“Although my conscience was clear in the matter, I am glad to know that I was in no way connected with his death. Hodge will not be so pleased, for he will not stop to reason that the chances of a charge of murder being brought against us are about blotted out. Ephraim, I am very sorry you were hurt, but I’m extremely glad you snatched this purse and brought me this telegram. I shall take care of it. I shall use it to trace my enemies, if possible.”
“Waal, I’m glad I done somethin’, though I’d bin a ’tarnal sight gladder if I hed ketched that woman.”
Frank carefully placed the purse and the telegram in his pocket, where he knew it would be safe.
Assuring Ephraim that everything possible should be done for him, he hastened out.
That afternoon the rehearsal took place, with another person reading Ephraim’s part. It was feared that Gallup would not be able to see to play when it came night, but Frank hoped that he could, and the Vermont youth vowed he’d do it some way.
The rehearsal passed off fairly well, although there were some hitches. Havener looked satisfied.
“I’d rather it would go off this way than to have it go perfectly smooth,” he declared. “I’ve noticed it almost always happens that a good, smooth rehearsal just before a first performance means that the performance will go bad, and vice versa.”
Frank had not been long in the business, but he, also, had observed that it often happened as Havener had said.
The theater orchestra rehearsed with them, getting all the “cue music” arranged, and having everything in readiness for the specialties.
The night came at last, and the company gathered at the theater, wondering what the outcome would be.