The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1925-04-10
Minnie's Last
Chance
by GEORGE B. BEAL

sc fHREE times and oufi Jim
4 Rogers took little pains to re-
press his booming voice and everyone
on the darkened stage understood the
significance of the threat
Dainty Minnie Seldom Strengthened
her girlish form. if with quick beating
heart, under the surly tones.
you don't think I'm quitting on pur-
pose" she inquired tartly.
Il don't care what you are quitting
for. But spell that scene of yours
once more Well, you'll have a fine
chance 10 sample Kansas hospitality.
that's all"
Minnie turned haughtily away and
fairly scurried for the stage door, when
a protecting arm went suddenly around
her waist and sweet voice offered
consolation:
Don't you mind that old bear,
honey. You go right ahead and fool
them all, you can do it."
That's ii, l know / can" her voice
was near to breaking. That's what
worries me so. I-I-don't understand
what has come over me lately
1t was a mans voice this time, and
a tall, handsome chap who joined the
two girls as they moved up the narrow
alleyway to the street.
'Old Rogers give you another call,
kid?"
Yes, he did and-he had a right to.
l guess I'm all in"
Briggs and lady, taking little flyer
in dramatic work between times. ex-
changed .glances behind their COM
panion.
You did rather queer the show at
the Matinee" ventured Helen finally.
Eyes, l know it. and I'll probably
queer it again tonight l get along
well enough until the kissing scene;
Rogers says make love like wooden
Indian-I don't do that bad"
Despite warning look from Helen,
Briggs broke in on her: You don't
do much better, grille"
"Am really as 5ad-as that"
WELL" Helen hesitated, you are
certainly making mess of that scene,
dearie. Don't you like Redburn?"
Like him? He's the finest actor
ever worked with-I-perhaps that's
the reason"
That night Rogers arrived at the
theater TO find the form of man
stretched out upon couch behind the
scenes. One glance told him that Red
burn. the handsome juvenile. was once
more victim of fever. Rogers looked
around the little group speaking
gruff1y:
Briggs, you'll have TO double in Red
burns part tonight Come on. get
busy, this isn't any hospital"
The silent actors parted, on the way
TO their various dressing rooms. The
last to go was Minnie and her eyes
were wet with unshed tears.
Minnie came off stage with shining
eyes, and wave after wave of applause
Numbered out in front. Rogers, stand
ing in the wings grasped her arm and
thrust her back onto the stage.
Take your CALI he Kissed. 81 knew
you wasn't a gutter"
Minnie flashed look at him as she
returned. after not one, but three
the side of Redburn.
There she found Helen and their
hands met in a quick silent clasp of
understanding.
you did splendidly, dearie," Helen
murmured. Il knew you could"
'Yes, / know; how is-Frank?" she
hesitated over the name with conscious
embarrassment.
Immediate response to her question
was denied her by the crowding around
of the whole company, Rogers among
the number, and from every lip fell
congratulations that any other time
would have been sweet music, indeed
The din Of shifting scenery stilled,
the muted notes of the orchestra be-
yond the curtain sounded the third act
overture and Rogers rough voice
barked, Places" and the crowd dis
solved, as by magic, leaving only Minnie
and the reclining man.
Redburn raised his hand and patted
her dark hair tenderly.
You're WONDERFUL, ne whispered
simply wonderful. Why, why don't
you act that way with me, dear?"
"You feel betterY' Minnie inquired.
hardly hearing.
I'm all right, just as good as gold,
he affirmed, attempting to get up.
But thought" Minnie stammered
her amaZement.
"I know, perhaps it was rotten
trick, but you were going bad in our
scene and Helen told me what was
the matter, so l just played sick to
give you your chance, that's ALL
"You weren't really sick?" Minnie's
bosom rose and fell unanimously.
81 knew that the reason why you
couldn't make love TO me out there
was because you couldn't, meaning it
and Minnie. / couldn't either, for that
matter, for the same reason. So"
you mean"
"Yes, dear, mean just that"
And Rogers, peering down at them
a moment later, smiled, for Ii was
pretty sight and truly, all the world
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