The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-06-09


 For weeks he had steadfastly re- ance with the show which he had backed with his mysteriously raised money, and which featured his own songs. Now, at the last mo- ment, and against his betetr judg- ment he was to face the audience, certain in his own heart that trou- bIe would immediately follow.
 Trixie Lorraine and Carol King were certain of that too, and even Polly suspected that Brad had un- pleasant reasons for wanting to be kept in the background at the pre- miere of his own show. But they were all agreed that, since he had saved the. day and sacrificed his own safety, perhaps he should get all the credit that was due him.
 He's regular" declared Trixie. "He has nerce. He belongs in the show business" It was Trixie who had discovered two days before that Brad answered the description of an absconding Canadian bank clerk and even Polly had come to believe Trixie's deductions true.
 He's rishing going to prison for ns," she added dramatically.
 T like that kid," Trixie con- tinued. If he goes to prison I'll visit him there." That was a bold promise for Trixie to make and she herself realized 1t at once. Well" she added lamely, "at least I'll write to him once in a while."
 T want to see him." Polly an- nounced suddenly, land let him know, know what it means"
 She found Brad in his dressing room in a mad scramble between costume and make up. He grinned at her ruefully.
 Brad" she began. ''It's wonder ful of you to take this chance. It's its courage.
 Brad looked mystified.
 Its courageous, exactly" he said, "but how do you know? Or do you know?"
 Just don't think about it," Polly urged. Just think about this. love you and I always will. No matter what happens!'
 Polly! Honey!" Brad was on his feet with his arms around her.
 She snuggled there for the brief est moment-but long enough to say:
 ..After tonight you can. tell me all about it. I'll understand and maybe can help"
 After tonight" began Brad, obviously puzzled.
 "On the stage" called voice and Brad and Polly ran out. hand in hand.
 wish you luck. sweetheart" "-
 T do. said Polly. soberly. T wish us luck"
 The Show Was On
 The show was on. Barney Hop .kins' ideas, Brad Roberts music and all the beauty and talent and the bodies and souls of two hundred people congealed spectacularly into one great. giddy, gaudy, glittering evening. There had never been a show just like 1t. Never such 8 combination of pathos and beauty, of comedy and collosal effects, Halfway through ths big opening number, which Brad and Barney had named "The Shadow Waltz they knew instinctively that the show was ssover". They knew it was a success and that the world. their world. was back on its feet and laughing with them-not at them.
 It was 0 tremendous snow. A scintillating breath-taking. glorious show, with every man and woman of them working at top speed and with his best foot forward. It was as Barney had predicted. There had. never been anything just like it and the audience threatened to go out of control in it's collective enthu- siasm.
 But during the intermission something happened which, would have worried Polly and Trixie and even Brad greatly if they had known about it. Three first night critics, their heads together in consultation, deputized one of their number to find the telephone.
 He returned with smile of con-