Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-01-12

Y
"You'rs not Invited
this island and my hands aren't tied?
What's your Manner
i You can find me any time you like
In the editorial rooms In the New York
Planet, and my name is Blainey."
mot Montmorency Blainey, the dra-
matte critic?'
That's the one" was gratitied
that my fame had spread so far
They say" quoted the reporter,
that you are the worst dramatic critic
in New York
That is an enyiable distinction l
murmured, lin place where they are
so numerous and bad"
What / mean is that you are the
most severe. If play gets praise from
you it's sure Of success"
well, hardly that" explained. 81
have picked a good many winner
that's all"
The young man looked up at me.
I've written lpay,' he announced.
"Only one?' I asked with simulated
interest. Almost every person in the
United States has written one play
To attain distinction you must meas
ure your dramatic achievements by the
bushel.'
But mine is different"
Yes? Wherein les the difference?"
Mine is going to be produced"
THAT may or may not be an advan-
tage"
with your help it is going TO be an
advantage"
How is that?" ! inquired politely,
with a sinking premonition of what my
part was going to be.
when the play is produced you are
going to hail 1t as the great American
play Of the century. No matter If the
other critics condemn it, they will quail
ify their criticism when they note your
enthusiasm. They will go again and
discover subtle merits that escaped
their first attention. Started by your
panegyric, It's fame will grow, the pub
lie will attend, 1 shall get contracts for
more plays and l shall have arrived"
VERY clever" I sneered, but your
play Is probably rotten, and shall tell
the public So"
Then I'll tell all l know about what
has happened on Green's island. and
shall hint at lot Of things I dom,
know. If you will agree to like my
play I'll promise to shut up and not asa
any more questions"
He looked me squarely in the eye.
Does Mrs. Green ordinarily drink
too much?' he asked.
His guess was too near the mark fol
! comfort. l took out my knife and cu
his bonds.
Thanks, old man." said the reporter
slowly stretching his aching muscles.
"They are waiting to take you bach
to Fair View" Informed him.
"Theyl" he inquired. "Who arr
they7'
"All the principal characters in tina
story you were going to write. By thu
way. your name Is Jones-Clarenc'
| Jones-you're an old school friend Of
mine"
ANY particularsT he asked, a. w
walked down to the dock.
1T isn't necessary. They won't hav'
a chance to pump you because you arr
going to be towed behind the rest in {
rowboat."
"Whv>is that7"
"You promised not to ask any more
questions. / reminded him.
At the dock I introduced him per
functorily to his fellow voyagers ant
he took his seat docilely in the row
boat.
Bill johnson cranked up his engine
and the Merry Widow started blithel!
away. When she was few feet iron
the dock the engine stopped.
whats the matter-broke DOWN.
shouted.
NO" answered Bill, Il gust stop he
because you forgot to tai me what TO
Mrs. Green be on HuntingdOn's island
You say you tai me. and you forget
Yes" chimed In Mrs. Green, "ant
I want to know how / came TO b
floating out on the lake during tn
storm with my red dress on
reflected a moment.
THE young man In the rowboa
| xi~ -,
can ask him as soon as you get to tn
mainland" didn't add that be woul'
not answer,
"Mr. Blainey," yelled the reporter a
the engine started up again.
YES" replied.
1.-THE name Of that play Is The Hon
or of 'Thieves"