Omaha daily bee., 1916-01-22

] tCOnunued from 4 Yesterday
/ II only he could talk to Mary about Il
ALI That was his next thought. II only
ne could have five quiet minutes away
from Langdon. away from Daniels. and
away from everyone-to tell her simply
and ,humbly about his love! Then. he
felt sure, she would at last understand
and put her hands frankly into his. Ills
eyes misted over at the thought and his
heart beat wildly. Five minutes alone with
her--when she wasn't afraid-that was
what he wanted. The thought became an
Obossion which gained an added poig-
nancy from the bitter knowledge that
she would never again grant him such
an interview
lie coud. he knew. threaten to with
draw his support Of the new play. but
on the other hand II Il was a success
there would be a hundred eager finan-
ciers ready to take his place. No. there
was only one way TO do Ito steal the
Interview and win her pardon later.
Involuntarily he halted in his rest
less pacing. and his face settled into
ugly lines as he repeated the words 10
himself-'to steal the Interview that is
the only way" For moment he stood
staring grimiy in the direction in which
Mery's taxi had speed then. with n short
laugh. he turned 10 his own car.
The club" he said CURLY. and within
ten minutes was giving harsh orders over
the telephone to shale who was jocularly
known among his friends as Dawes
Jackal"
Il was current humor that Shale
would long ago have been sent up the
river" II It hadn't been for Pollock
Influence in high places. and though
Shale himself deliberately and bias
phemously denied this. he never ques-
toned the orders that came 10 him in
that quick. decisive voice lie did not
question them that night Though II was
perhaps as well that Pollock could not
see his face. and the latter gave an
oath OF satisfaction as he hung up the
receiver.
The second act had begun before he
reached the theater. and again the re-
lief on Daniels face at sight OF him was
almost comic. though IL was blended
with triumph that told the late arrival
that the play was really a success
Glad you got here at last. Dave he
said excitedly. Say. the people are cat
ing II up. They're crazy over Mary al
ready and what they'll do when this act
is over heaven only knows. Just wait
tll they see her In the big scene-but
for that matter she's making every
scene a big one. Are-are you going
back stage7'
Pollock shook his head. "rll sit In one
OF the boxes" he said. FOR while at
least" But though his voice was cool
his hands were shaking. and one OF
them was tightly gripped around a bis
key--the key to a suit i'm the Hotel Re-
public. where little later Mary was to
be rendered the banquet that was 70
greet her elevation to stardom
He scowied at the sight OF Iangdon
with Mrs. Page In the opposite box, but
he was too busy outlining what he was
going TO say to Mary a little later on "a
bother much about the present More.
over. he had been drinking heavily
again. and the heat OF the theater and
It's lights made him sleepy and lethar'
sic.
"oniy two acts more" he muttered &c
himself. Two acts more-and then wei
seei"
with AIRry's entrance. however. he
reused himself and before long the
charm OF her, and the genius of her
playing enthralled him as II did the rest
OF the audience. His heart began e
beat heavily. and the flame OF his love
began 20 run through his veins like
molten metal, making him restless and
wildly impatient for the moment when
he would come face TO face with heI
again. In his eagerness he almost
loathed the enthusiasm OF the audience
that brought her back before the cur.
tain time after time. This was indeed
her hour OF triumph. He begrudged
even the few moments OF Mary's happy
little speech Of thanks. and when tho
final curtain fell he leaped up with @
sigh OF relief and hurried out. anxious
TO avoid Daniels and escape the talk IL
the office that he knew was inevitable
AZ the corridor leading TO the marrow
door which opened behind the scenes h
hesitated a moment. but the sight o
Langdon and Mrs Page Just passing
through decided him. and with NUT
tered exscration he swung on his hee
and sought the limousine where Shall
sat waiting.
TITS all right, Chief" said shalc
husiSily, as Pollock got In. IT'S cincl
TO get over the fence I'm the back an,
then up onto the flro escape. Say. 81
n wonder that fool hotel hasn't beef
stripped by dip long before this; Their
isn't window that YOU can't reach Il
five minutes"
well. take care you. don't get run II
for a thief yourself" said Pollool
harshly. Then. swinging about. he oaugh
Shsles wrist IN a visellke grip.
you know the Window" he snapped
Don't make monkey OF yourself an
get In any other. And remember this
IN send you up. by heaven, II you In
terfere-unless you're needed. You waite
} for that sneak Langdon-that's your jot
DO YOU get me?"
II got you the first time" answere
shale cOolly, though his mouth was ugly
Since when do you have TO put m
wise twice?"
Pollock moved uneasily and drew on
: hand across his forehead I'm not talSin
any chances" he muttered. and lightin
cigar settled back I'm the corner OF IN
luxurious motor. Neither OF them sDok
or moved IN the car drew up In front
/. tho big hotel.
, The moment Il stopped Shale slippe