The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-02-24
The EVENING STORY
Trouping with Fate.
(By Frank L. Ogden.)
80 efr..~+

Trouping With Fate.
(By Frank L. Ogden.)
Airing almost forgot his lines. He
stared, fascinated. at the girl in the
box. What if she should recognize
him?
Your cue." growIed the loud voice
of the prompter in the wings. Don't
get stage fright, you FOOL
Thus cautioned. Fred Airing. as
Morton Murdoch. poor but honest
cnauHeur, 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
Ieller IN the Clemtown bank to go to
New York and avail himself of an offer
OF similar situation made some
months before by friend of the fam
polltan banking institution.
arriving in New York-his first
trip to the city-he found his would
pc oenefactor gone to Europe and the
with little interest in him, and abso-
luteiy no intention of believing him
until the return of Mr.. Mink
AT home Airing had left a family
nigh in local social circles and the
prettiest, fullest little fiancee the gods
had ever been blind enough to give to
mere man.
Arling's letters to the maid were
Verltable rays of optimism. He studi-
ousiy avoided mentioning, except in
planning casually that Mink would re-
turn shortly and then he would be
given desk in the bank.
Meanwhile the youth, while waiting
ana rustllng for 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. Sc1ntlllating in this class was
one Christwell. Christwell, tall. long
haired, lean jawed and with jet eyes
sunk deep beneath shaggy brows, was
shabby Thsspian of the old school.
He struck up sharp intimacy with
Airing. 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 posi-
bility of your placing yourself with a
bank on the strength of that one little
reference from -er-Clemtown. You
had better take it easy until your
friend arrives
ST was over at the 'Steenth National
today confessed the youth, lana they
told me that he won't be home for a
month or more.''
The observing eyes of the actor sum-
med up the points of the tall, we'll
built Airing; his clean. keen face, his
black curly hair, his gift of clear
enunciation.
friend whom think would place you.
His company is just organizing now
Airing stared. "But I am no actor, -
he answered. 81 never was on the
stage in my life
$50 much the better. Canton, the
manager have in mind really prefers
to do his own educating"
Before the dialogue ended, it was
arranged that Airing was to accompany
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 following.
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
Airing made progress. Remember
ing his lofty ambitions when he out
grew Clemtown. he purposely neglect
ed informing the folks at home of this
dignity was above this job. He
changed his name to Thomas Keene.
Manager Canton, nervous little
person, cou1plimented Airing on his
quick perception Of the essential points
of histrionic art. you do well. very
well. indeed he said.
Airing was the only inexperienced
member of the company. All in all, IL
was a creditable cast The adven-
turer from Clemtown made arrange
ments to have his mail forwarded, and
his own correspondence mailed from
this 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 Airing in
tended 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. Christ
well performed this service. whats
the matter?" he asked, glancing at the
lad in surprise.
1--WE open at Clemtown!" he gasped
What of ftp"
"My-my people live there!''
"O-o-o-oi" Christwe1l began to see
reasons. "Well. what's the difference ?
Your name IS Keene on the program,
isn't it ?''
Eyes, but they will recognize me-"
Don't you believe it, came from
the veteran. 'The paint will fool
them"
Airing found consolation in the
thought.
The Tricks in All Trades company
arrived in Clemtown on an early morn
ing train. Airing, pleading illness, had
his meals served in his room.
Happily. too, Airing was able to
make a muff1ed exit from the hos
telry. Everything had gone along
sp1endidly until Airing, glancing out
into the crowded house. saw in the
box at the right of the stage his fl
ancee, the dainty Daisy Hecklethorn.
The stunned expression on her face
would indicate that she had recognized
him. He stumbled through the re-
mainder of the act. and as a conse-
quence, was sharply reprimanded by
the manager at its completion
Stimulated by this, and encouraged
by the occasional puzzled glance from
his fiancee, telling him palmer than
words that she wasn't quite sure, the
young Thespian improved in his work.
In the third and last act Airing, his