His printing was done on the very night that he arrived in Puelbo, and the flyers were scattered broadcast the following day.
He obtained the names of a large number of prominent citizens, to whom he sent complimentary tickets, good for the first night’s performance.
Frank was determined to have a house, even if it was made up principally of deadheads.
On the occasion of his former visit to Puelbo he had received some free advertising through Leslie Lawrence, who had circulated printed accusations against him. He scarcely expected anything of the sort on this occasion, and he was rather startled when, on the morning following his arrival, he discovered that a circular had been scattered broadcast, which seemed to be even more malicious than the former attempt upon him.
In this circular he was plainly charged with the murder of an unknown woman shortly after leaving Denver, and it was said he had been aided in the crime by Bartley Hodge.
Frank was calmly reading this bold accusation when Hodge came bursting into the room in a manner that reminded Merry of his entrance under similar circumstances on the former occasion.
Seeing the paper in Merry’s hand, Bart hoarsely cried:
“So you’ve got it! Then you know about it! Well, now, sir, what do you think of that?”
“Sit down, Hodge,” said Frank, calmly. “You seem all out of breath. You are excited.”
“Excited!” shouted the dark-faced youth. “Well, isn’t that enough to excite a man of stone!”