cried the actor, eagerly. "It will be awfully
good of you. Just say to Mr. Gans Cross--he's the manager of the New
Columbia theater--that I will be back in two days--less, if you will
allow me, Doctor."

The physician shook his head.

"It must be at least two days," he said, and he went off to
telephone, promising to come back as soon as he could.

He did return, later in the evening, with a new remedy of which he
said he had heard from a fellow doctor.

"What did Mr. Cross say?" Mr. DeVere asked eagerly.

"I have good news for you. He agreed to use an understudy for two
days. He said you were letter-perfect in the part, anyway, and it was
the others who really needed the rehearsing. So now we have two full
days in which to do our best. And in that time I want you to talk the
deaf and dumb language," laughed Dr. Rathby.

Mr. DeVere eagerly promised.

Then began a two-days' warfare against the throat ailment. Ruth and
Alice were untiring in attendance on their father. They saw to it
that he used the medicine faithfully, and they even got pads and
pencils that he might write messages to them instead of speaking.

On his part the actor was faithful. He did not use his voice at all,
and on the second day Dr. Rathby said there was some improvement. He
was not very enthusiastic, however, and when Mr. DeVere asked if he
could attend rehearsals next day the doctor said:

"Well, it's a risk, but I know how you feel about it. You may try it;
but, frankly, I am fearful of the outcome."

"I--I've got to try," whispered Mr. DeVere.

He went to the rehearsal, and the worst fears of the physician were
realized. After the first act Mr. DeVere was hoarser than ever
before. The other players could not hear him to get their "cues," or
signals when to reply, and come on the stage. The rehearsal had to be
stopped. There was a hasty conference between the manager of the
company and the treasurer of the same.

"The play will have to open on time," said the manager.

"Yes, we've had a big advance sale," replied the treasurer.

"And DeVere can't do it."

"No. I'll have to put his understudy in until we can cast someone
else. I'll tell him."

The actor must have guessed what was coming, for he was washing off
his make-up in the dressing-room when the manager entered.

"I'm awfully sorry about this, DeVere," began Mr. Cross. "But I'm
afraid you won't be able to go on Monday night."

"No, Mr. Cross, I myself am of the same