The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1937-12-30
CHAPTER XII-Continued

son Win the INES SPOKEN on tie
stage.
The curtain fell slowly on the mi
nor climax of the first act. The
setting and theme had been estab-
lished and the characters present
ed. The audience applauded enthu-
siastically. From hole IN the cur
tain Brooke saw the New York pro-
Queer 60 up the aisle. Would he re-
tuEnsSe
Don't you dare go away, don't
you darel" she flung at his straight
back
How did it go?" Sans voice
was hoarse.
Its wonderful, Sam. Not an UNI
necessary word; every line was
Forward march, for your story.
The acting is the best I've ever seen
in an amateur performance.
$50 what? Does it prove any
thing7 They're all good except
Daphne. she isn't getting her lines
over. | hold my breath every time
she opens her mouth. Isn't Trent
great? He's the spark-plug OF the
cast Wait till you see him in the
crucial moment in the next act,
when he thinks the girl he loves
has double-crossed him"
Jerry Field appeared beside her
dressed in leather jacket and knick-
ers, with a gun in his hand.
'sHow's it going. Brooke?'
II can't see the stage. but from
the response of those out front I'd
say it was a hit. You're grand in
that sports costume. You've made
every point, jerry
Thanks. That's because when /
say a word of love to Lucette I'm
saying it to you" He caught her
hand and pressed his lips to it fer
vently.
'Please-don't. Jerry
you've said that too many times,
sweet thing. After the play We'll
have reckoning-get me?"
after the play" Brooke repeated
the words to herself. So much was
I, happen that would change lives,
after the play.
'HeyI Field! Field, come on!'
Sans whisper. Sans reckoning
hand. Brooke followed Jerry as far
as the wings from which she could
see him drop to log on the stage,
left center.
why don't you turn thumbs up
and end the poor boys torment?'
asked a low voice behind her.
She turned quickly. Something in
Mark Trent's voice made her furi-
ously angry.
That's quite suggestion that
end the poor boys torment | will.
Tonight"
Don't do it until / change after
the show. | want to drive you home,
Brooke. There is something must
say to you.
Brooke felt the blood rush to her
face and recede. Had Henri double
crossed her and told him about the
will? Did Mark Trent think she in
tended to hide it? She wouldn't give
him a chance to accuse her before
she produced that paper locked in
her desk. She said as steadily as
she could with his eyes boring into
her soul:
Sorry. The minute the curtain
falls, | shall dash to Lookout House
to change into something snappy for
the grand celebration. You wouldn't
have me come to your grand party
in this green knit. would your
Quick Sam wants the wings
cleared"
She backed out, conscious oil
Mark Ttent's disturbing presence
close beside her.
1.-THE music has stopped There
go the footsl" She caught his sleeve
looked up and begged in an I'M
steady whisper:
do your best, Mark. This &C
will kill or make the play"
His lips were on hers SO quickly
that she had no chance to protest
He kissed her passionately, thor
oughly, said in husky whisper.
Credit that to the silent police
man. Now, I'll play that part to thu
hilt."
Brooke tried to ignore her racing
pulses. She Knocked.
81 seem to be in the path OF al
emotional cyclose; first, Jerry Field
now you. / suppose Jed will be tn
: next. Your cuel Quicki Quick"
In an instant he was OH the stage
Brooke shut her eyes tight in a
effort to steady whirllng world
Mark Trent's lips on hers had bee
like an electric current through he
body. Every pulse, every nerve re
sponded.
She listened 1t was very still !
front, sort of hypnotized stiffness
She could hear the voices on tn
stage, but she couldn't keep he
mind on what they were saying
Even as she supplied propertie:
even as the actors made their Ell
frances and exits she was thinkin
OF Mark Trent's eyes as he ha
looked down into hers, was wonde
ing what he wanted to tell her c
the way home?
How Reyhurnishl The incurab