He walked back to where Tom still hung idly over the cigar case.
"Who is running this show outfit?"
"That big fellow writing at the table. His name 's Albrecht,"
suspiciously. "But see here, I tell you there ain't any use of your
hittin' him for 'comps'; he 's tighter than a drum."
"'Comps'? Oh, ye of little faith!" exclaimed Winston genially. "It is
n't 'comps' I 'm after, Tommy, it's a job."
Albrecht looked up from his writing, scowling somewhat under his
heavily thatched brows, and revealing a coarse face, with little
glinting eyes filled with low cunning. At that first glance Winston
instinctively disliked the fellow; yet he put his case in a few brief
sentences of explanation, and, as the other listened, the managerial
frown slightly relaxed.
"Actor?" he questioned laconically, when the younger man paused, his
glance wandering appreciatively over the sturdy, erect figure.
"Well, hardly that; at least, merely in an amateur way," and the
applicant laughed lightly. "You see, I imagined you might possibly
make use of me in some minor capacity until I learn more about the
business. I don't care very much regarding pay, but I desire to get a
taste of the life."
"Oxactly, mein frient." And the worthy Albrecht became almost briskly
cordial in manner. Perhaps here was an "angel" waiting to be plucked
in the holy name of art; at least, he appeared well dressed, looked
intellectually promising, and expressed himself as totally indifferent
regarding salary. Such visitors were indeed few and far between, and
the astute manager sufficiently understood his business to permit his
heavy features to relax into a hearty, welcoming smile. "Oxactly,
young man. Sit down, und I vill see yoost vat vos pest for us both.
You vould be an actor; you haf the ambition. Ah! I see it in your
eyes, and it gif me great bleasure. But, young man, it vos unfortunate
dot I haf not mooch just now to gif you, yet the vay vill open if you
only stays mit me. Sure; yaw, I, Samuel Albrecht, vill make of you a
great actor. I can see dot in your face, und for dot reason I vill now
gif you the chance. You begin at the pottom, but not for long; all I
vants now vos a utility man--some one to take small barts, understudy,
und be ready to help out mit der scenery und der trunks. I could not
bay moch monies for dot," and he spread his beringed hands
deprecatingly, "but it vos only der first step on der ladder of fame.
Every day I teach you de great art of de actor. You come with me dot
way, mein frient?"