“I am,” responded the show man. “Interested?”
“Yes,” answered Ralph.
“I hope the public will be. It’s a sort of experiment, with two other shows in town. There’s none in this locality, and they tell me I’ll do well.”
“I should think so,” answered Ralph. “Bright, clean pictures will draw a good crowd.”
“I’d like to get the railroad men in touch with me. They and their families could give me lots of business. There’s that prime ‘Overland’ scene. It’s a new and fine film.”
“And it has suggested something to me that you may be glad to follow out,” spoke Ralph.
“And what’s that, neighbor?” inquired the showman curiously.
“I’ll tell you,” responded Ralph. “There was a fire in town to-day—one of the best-known firemen on the road was burned out. It’s a big blow to him, for he’s lost about all he had. There isn’t a railroad man in Stanley Junction who would 102 not be glad to help him get on his feet again. The big fellows of the road will subscribe in a good way, but the workers can’t spare a great deal.”
“I see,” nodded the man. “What are you getting at, though?”
“Just this,” explained Ralph. “You get out some special dodgers and announce your opening night as a benefit for Lemuel Fogg, fireman. Offer to donate fifty per cent. of the proceeds to Fogg, and I’ll guarantee to crowd your house to the doors.”