“Then I’m afraid you won’t make a first-class property man. No man can handle properties unless he swears.” Frank laughed. “I didn’t suppose it was absolutely necessary to swear in order to do any kind of work successfully,” he said. “Never knew a property man who didn’t swear. If you take the place, you’ll learn to swear within a week.” “Then it must be a position that provokes a man’s ill nature?” “It is—riles him all up. Going to tell you just what it is before we talk business. Then you’ll know what you are going up against.” Then the manager sat down and told Merry all about the requirements and duties of a first-class property man. “You see, it won’t be no fat job,” said Haley. “I’d rather you’d understand at the start, for you might get disgusted with it after a short time if you went with us thinking you had a soft snap.” “I am not looking for snaps,” declared Merry. “I expect to work.” “That’ll be all right. Some young chaps think traveling with a show and acting is all play. Didn’t want you to start out with such a notion. Gallup, who plays in the band, says you’re a wonder at anything you attempt to do, and I’ve been making some inquiries about you in town this morning. You did chop frost for a short time after getting a job on the railroad, and that’s a fact. They say your rise was phenomenal. But the strike knocked you out.” “Yes; and now I must do something for a living. Doesn’t seem to be any show for me to get a job railroading right away, so, if we agree, I am willing to engage with you.” They talked it over a long time, and finally came to terms. Frank was not to receive much money at first, but Haley said he would do better after he had learned all about his business. Ephraim and Hans knew of Frank’s appointment with the manager, and they were waiting for him outside the theater when he appeared. Both made a dive for him. “Did yeou do it?” asked Gallup, breathlessly. “Yaw!” cried Hans, “did it do you?” “I am going with the company, if that is what you want to know,” said Frank.
Prev.
Back
Top