The Washington times., 1932-03-01

money. But 1 can't. 1t would
not be fair to him, and I gave
my solemn word that I would
not betray his confidence.
But when 1 tell you that a
man is in a desperate Situa-
tion, you can believe me.
You've known me a long, long
time-and you know my repu-
tation for honesty and square
dealing. Can anyone say any
thing about me or about my
reputation?"
They had reached the en-
trance to the building in which
the agents office was located.
The booker glanced at his
watch and shifted nerVously
from one foot to the other.
That's not it, Tom," he
cried. It's not a question of
you or your reputation. it's
simply a question of $500 that
I don't want to hand out right
now.
Il appreciate the fact that
your friend is in desperate
need. 1 appreciate the fact
that he's liable to kill himself
unless he gets the money. But
tell you again that I can't
afford to help him out right
now. What more can a man
say?"
Thinks 1t Over
The actor refused to give up.
The persistency he displayed
was absolutely a thing of
beauty. Surely you've encoun-
tered a similar situation in your
life. 1 guess we all have. The
man wouldn't take no for an
answer.
He gripped the agents arm.
Louis" he stated, I'm 60
ing to make just one more stab
at this thing in order to have
you understand. I swore that I
wouldn't reveal my friends
name, but I'm almost tempted
to do it.
Suppose I tell you that he
is one of the sweetest guys that
ever stepped along Broadway.
Suppose tell you that he has
done more to help other people
than any one else you might
mention. Suppose I tell you
that he has sacrificed his time
and his money just to assist
those who would never move a
finger to help him if the situa-
tionS were reversed. Suppose 1
tell you these things. Have they
no effect on you?
'"The name of the man would
aStound you, and the nature Of
his difficulties would amaze you
even more. If you will give me
your word of honor that you
will never tell a soul, I will tell
you the entire story. Will you?"
Makes Final Plea
The agent did the only thing
left under the circumstances.
He spoke finally and flatly.
I'm leaving you, Tom" was
his reply. II don't care to
know the mans name because
it couldn't possibly make any
difference. I like to help peo-
pie and I'd do anything in
the world to make your friend
little happier. But what
caonot do. I cannot do. I'm
Sorry-and good-by."
And he left. ...
Several hours passed. I
might tell you that this agent
is really a sweet soul and that
he felt badly about the situa-
tiou. Several times during the
afternoon he was tempted to
call the actor and give him the
$500 he had requested. After
all, it wouldn't break him-and
the man in question would be
saved. But the time went by
anc he didn't make the call.
Around Z o'clock that night
he walked over to the Tavern
Restaurant for dinner. Just as
he was preparing to enjoy his
meal, in walked the actor and
a young lady. They took a table
a few feet from the agent.
AS he munched his food, the
agent made up his mind. If the
actor hadn't raised that $500
for his friend the booker would
give it to him. His mind would
feel much easier So he called
the actor to his table.
Say, Tom," he said, 1--WE
been thinking about that $500
you wanted I"
The actor offered an amazing
interruption. He laughe d
heartily.
I'm very happy you didn't
give me that dough, Louis" he
smiled. Very happy"
Happy" repeated the agent
incredulously. "Why?"
"Oh." responded the actor
easily, "the horse ran last"