The Washington times., 1909-01-04

superstitions. didn't know that priv
1ege extended 10 the authors. too"
Before LanEdOn could speak further
the stage manager called ''ClearT' and
there was a scurrying TO the protec-
ton Of the wings
As he turned, Lansdon encountered
Fanshaw, who had been engaged on
the other side NJ the stage in earnest
conversation with two Of the actors.
As they both moved toward the door
that led from the stage to the boxes.
Langdon caught Fanshaw7s arm
Did you hear about the horse?" ne
queried in low tones.
mo; WHAT"
They will not have the same horse
tonight they had at rehearsaIs-"
What Of It? One horse looks the
same as another to an audience"
But suppose he-Why there is a
chance ne might become frightened"
Yes. and he might sing OF dance or
anything else just as improbable. John,
old chap, you're nervous"
We'll, aren't your
Not in the least. I'm as cool as a
cucumber" Fanshaw slapped the other
man on the bsckA Come on the over
lures begun"
With as little noise as possible, the
two men passed through the doorway
and made their way 10 the stage box
which was theirs for the evening Here
they received the smiles OF greeting
from Mr.. and Mrs. Davidson, Miss Mill
ward. and Mrs. Langdon-
The two authors placed their chairs
at the rear Of the box, and ss the lights
slowly dimmed and the curtain rose
upon the scene they knew so well,
Lsngdon slipped his hand into bis
wit s, while the applause OF the audi
ence showed their appreciation Of the
setting in which the entire action or the
play was laid.
For full moment the applause con-
tiuusd, forcing the two actors who had
entered from the left wing TO pause and
await it's subsiding, before they could
deliver their lines Then the play be-
gan, and Langdon leaned far forward in
his chair, eagerly following every de-
tail
And as the audience proclaimed their
delight in the different situations by
applause varying from a few scattered
handclaps to A volume that halted the
play temporarily, the grip that one OF
the authors had upon MS wife's hand
frightened and looseued spasmodically. /
Up t. this time only the less impor-
tant actors had made their appearance !
but IauEdon knew the time was near +
when the star would make her entrance /
upon the back OF the horse.
I.angdon leaned over 10 FansnaW
The horse is coming" ne whispered /
And then syou'u be relieved the |
other smiled.
Eyes, but II 7 had b<en Webster / |
would have cut out that entrance
Why, Horace. it's an unnecessary eX-
usnse. II Miss Bowling came on in |
riding clothes 1t would have done just
as we'll /
Perhaps" the other returned agree
ably.
I'm going to suggest it to Web
ster"
"oh. let him run the thing as ne
wishes" Fanshaw grumbled. He'll /
do so anyway. Hold on; here she
comes now"
Langdon's face grew tense. and as the
star entered upon the horses back and !
cantered across the boards, the author
stiffened IN his chair.
Miss Bowling halted the horse in the
center Of the stage and sprang lightly
10 the ground. as the audience demon
strsted her popularity by a tremendous
round OF applause. LsngdOn's eyss
were riveted upon the animal, and as
the hand-clapping grew in volume he
saw the brute prick up his ears.
IN bis excitement, LangdOn rose from
his chair and leaned against the side
wall Of the box, while the applause con-
tinUed.
Miss Bowling bowed again and again,
and az this did not seem TO appease the
she allowed the reins to slip
from her fingers and walked smIlingly
down toward the footlghts.
In the midst OF her acknowledgements
q haIf-stihed cry from ore Of the boxes
rent the air, and almost at the same
instant the heads which mad turned in
quirlngIy in the direction OF the scream
we're again drawn TO tie stage as a
crashing sound echoed throughout the
theater.
The Continuation Or This story VIII
He Found tn Tomorrow
Issue of This Paper.