se, und show you vat der is to be done mit dot scenery und dem
trunks. Mein Gott! it vos vonderful dot muscles vot you haf got--you
vould make a great Davy Crockett ven I learns you de business, mein
frient."

The manager's appreciation of his new acquisition was so clearly
evident that Winston felt compelled to notice it.

"I am rejoiced you appear so well satisfied," he said, rising to his
feet.

"Satisfied! Mein Gott," and the overjoyed Albrecht cordially clasped
the hand of his new recruit. "It vos a great season of luck for me,
mein frient. Dot Meess Norvell, she makes me mooch monies vile I shows
her how to be an actress,--oh, it vos yoost beautiful to see her
act,--und now you comes mit me also, und cares nottings for vot I bay
you, und I can see you haf der actor genius. Mein Gott! it vos too
goot to be true."

Winston broke away gladly, and drifted back toward the cigar stand,
where the mystified Tommy yet stood staring at him.

"Well, did you get it?" the latter questioned, grinning.

"Thomas," returned the other loftily. "You can hand me out another
cigar, and I will thank you not to be quite so familiar in the future.
I am now general utility man with the 'Heart of the World' company, and
consequently entitled to greater respect."

CHAPTER II

OUT WITH A ROAD COMPANY

Miss Norvell failed to appear at the noon meal, though Winston met the
other members of the company. He found them genial enough, even
somewhat boisterous, with the single exception of Mr. Lane, who
maintained a dignified and rather gloomy silence, such as became one of
his recognized professional standing, after having favored the newcomer
with a long, impertinent stare, apparently expressing disapproval. The
manager was outwardly in most excellent humor, narrating several
stories, at which all, excepting the reserved comedian, laughed quite
heartily. At the conclusion of the repast, Albrecht condescended to
purchase his new recruit a cigar, and then walked beside him toward the
Opera House, where the necessary instructions in new duties promptly
began. If Winston had previously imagined his earlier steps toward
histrionic honors were destined to be easy ones, he was very soon
undeceived under the guidance of the enthusiastic manager. It proved a
strenuous afternoon, yet the young fellow had the right stuff in him to
make good, that stubborn pride which never surrenders before
difficulties; he shut his teeth, rolle