The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1909-10-01
Booth
The Second
By Katherine |. Grey.

When Davis, the theatrical booking
agent, arrived at his Office just bit
before 8, the entry way leading to it
was filled with a motley array of peo-
Pile young, old, tall, short, anxious,
Indifferent and they fled in after
him, seating themselves with sighs OF
relief, boredom, fatigue and worri-
msnt In his waiting room. With never
so much as glance at them he stalk
ed through and slammed the door OF
his private office with sharp, decid-
ed bang. Every week day morning
for the past Ave years the same crowd
had awaited him. He had seen the
bright, hopeful face fill with despair at
his curt nothing doing1 with no more
feeling in his heart than If his words
had been merely a CHEEKY greeting in
stead of death dealing to their hopes.
After the first half hour the conversa-
ton In the outer. office dragged and
finally died out, while the patient
walters anxiously watched for any
movement on the part of Davis, whose
form could be discerned through the
ground glass door.
At last the entry door opened wide,
and with measured step and slow a
man entered-tall, with brightly burn
ing eyes,. hair bit long and curling.
A silk hat "a relic of better and more
prosperous daysl reposed in awe i'm
posing grandeur on the iron-grey
curls, while a frock coat and light
trousers, evidently from those same
old prosperous days, completed an APP
pearance which commanded respect.
With calm, critical eve he gazed,
half disdainfully, half cynically, at the
occupants of the room. So, these
were present-day actors of the new
school. The disdainful look changed
to one of condescending pity as his
gaze fingered on two young fellows
talking together,
What's the story. Biliie?" one was
saying.
"Oh. I've. framed up a SINGLE" came
BiIlie's reply, "and Davis has prom
Used me tryout. Work in one. sing a
few songs, spring bunch Of gags,
mix lin a few steps, then do quick
getaway. Just the stun for parks and
moving picture houses. you know.
kid"
The tall man dropped into a seat
ON the speakers left. "Can you in
form me. sir" he asked ceremonious-
ly, show long Mr.. Davis is usually en-
gagged at this hour?'
Cant tell; it all depends" respond
ed Billie. Got an appointment with
him?"
"No, no." came the dignified an
swer Il merely dropped in to say
good morning and-er-to see how
things are conducted in minor book
ing offices of this-er-descriptio
Whats your speciality" asked Bill
lie.
Speciality" The fine note Of I'M
disguised horror and reputation
brought a scarlet flush to the ques-
toner's face. 81, sir, am a Shakspe-
rian actor of the old school, en-
tered this business when one had to
be an actor born and bred, sir. am
hourly expecting a wire in reply to
my acceptance of Broadway engage
ment. /, sir, played with Booth-1 am
an actor, sir!" He rose and cast a
whitening look at the crushed Billie,
and as If to complete the latter's hui
initiation, Davis Office boy entered and
called: ''Mr. Warrington Dangerfeld
here?" ard the tall man with truly
Pooth-S haksperian sweep of the hand
followed him into the private Office.
A silence fell on the crowd, broken
at last by low, deep whistle from
Billie as he repeated softly, II am an
actor, siri" The Office boy ,reappeared,
and Billie grabbed him by the arm.
saying: sSay. kid. how long is Booth
the Second going to stay there?"
Jaw, not long" the boy replied.
some guy phoned the boss he was
due here and to treat him right for