The time between the acts gave the audience a chance to buzz about the remarkable thing that had happened. Some could not believe it possible Frank had cut the rope with a bullet. Not a few insisted that it was impossible, because actors never used weapons loaded with bullets on the stage. But all had witnessed what had happened, and it was plain the star had defeated Sam Hooker’s purpose in some manner. There was no further attempt to interrupt the performance, although some timid ones expected Hooker to return with a gang of roughs and create disturbance. The performance was over at last, and Frank breathed easy. Although he had been on his guard for anything that might happen, he could not help feeling relieved when the curtain fell on the last act without witnessing another effort to break him up or molest him. “Waal, by gum!” said Ephraim Gallup, as he met Frank behind the curtain, “yeou’ve made a new record ter-night. If yeou don’t use that fer advertising in ther Chicago papers, yeou are dead slow.” “Use what?” “Shootin’ that rope in tew. It’d be a great story for yeour press agint. Yeou oughter git it sworn to by reliable parties who saw it, an’ telegraph it to yeour agint right off.” “Well, I haven’t thought of that. I’m afraid it would seem too much like a fake to be swallowed by the people who read the theatrical columns in the papers.” “Not by a darn sight! Yeou kin git it sworn tew.” “Well, I think we can draw houses in Chicago without the use of that yarn. It may be all right, but I don’t fancy we need it.” “Say, Frank!” “What?” “Let me ’tend to that.” “What do you mean?” “Let me git reliable persons to swear ter whut they saw.” “Oh, if you want to——” “An’ let me telegraph it to Riddle.” “I don’t care.” “All right!” exclaimed Ephraim. “I bet yeou four dollars I git aout a yarn that packs your theatur in Chicago.” He made a run for his dressing room to get off his stage dress and make-up, eager to carry out his plan. Hodge was in the sulks and would have nothing to say to anybody. As soon as possible he left the theater and went to the hotel. Ephraim, hot to get reliable citizens of Carrolton to swear to the remarkable happening of that night, had also left. Those who were not required to remain behind and handle scenery did not lose much time in getting their make-up off and their effects together, after which they departed for the hotel. Frank lingered to watch the packing of the special scenery. He was not supposed to do this, but his anxiety that everything should be done right led him to do so. When the last of it was nearly packed, Frank put on his light coat and left the theater by the side door. He had not gone twenty steps from the door before he fancied he heard a light step behind him. Instantly Frank whirled about. Too late! Something settled over his head and entangled him in muffling folds. At the same moment he received a blow that knocked him down.