Winston broke away gladly, and drifted back toward the cigar stand,
where the mystified Tommy yet stood staring at him.

"Well, did you get it?" the latter questioned, grinning.

"Thomas," returned the other loftily. "You can hand me out another
cigar, and I will thank you not to be quite so familiar in the future.
I am now general utility man with the 'Heart of the World' company, and
consequently entitled to greater respect."




CHAPTER II

OUT WITH A ROAD COMPANY

Miss Norvell failed to appear at the noon meal, though Winston met the
other members of the company. He found them genial enough, even
somewhat boisterous, with the single exception of Mr. Lane, who
maintained a dignified and rather gloomy silence, such as became one of
his recognized professional standing, after having favored the newcomer
with a long, impertinent stare, apparently expressing disapproval. The
manager was outwardly in most excellent humor, narrating several
stories, at which all, excepting the reserved comedian, laughed quite
heartily. At the conclusion of the repast, Albrecht condescended to
purchase his new recruit a cigar, and then walked beside him toward the
Opera House, where the necessary instructions in new duties promptly
began. If Winston had previously imagined his earlier steps toward