her Cleopatra, And let it go at that.




CHAPTER XIV

OUT THERE WHERE MEN ARE MEN


From the dressing room the following morning, arrayed in the Buck
Benson outfit, unworn since that eventful day on the Gashwiler lot,
Merton accompanied Baird to a new set where he would work that day.
Baird was profuse in his admiration of the cowboy embellishments,
the maroon chaps, the new boots, the hat, the checked shirt and gay
neckerchief.

"I'm mighty glad to see you so sincere in your work," he assured
Merton. "A lot of these hams I hire get to kidding on the set and
spoil the atmosphere, but don't let it bother you. One earnest
leading man, if he'll just stay earnest, will carry the piece.
Remember that--you got a serious part."

"I'll certainly remember," Merton earnestly assured him.

"Here we are; this is where we begin the Western stuff," said Baird.
Merton recognized the place. It was the High Gear Dance Hall where
the Montague girl had worked. The name over the door was now "The
Come All Ye," and there was a hitching rack in front to which were
tethered half-a--dozen saddled horses.