The $500 Check — page 296: what you’re looking at

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

HIRAM FRENCH, OF CHICAGO. 277 saving from four to five dollars a week. I ought to pay more than halfof it, as lam receiv- ing a considerably higher salary than you.’’ ‘* No, Mr. Pearson, I prefer to pay my share. But for you I should be paying more at a hotel.’’ Bert. felt a little diffidence in appearing be- fore a Chicago audience. He had, to be sure, been favorably received in Harrisburg, but he had an idea that in a larger city it would be more difficult to achieve success. The first night undeceived him. He received a liberal share of applause, and was called before the curtain. ‘<T congratulate you, Bert,’’ said Mr. Pear- son. ‘‘ You seem to have made yourself solid with the audience.’’ ‘‘T am glad that I give satisfaction,”’ re- turned Bert. ‘‘It will encourage me to do better.”’ ‘You had better adopt the profession of an actor,’’ continued his friend. Bert shook his head. **] prefer to enter a business of some kind,”’ he said. ‘‘ Though I have succeeded in one GOmMG JOO <S (E(@) m