"That shows what the public appreciation of the drama amounts to," remarked Mr. Wattles, sarcastically, although he had applauded Mrs. Anderson as loudly as anyone. "You can't hear yourself think for the noise they make about this society woman; yet, on the same stage there is a little girl who has real talent. But they ignore her." "You mean the young lady who plays the part of _Ethel Darlington_?" questioned Al. "Yes, of course I do. I see that you, at least, know good acting when you see it; but here comes Mrs. Anderson again. Ah! that old fellow in the box over there is going to make a speech." Al recognized in the "old fellow" referred to one of Boomville's prominent citizens--a certain Maj. Duncan. The major, who enjoyed nothing in life more than hearing himself talk in public or in private, had risen in his seat and was signaling for silence. In a few moments the house was so still that the fall of the traditional pin would have startled the more nervous portion of the audience. The major, standing at the edge of the box, delivered, in a sonorous voice, a fulsome speech of praise, addressed to Mrs. Anderson, ending by presenting her with a wreath of laurels. The lady, not in the least embarrassed, made a brief reply, and was about to resume her part, when Maj. Duncan, who had remained standing, said: "But this is not all. There is here to-night a young fellow townsman of ours of whom Boomville should be proud. I refer to the gentleman seated in the proscenium box on the other side." And the orator fixed his eyes on Al's face. CHAPTER VIII. A STARTLING SITUATION. Everyone in the house stared at Al, and Mr. Wattles whispered in his ear: "Why, he means you! What have you been up to? I tell you, this is a great night for Boomville." Evidently Maj. Duncan expected some acknowledgment of his compliment from Al, for after a moment's silence he added: "I repeat, I refer to the young gentleman yonder, Mr. Allen Allston." "Get up and bow," whispered the manager, in our hero's ear. Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Al obeyed. The entire audience applauded, although there were not three persons among them who knew why they did it. "Will the young gentleman kindly step upon the stage?" went on the major. Without speaking, Mr. Wattles seized the boy by the arm, and fairly dragged him through a narrow door in the rear of the box. "This is the easiest way of getting on the stage," he said. "I wonder what they have got on foot. They ought to have told us. In a case like this it is always the proper caper to have a witty impromptu speech ready, and they ought to have given you a chance to prepare one at your leisure--they really ought. But this is not New York. Now, then, my boy, step out on the stage. Don't you hear them shouting for you?" But Al held back. "I don't understand all this," he said. "What do they want with me?" "Go and find out." "But----" "Allston! Allston!" came from all parts of the theater. "Go on!"