Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-05-08

sunled to speak in that way 1t familiar address
to the boss and seemed strange coming from Joe
Bender glanced at him second time searchingy. He
made no comment nor did he put on his managerial
air
"Al right, Joe" he replied, dropping lead weight
the pile of clippings. Come in. Sit down Now
what's troubling your
Joe proceeded to the point at once.
Il want to know where he isl
Bender became serious, too when he heard this
He seemed crowded with worries than he showed
in the bright light of day and his expression quickly
changed, as if these hidden things had collected and
hurried upon him in perplexing nsstence He
piled as though yielding confidence.
ITO tell the fact Joe" he said. 81 don't know"
Don't lie to ME, Bender" The words came short
and hnty from the clowns lips. Bender ran his fin
gers through his hair.
81 expected you would take that view of it-but--I
don't know just where to find Speyencroft under
stand how it makes you feel. You're suspicious and
maybe you've right to be. Anyway he gave me
instructions. His going off as he did was complete
surprise, and the last I heard from him about
three weeks ago. Since that letter I've been running
this show my hook, taking all the chances with
another mans money I don't like that sort of bust
didn't ask him for such responsibility. He left
blank checks signed and cut out, leaving to
take of his outfit. Suppose make of it?
That's the way it stands Joe, in strict confidence
tween us I don't know where the damned fool is"
"But you did get letter" Joe insisted.
yes"
Where FROM
"From-from Chicago"
you let that letter-the last one"
"But Joe, there's nothing in it that could help you-
nothing"
'Il find out whether there is not" said Joe, his
lips tight.
And then, too, I haven't any right
The clowns hand the table trenlbled and cenched
Bender III see that letter tonight III kill YOU"
Now when a mere clown is in this mood there is
grave danger that he may keep his word. Bender
glanced at him darling look and tried to his
dignity, but crisis levels everything and only those
desperate stand firm. His few words of buster we're
not answered BY the other The face of the clown grew
as stern as steel and the dark eyes glittered from
sinister mask that actually threatened without bravado
The demand that Bender heard second time made him
creep all down his spine.
LET see that letter."
Bender sought to evade the situation BY soft words
Now, what good will it do you Joey, to make fuss
and all that? You can't help things much, however
they are, and we've lose good act
Slowly the clown leaned forward, rising little from
his chair and slowly his fingers gripped the heavy
lead bar that held down the newspaper clippings His
lips slipped away from his teeth as he snarled:
81 didn't contract my soul to Speycncroft-and your
act can't make people laugh any more. Will you
hand over that letter."
Benders hand slipped to an inside pocket of his coat
He did not look away from that haf-poised thing
acng him. He felt for certain envelope and tossed ii
across the board.
That's it." he said briefly But go slow"
1--WE always been able to manage my family Bender,
said the grim face. Joe tore the envelope apart Then
there was silence save for the oil light that hckered
and Kissed at moth and the naddcning song of the
crckets from the lot The paper cracked in the clowns
hand as he stood up reaching for the tents flap.
"Im starting to find him. And then Well if its
on the square I'll back to the show and be clown
again If it isn't I'll wire you instructions about my
stuff Bender-what to do with the rest ofof the fam
ily-" There crept into his cold voice tender note
He would not forget the two dumb children. You'll
send them West III wire shipping directions. Anc
then III keep on Til do find hm-and then"
The boss stirred uneasily. He had nothing to sa,
other than,
Good night Joe
az guess-I guess, from this letter, it's goodbye
Bender"
The clown laughed. Without the white powder ant
the splash Of red paint his (where he had al
wavs balanced feather it seemed hdeous laugh
There was nothing of merriment in it. nothing of buf
foonery or that genteness which had made music il
his laughter but much Of iron and mockey and cruel,
The canvas tapped shut at the front OF the test and tn
Speyencroft Outfit had lost its mirth.
Bender saw young Speyencrof when the outfit wa
, Skinned East months later They talked show matter
, only As Bender simply manager on salary h
could find no pretex ustifying curious questions. an
therefore the little yellow telegram he carried among hi
papers was not explained This the very last thu
e Render ever heard from Joe the clown.
"Ship burros Bill Smith, Carsons, Arizona Car
l. eel contract She's dead"
q Gov. SOeycncrOtt
uood for him and never seemed quite at ease, the il
S cident was closed
S Life, while very much like spinning top, does NJ
It revolye in so narrow space. 1t is big show with
l. ring made large that many people may see, an
whenever il doubles back over the old courses suA
Gent time has elapsed 10 relieve the mcsotouy and
gather new pleasures or pains out Of meuaoryl Their