, as them real actors"
Elliot smiled and grasped tho moist
hand that was extended.
The manager called the perform
ers to the middle of the stage, and
allowed the audience to show its ap-
proval or disapproval by holding out
the prize to each one who had taken
part. The monologuists were Kissed
of the stage, the black-face team re-
ceived some applause, the acrobats
were remembered noisily. But the
contest gradually narrowed down to
Elliot, who smiled at Peters. The girl
was also on the stage.
The manager came over to the two
and held out the watch, There was
a perfect bedlam of noise Elliot
looked at Peters with twinkle in his
eyes. Something in the surprised
countenance Of his valet made him
look at the manager.
Then he knew. The watch was be-
ing held out to the girl; the applause
was for her!
When Elliot's turn came Peters
clapped and stamped his feet and
whistled vigorously. A few others
Joined Ia, but It was evident that ELL
OF was not the favorite. Before he
could; comprehend it all the girl had
taken the watch and the curtain had
been rung down.
well, I'll be hanged!" said Elliot,
hardly knowing whether to laugh or
curse. 20 -.. --,r
The manager came forward. you've
got good act, young feller," he do
clared, "but you amt used to the stage
and it scared you. You orter make it
II you practice a lot"
Elliot stared at him stupidity.
"Oh Mr.. Brown" said a voice, "see
the watch I won." Then the girl looked
up, with the pug nose tilted high in
tho air. you're pretty fair" she ad-
mitted, "and s'pose you amt had the
practice have"
BEG pardon, sir" said Peters voice,
and as he turned Elliot saw the dis
appointment in the mans dull eyes,
"but the females beauty won for her"
well, I'll be hanged" said Elliot
again.
Eyes, SIR" said Peters respectfully.