Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-06-09

which he could tap the top of his boot
against the floor. This he proceeded to
do ut short intervals until. after what
seemed very long time, he was re-
warded by hearing footsteps ascending
the stairs, and presently knock upon
the door.
Mr.. Moore tapped vigorously with
his toe-he could not reply in any other
way. The knock was repeated after a
moments silence. Again Mr.. Moore
tapped. Would they never open the
dosr? Laboriously he rolled In the d.
rection of succor. If he could get his
back against the door he could then
tap upon its base, when surely he must
be heard.
The knocking was repeated a little
louder, and finally voice called, "Mr.
jack"
II was one of the housemen. Mr..
Moore recognized the fellows voice.
He came near TO bursting a blood YES
sci in an endeavor TO scream 'Come
in" through the sitting gag. After n
moment the man knocked again, quite
loudly, and called the boys name. Re
ceiying no reply, he turned the knob,
and ut the same instant sudden recol-
lection filled the tutor anew with ter
ror-he had himself locked the door
behind him when he had entered the
room
lie heard the servant try the door
several times, and then depart. Upon
which Mr.. Moore swooned.
In the meantime Jack was enjoying
to the full the stolen pleasures Of the
music hall. He had reached that tenn
pie of mirrh just as Ajax's act was
commencing, and having purchased a
box seat was now leaning breathlessly
over the rail, watching every move OF
the great ape, his eyes wide in wonder.
The trainer was not slow to note the
boys handsome, eager face, and as one
of Ajax's biggest hits consisted in IN
entry TO one or more boxes during his
performance, ostensibly in search of a
long lost relative. rs the trainer ex-
planned. the man realized the effective
ness OF sending him into the box with
the handsome boy, who doubtless would
be terror stricken by proximity to the
shaggy. powerful beast.
When the time came therefore>for the
ape 10 return from the wings in reply
TO an encore, the trainer directed its
attention TO the boy, who CHANGED to
be the sole occupant of the box in
which he sat.
With a spring the huge anthropoid
leaped from the stage to the boys side.
But If the trainer had looked for a
laughable scene Of fright he was mis-
taken. y broad smile lighted the boys
features as he laid his hand upon the
shaggy arm of his visitor The ape,
graspIng the boy by either shoulder,
peered long and earnestly into his face
while the latter stroked his head and
talked to him in n low voice.
Never had Ajax devoted so long a
time to IN examination OF another as
he did in this instance. He seemed
troubled and not a little excited jab-
bering and nuiubling 10 the boy and
now caressing him rs the trainer had
never seen him caress a human being
before. Presently he claEbered over
into the box with him and snugglcd
down dose to the boys side.
The audiencc.was delighted, but they
were still more delighted when the
trainer, the period of mis- act having
elapsed, attempted to persuade Ajax
to leave the box. The ape would not
bulge.
The manager, becoming excited at
the delay, urged the trainer 10 greater
haste, but when the latter entered the
box TO drag away the reluctant Ajax
he WAS met by barred fangs and men,
acing grOwls.
Tie audience was delirious with Joy.
They cheered the ape. They cheered
the boy, and they hooted anG ieered at
The trainer ana the manager, which
luckless individual had inadvertently
shown himself and attempted to assist
the trainer.
Finally, reduced to desperation and
realizing that this show of mutiny
upon the part Of his valuable posses
sion might render the animal worthless
for exhibition purposes in the future If
not Immediately subdued, the trainer
hastened to his dressing room and pro-
cured heavy whip.
With this he now returned to the box,
but when he had threatened Ajax with
1t but once he found himself facing
two Infatuated enemies instead of one,
for the boy leaped to his feet and, seE-
ing chair, stood ready at the apes
side to defend his new-found friend.
There was no longer a smile upon his
handsome face. In his gray eyes was
an expression which gave the trainer
pause, and beside him stood the giant
anthropoid growing and ready.
What might have happened but for
a timely interruption may only be sur
missed, but that the trainer would have
received a severe maullng If nothing
more was clearly indicated by the atti-
tudes Of the two who faced him.