Part 11 (2/2)

”Well, under those circ.u.mstances,” responded Paul, who still considered the manager a little off, and seeing a probable means of paying his hotel bill, ”What terms will you give me if I consent?”

”One half the house and I will do the advertising.”

”And the lecturing too, remember,” said Paul.

”Yes, yes, that's all right, we'll sign the contract immediately.”

”But hold on,” said Paul, ”there is another question I want to ask you.

How much do you suppose my share will be?”

”Between thirty and forty pounds. I am almost certain.”

”Are you positive it will be twenty-five pounds?”

”Absolutely positive, confident my dear fellow.”

”Then,” said Paul ”I will sign this contract on condition that you will pay me five pounds in advance.”

Paul thought this stroke of policy would end the interview and rid him of his visitor. To his intense surprise, the five pound note was laid on the table without any hesitation. It was quickly transferred to Paul's pocket.

”Now make out your contract and we will sign it.”

”Have done so, have done so; did it last night when I thought of the scheme. Have it all made out. Sign here.”

Paul carelessly glanced over the contract an affixed his signature; after which the manager shook him warmly by the hand and congratulated him on having entered on such a brilliant enterprise, and said ”I will now go and attend to the printing. We will dine together,” he added as he disappeared through the door.

”And remember you do the lecturing,” Paul called after him as he rushed down stairs.

When he left, Paul locked the door, drew out the five pound note which he carefully examined to convince himself that it was genuine. He then in his great joy took two or three handsprings and made such a noise that the chambermaid rapped on his door and desired to know if the gentleman was knocking for anything. During the day, the manager visited Paul frequently and gave him encouragement. By evening the report of the intended lecture had circulated pretty well and Paul was frequently stopped on the street by acquaintances who a.s.sured him of their pleasure at having a chance to hear him speak. Paul took pains to tell all who questioned him in regard to it that it was not he but Mr. Murphy who was going to give the lecture. Next day Cork was covered with great bills announcing the lecture for the following evening and a feeling of nervousness overcame Paul as he beheld his name in such enormous letters. This nervous feeling was in no way allayed when he perused one of the bills and found that the enterprising manager, had not only promised that he would give a description of his landing on the Irish coast but that he would relate many thrilling adventures he had pa.s.sed through in the American, French and Mexican wars; would describe time methods of life-saving in America, and compare it with the British method of life-saving service, and many other things that Paul did not dare to read, as he had sufficient. He sought out the plausible Mr. Murphy and vehemently went for him for deceiving the public.

”Never mind, my boy, never mind, the people all understand how it is.

You will have nothing to do except to make a few remarks.”

But Paul was not satisfied. He tried to commit to memory the few remarks he supposed he would have to make when he was introduced; but he would no sooner get them in s.h.i.+p shape than they would disappear again. The night of the, to him, terrible ordeal arrived. Manager Murphy took him to the Hall in a carriage. Great crowds surrounded the building and the manager a.s.sured him that it was already full inside. The arrangements were that Paul was to appear between the acts of the opera, which that night was ”Madame Angot.” Murphy took Paul to his own private office in the second story and encouraged him in every way he could. Paul listened to the music of the first act, as it rolled by with fearful swiftness. Never before in his life did he experience the feeling of nervousness which now seemed to possess him. Once during Murphy's absence from the office he raised the window and looked down into the river Lee that ran alongside the building and wondered if he could drop into the water without breaking his leg. All that deterred him was the thought of the five pounds that had been advanced. The fated moment arrived; the manager said:

”Your suit and paddle and appliances are out on a table on the stage.

The curtain is down and the moment it rises you walk boldly out to the side of the table and I will follow you. Don't be afraid, the audience is most kindly disposed toward you and will give you a warm welcome.”

Up went the curtain, Murphy's hand was laid on Paul's shoulder as he said:

”Now, my boy, step right out.”

Paul braced himself and with his heart as near his mouth as he ever had it before during his existence, walked over to the table on which lay his suit, paddle, etc., etc.

The deafening roar of applause that greeted him set him more at his ease. He looked around for Mr. Murphy, but failed to see that worthy gentleman. So making a few steps towards the foot-lights he thanked the audience, in a trembling voice, for their kindness. He told them that he was no speaker and that Mr. Murphy had promised to do the lecturing part of the business. At this moment cries broke out all over the house:

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