The Holbrook news., 1910-08-19
TROUPING THE FATE
By FRANK L. OGDEN
Copyright. 1910. by Associated Literary Pres

Arling almost forgot his lines. He stared, fascinated at the girl in the box What if she should recognize him?
 Your cue" growled the loud voice of the prompter in the wings. Don t get stage fright, you fool"
 Thus cautioned, Fred Arling. as Morton Murdock, a poor but honest chauffeur, dragged an essential phrase from his reluctant lips and strove to think of the work in hand.
 This was Arling's home town.
 Six months ago the ambitious youth had given up a position as assistant teller in the Clemtown bank to go to New York and avail himself of an of fer of a similar situation made some months before by a friend of the fam fly who was the president Of a metro politan banking institution.
 Arriving in New York-his first trip to the city-he found his would-be benefactor gone to Europe and the other officials a set of human icicles with little interest in him, and abso- lutely no intention of believing him 0AlAA NlC lCLuAA II OA MI.
 At home Arling had left a family high in local social circles and the prettiest, fuffiest little fiancee the gods had ever been blind enough to give to mere man.
 Arling's letters to the maid were veritable rays of optimism. He stu diously avoided mentioning, except in vague phrases, his predicament, ex- plaining casually that Mink would re- turn shortly and then he would be given desk in the bank
 Meanwhile the youth, while waiting and rustling for a makeshift job. was reduced financially.
 The days of Arling's misfortune drifted into weeks The want ads were carefully scanned each morning for possible chances, but applicants with local references were always given the preference.
 He exchanged hard luck stories from time to time with other down and-outs. Scintillating in this class was one Christwen. Christwell. tall. long haired, lean jawed and with jet eyes sunk deep beneath shaggy brows, was a shabby Thespian of the old school. He struck up sharp inti- macy with Arling, and cunningly drew him out.
 You're trouping with fate" sighed the old hummer at the completion of the boys tale. And you're playing the circuit of chance. The most un- likely thing in the world is the possi- bility of your placing yourself with a bank on the strength of that one lit tie reference from-er-Clemtow You had better take it easy until your friend arrives
 'I was over at the 'Steenth National today confessed the youth. land they told me that he won't be home for month or more"
 The observing eyes of the actor summed up the points of the tall, we'll built Arling; his clean, keen face, his black curly hair, his gift of clear enunciation.
 "f you care to troup a bit, I have a friend whom I think would place you. His company is just or ganizing now"
 A1lAUS SIdA lGQ. put dul no he answered. T never was on the stage in my life"
 50 much the better. Canton, the manager, have in mind. really pre- fers to do his own educating"
 Before the dialogue ended, it was arranged that Arling was to accom- pany Christwell the next morning and apply for the vacancy.
 To the surprise of the youth, he was promptly accepted and told to report for rehearsal on the morning follow ing. The old actor was also one of the elect, and he volunteered to keep an eye out for the youth. and coach him in every way possible.
 Arling made progress. Remem- bering his lofty ambitions when he outgrew Clemtown, he purposeIy ne glected informing the folks at home of this change in his fortunes. His youthful dignity was above this job He changed his naEle to Thomas Keene.
 Manager Canton, a nervous little person, complimented Arling on his quick perception of the essential pOlnlS Ol L. IOu QO we'll, very we'll" indeed" he said
 Arling was the only inexperienced member of the company All in all, it was a creditable cast The adven- turer from Clemtown made arrange ments to have his mail forwarded, and his own correspondence mailed from the big city. This was managed for him by Christwell, who had a friend in Brooklyn. With the return of his own friend from across the seas Ar ling intended to come back to the city and accept the banking position.
 The youth rested easy until a copy of the route list was given him. Christwell performed this service Whats the matter?" he asked, glancing at the lad in surprise
 We open at Clemtownl" he gasped.
 What of it?"
 ssMv-mY people live therei"