The Monmouth inquirer., 1926-10-07
The Other Man
C0DyrIuAs n. Frank a. Mun.sy company
BY HELEN A. HOLDEN

desperately anxious to get a part In
Ford's new play. But the successful
dramatist, the favorite of fortune, the
lion Of the day was inaccessible. It
seemed impossible to obtain an inter-
view. Every means within his power
Leicester had tried in vain.
CHANGING up, he was not surprised
to find himself opposite the house in
which Ford lived. With his thoughts
concentrated on the man, he had I'M
consciously followed their direction.
He looked the house over from base
ment to roof, as If seeking some means
of entrance, some weakness in its mas
sive stone front. AS he noticed the
wide, hospitable-looking doorway, an
idea came to him. He would beard
the lion in his den. His request for
an interview had been refused; he
would try his chances without ask
ing.
"Mr. Ford is out, sir" the butler re-
piled to his casual inquiry; but if
you will wait, he will return soon.
Leicester was almost overcome with
amazement. His wonder grew as the
obseqious butler led him past obscure
places where he might have expected
to wait, and up the broad stairs to
the second floor. Here he was ushered
into what was evidently the music
room. Having opened the piano and
arranged some music, the butler re
quested him to make himself comfort
M IHorJfe vo%,1,.Y,
"Of all the strange things this is the
strangest!" mused Leicester. Il
couldn't have been more welcome If /
had been expected"
With this thought, like flash OF
light 1t all became clear to the puz-
zled man. He had arrived just in the
time when some invited guest was
expected, and had been received In
his place
He must get away before the mis-
take became known. The butler had
carried off his hat and gloves; how
was he to appear in the street without
them. He tiptoed cautiously to the
door. No one was IN sight. He adj
vanced to the stairway and peered
down, but no hat or gloves were to
be seen.
Returning to the room he sat down
to think it over. On the whole, why
not stay2 Here was his long-sought
opportunity of meeting Carl Ford.
He would explain how the chance
had come to read Ford's new play, and
how the role of the young American
had fascinated him. He would frankly
confess his irresistible longing to Gre
ate the part. He knew he could do
it. He had never before felt so sure
about any chance of convincing the
playwright. He could not help think
ing that the sincerity of his admira-
ton for the play, and the honesty of
his ambition to play the part would
carry conviction. sgssss
Then his hopes fell as he reflected
that he was in very delicate position.
He had entered the house under false
pretenses, and would have to overcome
a bad impression at the start. He had
absolutely no excuse to offer; merely
q personal request to make. Would
Ford be Justly indignant, or would he
over look the intrusion. Taught at the
mistake, and give Leicester his
chance7
Six to one against it," unused Lei.
cester with an uneasy feeling.
He went to the window, and noticed
with relief that the front steps were
low and easy to descend.
Just then an autor drew up at the
curb. Leicester knew, before the oc-
cupant stepped out. that 1t would be
Carl Ford. The die was cast. Escape
was now impossible. Whatever the
outcome. the meeting could not now
be avoided.
Leicester wondered what sort Of q
visitor Ford had expected. Evidently
q pianist, for the piano had been
opened in an obvious fashion. He
could easily meet that requirement
He sat down for moments trial Of
the instrument; and as his hands
wandered over the keys he forgot him
self, and became, in fancy. the young
American whose part he SO much Gov
eted.
.sBravo, bravog" q voice frQn the
doorway interrupted him. Leicester
got up with an embarrassed laugh;
but before he could think how 10 be-
gin, Ford continued II am just going
to take time to shake hands before
asking for more music.
~Let me first explain began
Leicester.
But / insist on the music" Ford
was emphatic. 'sIf you don't handle
the music right. there is no use dis
GUESSING the matter"
II viii gladly play for you, Mr.. Ford.
If you stIll wish II after tell you that
am not"
Ford cut him short.
~You must understand how much
hinges on your ability to play. It is
an unusual thing. but the novelty Of
the situation rather pleases me- You
can say all you want to afterward.
but frst ! must hear uttle more
music. Play anything you choose
Il really doesn't matter what"
.ss.,.A<,ve S.4.~<sra &fe, ,.f,rts ~ a ~ d.