Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 254, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1913 — Disappearance of Graham [ARTICLE]

Disappearance of Graham

Jameson, the manager, was deeply perplexed. He thought almost remorsefully of Graham’s disappointment at his refusal to give him a trial as “character man.* There was to be a change in the personnel of the stock company and Graham had asked to be transferred from his customary role of leading juvenile. Jameson, however, had firmly denied the request Graham's final plea had been: “Give me three days; don’t fid the vacancy before then, and when the time is up if you still think I can't-do it I‘U sob" mit without a murmur.” • Jameson, who liked the lad, reluctantly gave his word, and within an hour Graham disappeared. He had just drawn his salary, and when the fact became known his friends feared foul play and notified the police. Rehearsals were dreary-affairs without his sunny presence, and the performances dragged wearily along. Newspaper men haunted Jameson's -offices and countlesssalarming rumors were afloat. Graham had been*, missing a full day before the manager; gained an inkling of his whereabouts; It was snowing hard when he left the theatre late in the evening. Close by the stage entrance, just outside - the radius of the flickering gas jet, crouched an old woman, with a basket on her arm, half-fill ?d with apples and oranges. Touched by her evident poverty and forlorn condition, Jameson poured a handful of silver into her ragged glove and kindly bade her seek for the night She scrambled \to her feet with a mumbled “ Thank $ ye, sir,” and shambled off down the* narrow street. Under the lamp at the first comer she suddenly straightened her shoulders, threw back heri head and for a brief moment Jack Graham’s merry, mocking laugh rank in Jameson’s startled ears. But he wisely 'kept his own counsel, and at noon the next day the police had found no trace of the missing Graham. Early In the afternoon Jameson crossed the street for a shine, and a new boy promptly waited upon him. His work proved exceptionally good, -and when his patron handed him a shining, new dime his dark eyes sparkled. Like a flash came recognition, but before Jameson could speak Graham had slipped out through a rear door. That afternoon, when he saw the downcast face of every member of the company and heard the many fears for Graham’s safety expressed, his eyes twinkled and his lips twitched in an irrepressible smile. The boy was alive and well and Jameson was enjoying th,e situation. About 8 o'clock that evening -a friend, who managed a vaudeville house, telephoned an Invitation for that night. “We engaged a dancer today who is a star,” he explained over the wire. | Jameson went, fully prepared for disappointment, for his own taste and that of his friend were often at variance. But the new star proved to be a marvel. Her dance combined the joy of youth with the fire and passion of maturity. She had an audacious grace that was wholly her own, nd when she disappeared behind the scenes the house was in an uproar of approbation and delight As soon as possible Jameson went; behind the curtain and begged to meet the dancer. She received him smilingly and chattered to him In excellent French. Jameson, who clung persistently to English, was soon forced to retreat, / carrying with him the memory of a bewildering smile. Promptly at 10 o’clock the following morning Graham walked into the office. “I came in a taxi to avoid observation, he-said, casually, as Jameson looked up. “I understand the police are looking for me.” Jameson grinned. “I helped them drag the river yesterday morning,” Graham added; “bnt they did not seem to recognise me." Jameson chuckled, and motioned him to a seat . “I hear Lester's got a new sensation. Did you see her?” Graham asked! * Jameson answered eagerly. “She is great. Best one I’ve seen this season. Nice little girl, too. If she oould only talk English.” Graham oould contain himself no longer, and he laughed until the window panes rattled. A look of amazed comprehension slowly dawned in Jameson’s face. “You!” he gasped. Graham nodded,.then choked back: his mirth. “Say, Jameson, suppose yon sign, that contract with me and call off the police,” he suggested, with a backward i glance toward the open door, whence came the sound of familiar voices; rapidly approaching. And Jameson signed.—Mrs. Bessie D. Duoey. t