Dunton and Sargent took pains to shake hands with Frank and appear very cordial, now that they had learned that Frank had some money.
The play went on, with Frank sitting in the wings as prompter.
Merry soon found the actors were up to their old tricks of "faking" lines and whole speeches, not having committed their parts properly. He was a good prompter, and he knew just when an actor was entirely off and in need of assistance.
The audience, however, was not critical, and there were few spectators present who could tell that an actor was "off," even when he was floundering helplessly, so the play passed off all right, with good bursts of applause at the strong situations and climaxes.
Frank paid attention to the audience, as well as to the play, for he wished to learn just what sort of a piece would strike the fancy of people out there in the country towns of Missouri.
Before the end of the play, Lawrence came to Merry, finding an opportunity when no person was near to hear him, and said:
"I hope you don't take stock in what Cassie said about me, old fellow? You know I was your friend when we were together on the road. You remember how I prevented you from giving away points to Delvin Riddle, King's advance man, when the fellow was trying to pump you."
"No," smiled Frank, "I do not remember that."
"Don't?" cried Lawrence, astonished. "Why, that's strange! Riddle had induced you to come down into the hotel card room at——"
"I know the time you mean perfectly well," said Frank; "but I do not remember that you kept me from giving anything away, for I had not the least idea in the world of giving anything away. It is possible, Mr. Lawrence, that I am not as new as you imagine, even though I did say I wanted to back a theatrical company with the small amount of money I have."