“I dunno abaout that. I never felt so gosh-darn scat as I did larst night. Why, I jest shook all over, an’ one spell I didn’t think my laigs’d hold me up till I got off ther stage. It was awful!”
“You had an attack of stage fright. They say all great actors have it once in their lives.”
“Waal, I never want to feel that air way ag’in! An’ I spoilt that scene in the dressin’ room of the clubhaouse. Oh, jeewhillikins! I’m goin’ aout of the show business, Frank, an’ git a job paoundin’ sand. It don’t take no brains to do that.”
“Cheer up! You are going to play that same part in this play, and you’ll play it well, too.”
“Whut? Then be yeou goin’ to keep right on with the play?” asked the Vermonter, in astonishment.
“No,” said Merry, “I am not going to keep right on with it. I am going to put it into shape to win, and then I’m going out with it again. My motto is, ‘Never say die.’ You heard what I told the audience last night. I promised them that I would play in this town and would make a success. I shall keep that promise.”
Hodge shook his head.
“You are smart, Frank, but there’s a limit. I’m afraid your luck has turned. You are hoodooed.”
Just then a coal-black cat came out from under the bed and walked across the room.
“And I suppose you think this is my hoodoo?” smiled Merry, as the cat came over and rubbed against his leg. “That’s where you are away off. This cat is my mascot, and she shall travel with me till the piece wins. She has stuck to me close enough since she walked onto the stage where we were rehearsing in Denver.”