remark that he was lying for once.

"Better go back and say a word to her."

Drouet was glad to do anything for relief. He fairly hustled
around to the side entrance, and was let in by the friendly door-
keeper. Carrie was standing in the wings, weakly waiting her
next cue, all the snap and nerve gone out of her.

"Say, Cad," he said, looking at her, "you mustn't be nervous.
Wake up. Those guys out there don't amount to anything. What
are you afraid of?"

"I don't know," said Carrie. "I just don't seem to be able to do
it."

She was grateful for the drummer's presence, though. She had
found the company so nervous that her own strength had gone.

"Come on," said Drouet. "Brace up. What are you afraid of? Go
on out there now, and do the trick. What do you care?"

Carrie revived a little under the drummer's electrical, nervous
condition.

"Did I do so very bad?"

"Not a bit. All you need is a little more ginger. Do it as you
showed me. Get that toss of your head you had the other night."