"Who's he?"
"A foolish actor: played a sketch of mine in vaudeville for a couple of years and, because that got over, thinks this piece must."
"But it will, won't it?"
"I hope so; but I'm glad it's not my money."
"And where will you open?"
"Heaven and the Shuberts only know. Rideout books through the Shuberts, you understand."
"I'm afraid I don't."
"The Shuberts are the Independents—the opposition to the Syndicate headed by Klaw and Erlanger. You see, the theatres of this country are practically all controlled by one or the other combination. If you want booking for your show, you've got to take sides—serve God or Mammon."
"And which is which?"
"The difference is imperceptible to the innocent bystander."