CHAPTER XVII. DISPOSING OF A RUFFIAN.
It is possible that Frank did not appear at his best at the outset, but he quickly got into the work.
He expected to hear that odious hiss again, but to his surprise, it was not repeated. The curtain fell on the first act, and the applause of the audience showed that the spectators were satisfied thus far.
Between the acts, Cassie came to Frank.
"Who was it hissed?" she asked, fiercely. "That was a measly trick, for you hadn't opened your mouth. If Lawrence was here——"
"I think it must have been one of the fellows who ruined my magician's apparatus," answered Frank. "He is in this town."
"How do you know?"
Merry explained.
"Well, he ought to be lynched!" declared the little actress. "Don't let him rattle you, if he tries it again, Frank. He may be holding back to break you in one of your good scenes."