The $500 Check — page 281: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

962 THE $500 CHECK. a short engagement. Will that be soon enough ?”’ Bert hesitated. If he remained with the company, his expenses would be paid out to Peoria, and he would be earning fifteen dollars a week besides. ‘“Come, now, don’t hesitate!’’? said Mr. Pearson. ‘‘We shouldn’t know how to get along without you.”’ Naturally this pleased Bert, and helped to fix his resolution. ‘‘T don’t know but I can wait two or three weeks,’’ he said slowly, ‘‘if you are sure we shall play at Peoria.’’ ‘“Tam certain of it. The route was made up this morning. We are having some new bills printed in which your name is substituted for that of Bob Hazleton. So you see, my boy, you will be getting a reputation under your own colors.’’ This had its effect, for Bert felt that he should like to have a bill of the play in which his Own name appeared. Otherwise he might find his friends incredulous as to his having actually been upon the stage. Later in the Gomichbooks