willing to take little bribes from them; but he stared in angry
amazement when he heard what Carl Walraven had to say.

"Carry off Mollie!" exclaimed Mr. Harkner, "and adopt her as your
daughter! What do you take me for, to believe such a story as that?"

Mr. Harkner was pretty far gone, and all the more inclined to be
skeptical. Mr. Walraven saw it, and knew that appearances were dead
against him, and so swallowed his wrath.

"It is the truth, upon my honor. Miss Dane believes me and has
consented. Nothing remains but to settle matters with you."

"I won't settle matters! I won't hear of it! I won't part with my best
actress!"

"Yes you will for a fair price. Come, name the sum; I'll pay it."

Mr. Harkner opened his eyes. Mr. Walraven opened his check-book.

"You do mean it, then?"

"Don't I look as if I meant it? Quick, I say! If you don't look sharp I
will take her without any price!"

"She's a priceless treasure!" hiccoughed the manager--"worth her weight
in gold to me, and so--"

He named a sum that made even Carl Walraven wince; but he was a great
deal too reckless to draw back.