Venner was then in one of the left wings, apparently indulging in small
talk with a handsome girl of about twenty, who had just finished her
turn upon the stage. She was rather simply clad, but was strikingly
pretty and modest appearing; and upon consulting a program with which he
had provided himself, Chick learned that her stage name was Violet
Marduke; and that she was cast as a singer of ballads.

"Evidently employed to fill in," thought Chick, who had not been much
impressed with her songs, though he decided that the girl herself was a
beauty. "And by his admiring glances, Venner also thinks pretty well of
her," Chick mentally added.

"Room here, mister," growled a voice at his elbow. "Make room for the
reptiles."

Chick turned quickly about, and then involuntarily recoiled from the
startling object that met his gaze.

In front of a scene then set in the second grooves of the Stage, the
continuous performance was still in progress. Meantime, several of the
stage hands were wheeling to the center of the stage, back of the scene,
the properties of the next performer on the program--and grewsome
properties they were.

The object beheld by Chick was a huge, cagelike den, mounted on low
wheels, and having a broad front of plate glass. Inside of this den were
several wicker baskets, some of which were open, while others were
covered and locked.