"Well, I'm blest! Look here, Wes, see who's here! In the name of fortune, what wind blew you in?" "Oh!" replied Handy, in his usual good-humored way, "I was growin' lazy workin' so hard, and ran up to see how the Academy is growing." "Fine as silk. We are putting in overtime on it to-night in the way of gasfitting. You know, Handy," said McGowan, confidentially, "these gasfitters, like plumbers, are curious critters and need watching, and I'm going to have them work night and day until they get through. I wouldn't, between ourselves, have this anniversary celebration fall through for any amount of money, but----" "Ah! I was expecting that." "That but?" "But we haven't a stitch of scenery for the darn stage. That's what's worrying me, and I can't see me way to mend it." The veteran smiled, and then calmly asked, "Is that all that perplexes you?" "And isn't that enough?" exclaimed his friend. "Well, under ordinary circumstances," replied the veteran, "it would be more than enough; but let me relieve your anxieties. All the necessary scenery, properties, including a green baize curtain, latest style, will reach Gotown Friday night on special car." Weston opened his eyes and mouth in wonder and exclaimed "What!" McGowan, on the contrary, became serious and asked, "Handy, say, are you kiddin' us?" "I am telling you the truth." Then he explained to McGowan how, through the kindness and patriotism of the manager of the Weston Theatre, he was able to do the trick. McGowan looked at Handy a moment, then caught him in an embrace and let a yell out of him that could be heard a half mile distant. "Patsy!" he yelled out, "get a move on you. Call in Hans to help you, and I'll take a hand in myself. Handy, you're a bird! All present step up to the bar and drink the health, prosperity, and good luck of Mr. Handy and his friend, the manager of the Weston Theatre. This is on the house." As soon as things quieted down and Handy had a chance to have a chat with his partner, Weston, he learned that the show promised great results financially. Now that the scenery problem was solved, everybody seemed happy. Big Ed was the happiest of the lot. He shook hands with everyone who came in as the night grew older, and his description of the special car, and the green baize curtain, just like any first-class theatre in New York, Boston or Philadelphia, was glowing and picturesque. He was determined to show the people of Gotown and the remainder of the county that Gotown was in it with both feet, and when she started out to do things that she could do it and make no mistake about it. Handy and Weston took the late train and reached Weston shortly after midnight, and retired for a good night's rest.