The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-07-09
Ticket to
Hollywood
lcontlnned From Page sd

Continued From Page 81
her in the heart. And then, re-
mem benng the starched shirts in
the glass booth. she understood.
With Mr.. Rhinegold and Mr..
Klump watching. Jerry didn't dare
pick her out for special attention.
That was it. And yet ne could
have smiled.
Youngsters continued 10 parade
before the microphone Each time
new name was called, Francie
grew tense. The stage seemed a
mile wide. Could she ever cross 1t
before all these people? 1t was
her big chance. She mustn't fail
now.
a page boy tapped her shoulder.
'Francie Weston ," She nodded,
heart pounding. Your fathers
back here and wants to see you"
But I can't leave now. My
name may be called any time
The boy shrugged. He says it's
a matter of life and death"
Her father stood just off-stage,
his face set and grave.
Pops" Francie cried, what's
happened ,"
i've news of Gusty" he said
quietly. Il thought you ought to
hear it
"Oh, but, Pops. can't 1T wait?
II I'm not there when they call
my name :"
He nodded. Il know, Francie.
This is important, too. Gusty's in
the hospital seriously injured"
oh, no" Francie's eyes were
wide. "He-he isn't going to :"
They were taking an X-ray
when | left"
"How-what happened" Mo-
mentarily Francie had forgotten
the broadcast. forgotten Jerry
everything but Gusty Gair.
"Gusty was conscious few
minutes" Mr. Weston said. "Gusty
was stranded 100 miles from Hol-
lywood. He got enough money on
his trumpet to finish the trip, but
he arrived broke. Well. somehow
the young idiot got inside of
studio. They were ready to shoot
an automobile smash-up, and the
stunt man hadn't appeared. Gusty
bluffed himself into the job and
just about broke his neck RAM
ming stone wall"
"Gusty did that" Francie's eyes
sparkled with tears.
Mr.. Weston said, You see,
Francie, he was trying to stick it
out until the broadcast. He had to
have money to rent another trum-
pet"
Francie's cheeks burned. She
looked at the floor. II tried to
find him"
Let's be honest, Francie. you
were busy with young Finney."
"B-but, Pops, Gusty can't play
now. Why shouldn't I have my
chance ?"
If you want it, Francie."
They stood in silence a moment.
On the stage the orchestra
stopped playing. Jerry Finney's
voice carried to Francie: And
now ladies and gentlemen, clever
little lady who sings them sweet
and hot-Miss Francie Weston"
Pops" That's me! It's my turn
to sing" Francie was pale, breath
less. Il can go to Gusty as soon
as the programs over
Yes, Francie. you can. But
first, Gusty sent something to you.
He had the nurse call all the no.
tells to find me. He wanted you to
have this"
Francie stared. Tits his wal
let"
Yes. He never discovered the
loss OF the ticket
'And-and he wanted me to
have it," Francie choked. After
the way acted e"
Yes, dear, and he needs you
now"
Jerry Finney's voice was louder.
little irritated: Miss Francie
Weston. please"
The orchestra played a second
introduction. Francie pressed her
fingers into her eyes. Just a few
quick steps would take her back
into her bright world of glamor.
But if Gusty died as she sang
Jerry's voice seemed 10 come
from great distance: Last CALL
Miss Francie Weston. . :"
ITO Be Concluded)