Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-31
The Wonder of II

his prototypes These people had homes and rooms.
beds. they clean linen
and all the accouterments of respectability. he
had; they were clean shaver and well barSered as
At table beside Mr. Dawkins sat Charles
Frohsin a gentleman of intermediate age who
casonally glanced up at him with smile of anuse-
At last Mr.. Frohsn drew diamond
spangled watch and consulted it.
Wed better be going over he suggested as no
ITO theater?" gasped Dawkns in horror.
Certainly md Frohsin smiled.
why wouldn't there for million dol
lars" Mr.. Dawkins burted. IF had to sit through
act of that pav with all those people looking
ibid faint.
That's the Thomas and Pinero always
feel" commented tie marager land Henry Arthur
won't go anywhere the theater. But in
this must They IL want You after that
second third act
Dawlins laughed nervously.
Well they'll have to catch me-. he declared
You go over. I'll stay here"
Mr. Frohsn had TO be content with that But
Dawkins didn't remain in the cafe at all In
just before the curtain to rise the first
act. and walked around the block then
surprised that he did it in nine minutes
the second lap around he was halted by quaver-
ing turned to glare into the withered
drawn face Of old
please, sir, I'm starving said the old man.
simply.
Mr. Dawkins stared steadily for an instant into
sunken feverish eyes; noted the wrnkled, CULVER
ing hands and the tottering figure then. turning i'm
patiently, continued his walk The old gazed
after him until he disappeared around the corner,
then sank down hopeessly doorstep with his face
in his hands.
When curtain fell Mr.. Daw-
kins was again in the cafe Half a dozen men, i'm
maculate himself, wandered out of the theater,
crossed the street, and lined up beside him. Mr. Daw-
kins looked at them curiousy as they entered. He
wondered what they thought of that first act; and
he afraid would tell him.
How do you like t?" of the inquired Of
anothe-.
Tho first act is little better than sood-it is
markable," the reply. THE who wrote 1t
tanly little book II the second and third acts
up to the first. it's the biggest thing in years"
Mr.. John Quincy Dawkins rushed madly out Of the
and around the where he apoogzed abjecy
aged. wrnkled old beggar whom he found sitting
a doorstep weeping. Upon this apology heaped
couple of bills and dozen small coins which hap
pened be loose in his pockets. The old thought
that the end Of the world had
Thank you sir, thank you." he mumbed and
over Il was starving. l have had nothing to eat
two days. and. of course. you don't know what that
means. SIR"
along with me for minute"
led wretched. feeble old fellow into Broad
way restaurant sat him down table. then
and spoke to the cashier.
"How much fill him. he asked.
The cashier looked at the old man critically
How much he hold?' he asked in
Couldn't tell you,' said Mr.. Dawkns. Il imagine
about-about dollars WORTH"
II guess thatH fix it," replied the cashier.
Mr.. Dawkins passed the money, then went out
and stood the curb and laughed Life? Why. it
charming, exuberant thing that he had
up with; just stand here Broadway and
listen to the noises and breathe!
After a while Mr.. Dawkins sauntered down Broad
way, the curtain fell the second
lowering about the entrance of the theater like
easy prey. Then, from inside. there such
tumult that Mr.. Dawkins was frightened and fed
SPONTANEOUSLY. 1t not surprising therefore,
when Mr. FTOhsin and peered anxiously into
cafe and down the street. he did him.
But after third Mr. Frohsin captured him.
swooped down upon him in the cafe. with dstended
eyes every evidence of excitement
Come with me- he commanded.
What's matter inquired Mr.. Dawkns, in an
excitement which surpassed that of the manager.
Has the leading women fallen dead: What's the
matter?'
Frohsin yanked him a corner down
few doors. inside house, and along stuny, smelly
passage In the distance MI. Dawkns heard a roar
which swehed until it burst in his with crash.
found himself standing blinkingy the glare
footlghts with his hat perched rakshly
eye. In the wings behind him stood Mr. Frohsin.
blowing hard. but smiling triumphantly.
The agony. the horror the heplessness of the next
few minutes things beyond pen o mere man.
Mr.. Dawkins was conscious only Of seethng of
humanity, astonishing amount of noises and of
babblngs. which, in the sober light after
thought must have convinced every person
present of his utter imbeciity. OF the confused
his vision isolated only face-that OF a girl.
She leaning forward With her elbows the
box with quizzcal smile about lips look
ing him. He recognized her instantly-the gray,
tadlor-made girl of that day.
Dawkins standing in the lobby with MIR.
Frohsin nd a dramatic critics crowd surged
past him the last act With here. there.
Of ME- h:
s e st
has the t. c x 50 was s sayns
'na ssAs g 9 ps"sns inquired
u # 1ss DOLORES FRANCIS winkled her white