Was it possible Bart had stolen something from the hotel? Frank could not believe it.
“Why, some of the comp’ny.”
“Ah!”
It was a breath of relief that came from Merry’s lips, and still the suspense was not fully removed. What if Hodge had taken something belonging to some other member? Under the circumstances, it would brand him as a thief, even though actors frequently appropriated articles belonging to others of the craft, without seeming to regard it as stealing. In this case, nearly every member of the company would be against Bart, and they would magnify any little occurrence that might damage him.
“What were they saying?” asked Frank, with apparent unconcern. “What do they claim Bart has taken?”
“They say Vance knows he tuck somethin’ frum yeou, Frank.”
“Oh, is that the yarn! Well, I wonder how Lester Vance knows so much?”
“I dunno.”
“It would seem more manly for him to be silent about Hodge under the circumstances. If he talks too much it will look like a case of spite.”
“That’s so.”