The argument waxed warmer, and the actors moved out on the stage in full view of the audience.
“Jerry’s good,” remarked Salt, who had joined Penny. “Didn’t know he had that much ham in him!”
The quarrel now had reached its climax. As if in a sudden fit of rage, the electrician raised the revolver and pointed it at Jerry.
“Take that—and that—and that!” he shouted, thrice pulling the trigger.
Jerry staggered back, clutching in the region of his heart. Slowly, his face contorted, he crumpled to the floor.
Scarcely had he collapsed, than newsboys armed with their papers, began to rush through the aisles of the theater.
“Read all about it!” they shouted. “Reporter Shot in Argument! Extra! Extra!”
The newspapermen chuckled at the joke as they accepted the free papers.
On the stage, Jerry still lay where he had fallen. The electrician, his part ended, had disappeared to attend to regular duties.
“Come on, Jerry!” Salt called to him. “What are you waiting for? More applause? Break it up!”