"No, but we are joint sufferers in that, and we may as well grin and bear it." And the irate manager of the New York Comedy Company started for the telegraph office with fire in his eyes and a look of determination on his face. Neither he nor Mr. Perley had observed the presence in the little group of listeners to their conversation of a rather good-looking, well-dressed boy of about eighteen. This lad did not lose a word of the excited discussion, and, as the manager started to walk away, he muttered: "This is the chance I have been looking for; I won't let the opportunity slip. It doesn't seem as if there would be much hope for me, but there's no harm in trying, anyhow." He followed Mr. Wattles, and just before that gentleman reached the telegraph office he tapped him on the shoulder. The manager turned quickly. When he saw the boy, he asked, impatiently: "Well, what is it?" "Can I speak with you a few minutes, sir?" "Not now, not now." Mr. Wattles was about to resume his walk, but the boy laid a detaining hand on his arm. "I want to see you on business, sir." "You have business with me?" "Important business, sir." "Well, well, I'll see you in a few minutes; I've got to send an important telegram now." "But I want to see you before you send that telegram." "Before I send the telegram? Why?" "Because I think I can prove to you that it is not necessary to wire to New York at all." "Eh? Why, how did you know that I was going to wire to New York?" "I overheard what you said to Mr. Perley in front of the opera house just now." "Humph! I was excited, and spoke a little louder than I ought. Well, why do you think it will not be necessary for me to send the telegram?" "Because I am sure you can find just the person you want right here in Boomville." "An advance agent to be picked up offhand in this place? That would be too much luck. What is your man's name?" "Allen Allston." "I never heard of him. What company was he with last?" "He has never been with any company, sir, but----" Mr. Wattles surveyed the boy with a look of supreme disgust. "Do you suppose for one moment," he interrupted, "that I am going to take an inexperienced jay from a town like this and send him ahead of an organization like Wattles' New York Comedy Company? Well, hardly. I've got to have an experienced man." "And you're going to telegraph for one now, sir?" "This minute." "But suppose you can't get the man you want--will you talk with me then, sir?" "Er--yes, in that case you might send your friend to see me, though it seems nonsense. But I shall get my man all right." "I suppose you are going to request an immediate answer to your telegram, Mr. Wattles?" "I am; I shall get it within an hour, in all probability." "Where can I find you after you have received it?" "At the hotel next door. You are a persistent young rascal; your friend has a good advocate in you." The boy smiled. "I am the best friend he has in the world," he said.