Frank Merriwell's Fame — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

TIP TOP WEEKLY, “Eh? You mean that Lockwell should be given Dunton’s part?’ “Exactly that. It will be a great thing for the play. Lockwell himself would never say a word about it, but he is crazy to play the villain. He has even learned the part, so that he can go on and play it at a moment’s no- tice. Now, as you are the manager, just tell Havener you want the change made.” “But Havener will object.” “Let him. That’s just what you want.” You “You order him _to “You mean that when he objécts “You show him you are manager. show your authority. make the change. Then they will begin to realize that you, the man who has made it possible to put this show on the road, the man whose money is behind it, the man they fancy is of no particular consequence—they will realize that he has some ideas of his own and is the real manager of the com- pany.” _Folansbee was impressed. “By Jove! you are right!” he exclaimed. “I will do just that. If Lockwell were here, I’d have the change made this afternoon—at once. I would, by jove!” “That would be hasty, as Dunton has not But the time to show your authority is now. You must keep learned Lockwell’s part. a stiff backbone, or Havener will beat you down. If you let him do that, you are done for. You'll never have any authority after- ward.” “He won’t do it. You'll see—you’ll see that I have a stiff backbone, and everybody shall see that I am manager of this show. Come on.” . Folansbee went out on the stage, where Havener was instructing two or three of the people in some new business. Lawrence fol- lowed him out leisurely. As soon as he found an opportunity, Folansbee said: ‘Mr. Havener, I want to speak to you.” “All right,” said the stage manager; “I will listen, sir.” Folansbee braced up. “As I am manager of this company, Mr. Havener,’ he began, “I have decided to make a change that I believe will be for the better.” “Might I ask what the change is?” “I am coming to that—coming to that. I have decided to make an improvemient- in the cast.” Havener lifted his eyebrowsawith a quick movement. “Yes?” he said, in surprise. ““Y es. in which Dunton plays the villain.” I am not satisfied with the manner “I thought Mr. Dunton doing very well.” “T say I am not satisfied,” said Folansbee, stiffly. “I wish him given another part.” “What part?” “The German low comedy.” “Why, Lockwell plays that.” “And I wish Mr. Lockwell given the part Dunton has been playing,” pursued Folans- bee, without hesitation. “You will tell Dun- ton at once that he is to surrender his part to Lockwell and get Lockwell’s part.” “Mr. Folansbee,” said Havener, bluntly, “such a change would be a mistake.” “Mr. Havener, you will let me judge. I am the manager.” “And I am the stage manager. I am the one to assign parts.” “And I am the one to change them if they do not suit me as you assign them. I have directed this change; you will make it!” “But is “There are no buts about it, Mr. Have- You will do as I direct.” “T protest against it, Mr. Folansbee,” came ner. sharply from the stage manager. “I know you are the manager of this company, but JAZEB FOUND OUT HE HAD TACKLED THE WRONG GIRL. SEE NO. 30 OF TRUE BLUF JOO