Evening star., 1936-05-29
INSTALLMENT XII


wind of intricate taps, to the
applause of both Gary Gray and
~ Shell AS the last note died
away the musicians laid down their
instruments and gave the little boy
great big hand.
Remembering her cue from Shell,
Janen looked surprised. Then she
pulled at her tie, taking boyish en-
barrassment so naturally that Shell
sighed with relief
"G-gosh!" she blurted self-con-
sciously. THE music was so swell I
just forgot myself"
Great stuff" Gary Gray went
over and SLAPPED her on the back with
$igor that made her gulp. where did
rou learn to dance like that, Keats?"
Jan almost lost her bearings.
"oh," she pitched her voice to its
lowest boyish barintone, "just foolin'
around. I k-kind of picked it up.
Mostly at the movies"
Ever thought of taking a whirl at
the stage?" Gray asked.
"Naw!" Jan looked down at her
feet. I'm not good enough for that"
well, say you are" Gray smiled.
~And just to prove I'm no idle f1atterer
I'll back up my statement with a con-
tract. I've been looking for a Juvenile
to do that dance in the cafe scene.
And you're hired!'
Nothing doing" Shell broke in hur-
riedly, for he was afraid Jan would
squeal with delight, or lose her head.
"Hes got to 60 back to school"
We'll, g-gosh," Jan looked floored.
"Do you really think, Mr. Gray, I'm
good enough for Broadway"
Plenty" Gary lit a cigarette
"Would you give up school little
while if we could get your mothers
consent?"
"T-then could save enough money
to go to college. couldn't II"
You sure could. I'll pay you a
hundred dollars a week if you let me
spot you in that cafe scene. And. boy,
that's money in any mans language
when you're only l6,"
"A-hundred dollars!" Jan looked
incredulous.
Gary turned to Shell. Listen,
Pease, where's the boys mother?
We've got to talk this thing over"
Aunt Minis an invalid and Uncle
Herbie's dead" Shell looked properly
sorry. Cousin Patience is JAMS
guardian. They're staying in the
apartment across the hall from me.
My place was too small for all of us.
But I think you'd be wasting your
time talking with her. They've got
their hearts set on the kid being a
urgeon-and-"
Jan broke in. But a hundred dol
lars week, Cousin She'll We haven't
got any money to send me to college.
That'd be the answer"
Well" Shell shrugged skeptically.
"You can come up and talk to Pa
thence tonight. You know I'd love to
have the kid around"
Cant I run up now?' Gray asked
eagerly.
Nope, she's out" Shell evaded.
Anyway, you wouldn't get to first base
before have chance to sort of pave
the way. Come up about g."
Gray followed them TO the stage
door and held out his hand. Jan
erasped it with clinch. The director
smiled, and Jan knew what Shell had
meant when he said that in spite Of
Gray's seriousness he had world of
charm.
Here's to luck!" Gray gave JAMS
shoulder another vigorous slap after
they had shaken hands Get to work
on that sister of yours before I get
there. I think you've got the stuff,
and I'd like to see you get that money
to go to medical school"
1T sure is fine of you. don't know
how to thank you, even if the folks
won't let me go on the stage
Back at the apartment Patience had
lived and died a thousand deaths in
the two hours since Shell and his
protegee had gone She burned the
pot roast and dropped everything in
the kitchenette before she heard the
front door open.
What happened?" She ran into
the living room with an egg-beater in
her hand. well, I see you two aren't
IN Jail yet"
Jan whirled dizzily and did series
of cartwheels around the room. Then
she let out few Indian yells.
I'VE put it over" Shell explained
joyfully. He's coming up at 8 to-
night to try to get your consent to
letting Jan dance in the cafe scene.'
Jan took off her hat and threw it
In the corner. She was still little
mad with excitement. Patience
Topped into chair.
You'll never know what I've been
through" she smiled haggardly. Tell
me all about it."
Shell began at the beginning and
told the entire story, from their en-
counter with his friend who wanted to
know If Jan had met any chorus girls
to Gary Gray and his enthusiasm over
JAMS dancing. Then Shell set the
stage for Gary Gray's visit. It was a
little before when the director ar
rived.
When Shell introduced the visitor
Patience began at once to oppose the
idea of her brothers giving up medi-
cine for the stage.
Its the craziest thing ever heard
Of" She looked very stern and for
bidding and old maidish. Hes too
young to go on the stage. Besides, I
didn't even know he was a good
dancer"
Hes genius. Miss Keats" Mr..
Gray declared seriously. You'll be
very sorry some day If his dreams of
going through medical school don't
materialize and you find you've stood
in the way Of his earning the money.
He'll be under my constant super
vision and assure you he'll be in
good hands. Surely you can't refuse
when his whole future seems to hang
on finances. Mr.. Pease tells me your
mother Is an invalid and your father
Is dead"
Patience WINGED. Seeing the pain
IN her green eyes, Gary apologized