The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-17
The Mystery Of the o. 6 o. Studio

T read it as I came in
 Birch pushed a button sayagely. A boy came in. Jimmy, how'd this man get by your
 "He threw me halfway down the stairs, sir. An then Miggs sent me over to the supplies for pair of scissors. l jest got back"
 Well, you open the door for this Gnptleman--open it wide-and show sHllia out, out!" Birch turned to his desk and began to write, keyed up for the coming slam-bang of the door. A minute passed, another and still another. Slowly. he wheeled his chair-tc behold tableau the like of which he had never seen here before.
 The stranger, still smiling, was holding the door open for the boy. who was staring into the twinkling eyes, fairly hypnotized-
 II sec" said Birch grimly. You're one of those fresh guys who have to be thrown out. Jimmy. gc get the carpenters"
 Jimmy darted out The uninvited guest gently closed the door, walked over to the chair Cholly had recent ly vacated, and sat down.
 While we are waiting for the car pente-s, I'd like a moment of your time"
 Birch did not reply. The stranger sighed audibly.
 Evidently the carpenters had been within easy call. The three burst into the office, followed by the pop eyed boy. The head carpenter was a huge individual who. when he wasn't building street fronts" Or;- ental palaces, forts, log-cabins on the plains, interiors, contracting for lumber and nails and saws and ham mers, was employed in the genial business of bouncing rndesrables.
 You sent for us, MT. Birch?" hc~ asked, cycling the interloper truc- ulenuy, even hungrily.
 The strange young man laughed joyously, and the note was so gem uine that it caught Birchs fancy. There was a pause
 T did send for you, Sam: but I guess I sh'n't need you. Sorry"
 The carpenters stood for moment and eyed each other with frank dis appointment, while the office boy appeared to be on the verge of tears Then all four trailed out.
 Wants the Job
 "Well?" said Birch.
 T overheard your comedian say that he was in need of a new man. I want that job. I'm not afraid of pie'
 Birch let go a chuckle. He liked nerve, courage, when it was the real article. If you hadn't laughed at this particular moment you'd be picking yourself up out of the gravel in front. A man who can laugh in Sam's face is worth a little con sideration No one comes into this office except the staff and those who have appointments. But I'll drop red tape today. Do you know any thing about football?"
 "A little"
 T don't mean the game; I mean just the pigskin.'
 "Yes. A pie target and football; I understand" The unknown frowned, wiped away the frown and smiled again.
 well. Cholly is rough, rough as the devil. He's always thinking of the picture"
 'No doubt I'm sorry. MT. Birch, about the way l got to you; but there didn't seem to be any other. I honestly and truly want this job
 Birch scrutinized the well-set shoulders, the fashionable clothes. the clean-cut, intelligent face and the lean, brown hands. This chap was not an ordinary hanger-on around the studios.
 Hang me. Ill give you the job said the managing director. Those carpenters didn't seem to worry you"
 ''No; they didn't scare me very much replied the young man soberly.
 Well the job is yours if you can hold it. Five dollars day until you make good and then we'll talk sal aries. Show up a 10 tomorrow morn ing. Are you stopping in Los Ange- les?''
 Yes"
 Well. bring along a grip fu1l of old clothes. You'll need 'em. You'll have your eyes and ears filled with custard and the Lord knows what else, three days running, every week. You'n be kicked. knocked down, hit with stuffed bricks, stepped on, and all through it you've got to keep a grin on your face. And if there's any woman in love with you or with | whom you are in love, say good-by, for she's due to fall out once she sees you And as the judge says, may the Lord have mercy on your soult By the way, Sir Cuthbert, whats your name?"
 The young man thought for mo- ment. My name is Arthur Brennanir he said then. You're giving your real name?' T am" This time the frown did not wear away quickly
 "All right. Good morning." For several minutes Birch set in . his chair and unused over personal