“Do you know him?” asked Dick Flanagan.
“Yes, I know him as well as I know you. He paid my ticket in.”
“And mine too,” added Mike.
“I’d like to know him,” said Dick enviously.
“I’ll give you an introduce some time,” rejoined Patsy.
The curtain fell at the end of the last act, and Mr. Wilkins, the anxious author, realized with gratification that the play was a success. He went round to the stage door, and entering gave Ben’s hand a hearty shake.
“You did yourself proud, my boy!” he said.
“I am glad you were pleased,” returned Ben modestly.
Others, too, offered their congratulations, including Mr. Thornton, who played the leading part.
“You are one of us, Ben,” he said, as he shook hands with the boy. “I confess I was afraid when I heard that you had never been on the stage before, but I soon found that there was no reason for apprehension.”