The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-12-22
STUDIO MEETING CHAPTER "

Thus it happened that q conJunc- aon of meetings took place in Fer- 1y's studio around noon two days oefote the day before Christmas. serdy was putting the last brush ;troses to his masterpiece for Ber~ ,orl's Benign Bath Soap and Leona was rising with languid grace from the chiffon foam on the stud1o throne. Ferdy was expecting Myra Mack and Fay Rathbone to drop in with their skis and sundry parcels that he was taking up north that afternoon. They were to follow next day by train.
 He was also expecting Benny Brie-l, who had telephoned that he would be around some time to take him to meet Beaf1o McClus- key who, he said. had been looked for q very important act in one of the most important stores in town. Bcano, he added, was one of the bigtime child entertainers in the States. He little knew when he telephoned how sensational Beano's act mad become or now at that very moment police squad cars were securing the byways of the city looking for large man in a de- mented state dressed as Santa Claus.
 The said Santa Claus, huddled in the seat of Ross BenSon's car, was nearing sanctuary. The car drew up opposite the studio.
 Ferdy was wiping his brushes as they entered the studio. He was seldom put out by anything, but even he hesitated when he saw the massive Santa Claus behind him.
 "Beano McClusky," introduced Ross. "one of your guests, I be- lieve. Beano, this is your host"
 "Vurry glad to meet you" re- piled Beano. peeling of his red robe. He had found the store much too hot for comfort and had found that he could withstand the strain much better if he wore the red robe over his long underwear. Ferdy and Ross stared as they saw him revealed in skintight long wooiens. magnificent figure of man stretching and hexing his muscles in relief.
 Ross crossed to the picture or the easel. "Hullo, Ferdy, is this the masterpiece for the old man?'
 Tt is. completed and finished"
 Pretty warm piece of work
 Beano was suddenly distracted from his exercises by the work Of art. Say. did you do that?" There was awe and respect in his voice.
 Ferdy acknowledged the adrni- ration with a nod.
 Gee" exclaimed Beano. "Aint that the sweetest piece you ever saw. Look at the latissimus dorsi."
 That what asked Ross in sur- prise.
 Beano was at the picture stFok- ing the ripple of soft muscle be- low the shoulder blades of Leonas likeness. Boy is dat good. Oats beautiful, dat is. And look at her fascia infraspinata. If that ain't sometin."
 Excuse me for interTTpting," said Ferdy regarding Beanois par 9iaIly clad limbs. "The lady her. self is in the studio"
 with one leap Beano grabbed his red robe and draped 1t about him again.
 .Excuse me, I left me suit in tl1e store."
 @You left your suit in the store" said Ross gently. He felt an affec- tlOn for his odd acquaintance who had added the right touch of fam fasy to his Christmas shopping.
 @T0 be spOnged and pressed?' asked Ferdy kindly. He too liked his people odd.
 No" Beano wiped the grease paint from his face with the hem If his robe. T was in the stoTe and it came over me all of a sud- aen that what I wanted was fresh zfr. So ! just came out"
 .sAuA asked me to take him to me hospital" {" said Ross grinning- T hope you realize how lucky you Ire. am not in Montreal every ~Bow was I lucky. You don't nov fE1e haIf.S Beau0 felt in the rocket of the red robe for the ht- M leNeMeK bag.
 AZ tnat moment Leoua emeEgea m behind the screen, fully ela0 Flt her ga0Ey uCs hl0de1l. 1ale 'as srsitfsn win elgfeazEW bszn se