Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-07-09

'Ot course, | do! think you arc
the most wonderful man have ever
known? Mary hooked up at him ad
miringly, and the professor drew even
closer
Let me tell you what to do then,
Gct your Glrl friend un the telephone,
and tell YOU that you have found a
manager, who is much interested in
her plans. and that you will introduce
her Ia him. Tell her she can bring
her friends with her, II She wishes.
but | don't know any manager, ="
protested Mary.
"Ot course. you don't, but ! do
and he is Just the man for our pur-
pose The girl studied his words for
a moment in a pretended puzzled
silence. and then looked up with a
smile OF understanding.
81 mink see now what you
mean. She drew a long breath "1'Il
do it I'll get Hattie on the phone
now
A meeting was arranged for the
morrow.
At ; o'clock, Mona, in company
with Casper Carson and Rodney
Grant, who were to act the roles of
the two clever swindlcrs, stopped be-
fore the apartment building where the
Vocal Academy had established itself,
and few minutes later the trio we're
uShcrCd into the office Of tho prinri-
pal Herman was awaiting them with
his blandest and most professional
smile. and with him was a stranger,
whom he duly presented AS MIR,
James Peters, Of whom you have
heard, al course
And now" began the professor.
plunglng INTO the object of the bust
ness without delay, 81 understand
that Miss Gordon possesses much
ability as a singer and actress, and
that she is DESTROYS OF obtaining an
opportunity to be brought before the
public in the right way, and under
the right management"
Carson nodded
Any suggestion which my friend,
Mr.. Peters may make, will be worth
listening to" answered the professor
gravcly. The theatrical manager"
removed his black cigar, and surveyed
Mona deliberately, as though study
ing her face and figure reflcctivcly.
Il can offer you the most attrac-
tive proposition, which it has ever
been IN my power to present to any
one" he began But | will tell YOU
at once that it means quick action.
! am not the kind of man to do bust
ness on promises. From what the
professor tells me of Miss Roberts,
she should make real star. But She
must have the right kind of play. and
the proper backing, have just the
sort of vehicle that will fit her, but
ii means $l0,000-in cold cash! If
you gentlemen are ready to talk bust
ness, all right If not, We had bet
ter have an understanding at once
before any of us waste time"
carson waved his hand carelessly.
I'VE are in. position to put up
$4,000 in ten minutes notice, Mr.. Pc
tiers. But you have got to convince
me that we are going to have some
thing for our money, | am ready to
be couvinced-and prepared to act
Just as soon as you convince me"
Then you are the man am look.
ing for" Mr.. Peters said.
I'VE will put up the $4,000 Mr.. Pc
tiers, just as soon as you produce the
contract and guarantee. Is that sat
isfactory?"
The professor hastily turned to his
desk to hide his smile of elation, as
Peters nodded and held out his hand
That goes! | will notify you within
twenty-four hours where and when
we can meet to close arrangements. u
He rose to his feet. Glad to have
met you all! can only say that you
have done good piece of business, a
very good piece of business, not only
for the young lady, but for your
SclvesW
He bowed himself out, and mo-
mcnt later Carson, Grant and Mona
also took their departure. the profess
sor accompanying them to the eleva-
tor and waving his hand genially to
them as they descended. From the
inner room Mary had heard the en-
tire interview and smiled delighted
/ ly to herself as she saw the progress
which was being made She was on
the point OF opening the door and
stepping into Herrman's Office when
the hall door was pushed open, and
Mona stepped in hrcathlessly. Herr
man at his desk turned in surprise as
Mona made her way to his side and
| slipped note into his hand. Her
face was flushed and she was breath
ing quickly.
81 want to get better acquainted
with you" she conhded, looking up
into his face with glance that melt.
ed any suspicious which Herman
might have entertained. Cant yor
call? | have written down my ad,
dress for you. am SO lonesome by
myself in this big city that woulc
love to have you come and see me.
"Of course. I'll come-with pleas
urel' promised Herman, beaming.
But don't let Miss Roberts know
| have asked YOU said Mona hur
riedly. calling Mary by the name un
der which the other had registered
"She is a little cat when she sec.
that men prefer me to her. And 70,
do, don't you?"
The professors smile deepened. 20
course. l dol How could | think 9th
erwise?"
Mona flashed him an answering
smile and the door was just closin,
behind her when Mary entered thu