The Wilmington morning star., 1940-04-04
PTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
What did Bob Lane mean by say
ing Cholly's addition was in the
bag?
When Romany asked, Lane smiled
broadly.
"Santa Claus is coming to town.
"Your secretary said Brent Mel
son recommended Cholly," RomanS
told him. But when I called Brent
to thank him he didn't know
thing about it."
Brent is just santa's helper
Bob grinned. "Now will you please
stop asking questions? I'm being
held to a sacred promise"
Romany was atwitter with excite
ment. From Lanes mysterious attl
tude she gathered that Cholly
couldn't miss. But what could De
back of all the mystery?
Cholly began to play softly, en-
chanting1y, a medley of old lflsh
love songs. Romany watched BOP
Lane. In a little while he sat back
put his hands over his eyes and
listened without moving. 1t was a
habit he had when he wanted TO
shut out everything but the audi
ton.
After a time Cholly suddenly broke
into a medley of jazz. Wild,
and swing. Then, from the rldlcu-
Ious to the sublime, she paused a
moment, and her little hands moved
over the keys in a series OF hits from
the great operas. She ended with a
perfect rendition of the "Moon13ht
Sonata"
Surprisingly, Lane kept her play
ing for half an hour before he sig
1aled for her TO stop. Then he got
ur without speaking, and Romany
followed him into the studio, her
heart pounding.
Cholly had two bright spots OF
color in her cheeks, and h sat
holding her knees because they were
shaking so.
"Was it all right?" she asked
timidly.
Lane looked down after her, smil-
ing whimsically.
I'm afraid So" He reached out
and pulled a red curl. Il don't be
lieve it will be necessary to hold
any more additions"
Cholly's blue eyes opened very
wide:
"You-don't mean"
you'll dov' Lane smiled again.
Cholly's hand went to her throat.
She swallowed painfully. Then two
big tears came into her eyes and
trickled down her cheeks. Romany
felt tears singing her own throat
Cholly wiped her eyes, laughing
and crying at the same time. Lane
stood by, amused and touched. 1t
wasn't often he saw the plums go
to the ones who needed them, or
deserved them. Cholly O'Neil was
not only greatly talented, but she
was a sweet youngster, if he was
n Judge of human nature.
IF you'll come into my Office"
Lane said then, "I have a contract
waiting for YOU"
"So-soon?" Cholly got up fight
ing for self-control. II didn't know
ANYTHING ever happened this fast In
RADIO"
1T doesn't as a rule" Lane lit a
cisaret as they walked out. "But
it so happens this sponsor wants to
go on the air Monday morning at
$780,"
You'll be getting up with the
BIRDS" Romany reminded her.
"As if that matters" Cholly
grinned happily.
In Lanes office he turned swift
~ to the business at hand.
"This," he said, holding up a
sheaf of papers, sis the regular
thirteen-week run-of-the-mill con
tract. 1t calls for a salary of S125
weekly"
"Oh!' gasped Charlotte.
Lane nodded, smiling.
THAT isn't bad for a beginning.
1t is subject to renewal after that
time at 5000 a week. Is that salts
factory"
what do you Think" Cholly's
voice shook.
I'VE trust you, Mr.. Lane" Rom
any smiled. "Otherwise, I should
advise Cholly to have an attorne.
look over the contract before She
signed it."
II give you my personal word,
Bob twinkled. II have no ulterio
motives up my sleeve this morn
Ing"
I'D better read 1t before I sign
Bella LANAN-COURT r