The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-19

o1 many Tn O large put not very modern building.
 The sign read:
 BENNY BRIEN
 Theaterical Agent
 There was 6 light behind the glass of the window although # was past Benny Brien's usual hour of closing. Benny Brien was small man and plump, hiding a hard heart ander a soft exterior.
 He was addressing an apologetic giant over twice his size with the air of . father admonishing his con.
 'No, Beano. If it was honest I'd help you. Ten years booked your business and never made a penny more than 25 per cent out of you.
 'Three times when you were with me I fixed it for you. Three times champion of the world, and the circuits. I got you more than you ever had to pay out to be cham pion."
 The other man flddled with his derby. T know, Benny, you was a pal to me ali through"
 "A pal" exclaimed Benny. And what did I get for it? The MaXo outfit offered to put you back in the wrestling game for 15 per cent cut and where are you now? You got the blame and they got the dough. All washed up, and then you come to Benny to help you out"
 The other waited patiently. "Lis- ten. Benny, I ain't washed up. l got 50 grand in my pocket and I want to give you 25 for what you have done for me in the past"
 Benny snorted. Fifty grandl Hot ice. Why If the cops walked in here and found you with them dia- monds on you we'd both get 20 years in the penitentiary, you for having 'em and me for knowing 1t. And me as innocent as a new born babe"
 Beano sighed. Listen Benny. I didn't steal 'em. was only in Raffsrtys when Bretto rushes in and says to me, Hold dis for me till I get back But he never got back, the boys got him outside and when they searched him for the ice they couldn't find it. Then the cops got them and gave 'em the chair. so you see. Benny, came by thera honest"
 "E-onest?" snorted Benny. "IIl bet the insurance dicks are snifing your trail right now, not to mem ton the cops"
 That's it." said Beano. "All want to do is to lay up in Q nice quiet circuit for a couple of months up in Canada and it's a cinch. Fifty grand ain't hay. Benny"
 The bell rang. Benny picked up his telephone.
 "Kello." said Benny. "Oh. yes. sure, yeah. sure I believe in Christ mas. Sure a good time was had by all, the kids like 1t. too. but got a business. Skiing. Sure like it on the movies. How's that girl with the dead pan. yeah, Mack. that's the name. Maybe will at that. Couple of days, maybe. Busy time, New York's. got couple of shows lined up. Sure I'll be up. O. K. if bring friend?"
 Beano's eyes twinkled with hope. Benny set the receiver down.
 What do you think about that?" he said to Beano That's the best artist in Canada, that is, real artist. I mean, not an act. Asking me up for Christmas week. Swell place up where they all ski. Maybe I can do something for you, Beano."
 "Aw, Benny, I knew you'd come across. Split 50-50 and help me get rid of the ice"
 Nothing doing. Beano. It's too hot. but I'll give you break. Never let 1t be said I didn't help a pal and that's more than the Maxo's would do for you.
 "I'll ring up Johnny Goodman in Montreal and get you a Santa Claus set in one of the stores. Mo- bodyu recognize you as Santa S Claus"
 "Aw, Benny" protested Beano. T don't want to be a Santa Claus. Kids bother me. I just want to go 1 to Canada for a while and then I'm going to finish my correspond ence course in Physical Education. Maybe can get job in one of them colleges
 Benny Brien sighed. That's the trouble with you. Physical education. You took it all in your muscles and none in your head. Here. Get into this costume. Mo- body will think of looking for hot ice on Santa Claus"
 But what about them skiing mountains? That'd be the place to cool the ice off," said Beano.
 That's what I'm coming to. I'll take you up there. Maybe this guy will need butler"
 A gleam of hope curdied in Beano's eyes. T don't want to be a butler. I want to go straight after . I get rid of the ice. Didn't tell you I was going straight when this guy Bretto lands this stuff in my lap?".
 Benny Brien sighed. I'm doing this as a favor. mark you. and I don't want any cut, only if maybe after couple of years you get rid of the stuff and the insurance peo- pie lay of and pay the client. well. maybe you might drop in some day and say, Benny, I'd like to back you in Q show on Broadway. Maybe we could get by with 50 thousand if you get 50 thousand"
 You mean you'd want 1t all?" yaid Beano peevishly.
 T mean nothing. Didn't I tell gou l wouldn't touch it. Nor will you if I help you. We'll give 1t back to the people. in entertain ment for the people. $3.50 a crack. and then it's gone. doing good where 1t should and you and me haven't touched a cent"