Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-11-17
THIS WEEK MAGAZINE

person who is secretly married -"
Winkewitz's head came up with a
jerk. "Quietw he screamed.
Jerry shook his head sternly. This
is no time for hysteria or theatres.
Maybe Handlon did use me to get
even with you. But let me point out
that he couldn't have gotten away
with it if you had followed Patty's
advice and proudly told the world
about your marriage. Whatever hap
pens. you have only yourself to blame.
Abusing me won't help. I've had about
all this sort of thing can stand"
The girl twisted about. "Jerryr' she
cried. HE isn't himself. If this thing
ever gets into the papers. his sponsor
will cancel his contract. He can. you
know. 1t has a morals clause. And
even if the truth came out in the end.
the ridicule would kill Max for good.
Oh. can't you suggest anything?"
Max groaned. Jerry lit a cigarette.
THAT telegram was only sent to
set the STAGE" he said thoughtfully.
"Handlon must have found out, in
some way, that Max was secretly mar
ried recently. Suppose Wharton sues
and Handlon tips some columnist -"
The mad maestro of the airwaves
leaped out of the chair. Stop he
screamed. you are torturing me-
GERRY studied the smoke plume from
his cigarette. II see only one way out"
he said finally. Then, as Winkewitz
grasped his shoulders, he shook his
head. But then it's none of my bust
ness. is it? I've been fired. I'm bum"
Cant you see the guys crazy with
worry" the blonde implored him.
Even worse" Winkewitz echoed.
"You didn't intend to fire him, did
you, pet pie?" Patty said briskly.
The maestro gulped. "I'm talking
out of my head" he said humbly.
Jerry stared down into the street.
II was also promised raise and
contract" he pointed out indifferently.
But promised -"
Jerry agreed. MANY times! No.
Max. I'm sorry. I've stood all can.
Abuse. Broken promises. And now this
furtive lie of yours about your mar
rage. 1t has ruined one of the best
publicity stunts
"JerTy!' 1t was the girl. She came
across the room to him. Suppose Max
gave you that raise and a contract.
Gould you get him out of this mess2"
Jerry nodded confidently.
How do know he amt bluffing?"
the diminutive band leader whined.
Shut up, pet pie" the girl advised.
Every easily" Jerry answered him
calmly. ''I'll sit down and write
contract now. 1t will provide for an
increase of fifty bucks week and will
run for two years. 1t will further pro-
vide that the whole agreement will
become null and void if any legal &C
ton or unfavorable publicity arises as
a result of the Winkewitz- Wharton
publicity stunt How does that sound?"
write it out" the blonde COM
manded. MAX will sign it. Won't you.
Maxi"
Max rolled his eyes helplessly be-
tween them. sighed and finally nodded.
Afterwards. when he had signed the
document, he tottered over to the
couch and sank down. Jerry folded his
copy. placed it in his pocket.
Patty was curious. She said, stand
ing slimly erect beyond the desk.
''How do you figure on working it,"
ut just came to me like a FASH"
Jerry explained guilelessly. Il know a
chap very we'll. He used to be on the
coast. In fact, while he was there he
fell in love with Anne Wharton. She
loved him But there was the ques-
ton of her career. Would it jell. or
wouldn't it? The chap didn't want to
marry the girl and end up being
Anne Wharton's husband.