And now let me impress
upon you, Peter, the importance of holding yourself ready to report
when needed. You know what I mean. Remember, I have guaranteed that
you will appear."
The stranger drank in every word that passed between the two men. When
the one o'clock train pulled out of Crowndale, it carried Peter Ames
in one of the forward coaches, and a late guest of the Grand Palace
Hotel in the next car behind. Barnes took the time to assure himself
of these facts, and smiled faintly as he drove away from the railway
station after the departure of the train. Miss Cameron, her veil
lowered, sat beside him in the "hack."
For the next three days and nights rehearsals were in full swing, with
scarcely a moment's let-up. The Rushcroft company was increased by the
arrival of three new members and several pieces of baggage. The dingy
barn of a theatre was the scene of ceaseless industry, both peaceful
and otherwise. The actors quarrelled and fumed and all but fought over
their grievances. Only the presence of the "backer" and the extremely
pretty and cultured "friend of the family" in "front" prevented
sanguinary encounters among the male contenders for the centre of the
stage.
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