"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 288 - Merry Mrs.MacBeth" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"I've already said it," he declared. "Vera would be a cinch for a good press job. What other names are in
the cast?"

"Zachary Verne for one," put in Bodelle. "He's playing the ghost."
"He is!" Dundee spread his hands and looked around in happy surprise. "Old Zach Verne! No wonder
he was giving us the side glance from that balcony! Why I've known Zach for years, only I didn't
recognize him in that rig. Where did he go?"

"Out for coffee I guess," returned Bodelle, "unless he's taking a nap up in his third-floor dressing room.
He either does one or the other."

"Good copy, Zach," approved Dundee. "I'll get him interviewed, and plenty."

"You're taking the press job, then?"

"I'm considering it." Rising, Dundee put on his tortoise shells to give his listeners a sharper scrutiny. "Only
don't let this leading lady business develop into a scandal. It won't give the show a good start, if any."

"That's up to Bodelle," snapped Alan. "He sold Harthorne on the show, with Joy as bait. If he can prove
to Harthorne that Vera is better, all right."

"Maybe I could," conceded Bodelle, "if somebody could talk Joy into dropping out. That's your
department, Alan."

"Talking to Joy?" Alan gave a snort. "Our conversation consists of notes that I leave on her dressing
table. She chucks them in the wastebasket without reading them."

Bodelle shrugged.

"All I've suggested is for her own good," pursued Alan. "If she will jump this horse opera, so will I.
There's a little theater company ready for tour with spots wide open for both of us."

"Why not go with them, Alan?"

"And give Harthorne the argument that I ran out on the show, proving that I'm the heel he says I am?"

"No. I guess that wouldn't do." Bodelle clamped a big and friendly hand on Alan's shoulder. "You're in a
tough spot, fellow. I'll do what I can to help you out."

Bodelle's face showed the sincerity that went with his tone and Alan's resentment gave way to a mood of
appreciation. Dundee noticed this as he looked from one to the other, scarcely noticing Guylan who was
standing between. As rabbity as ever, the playwright looked as though he were trying to say something.

"All right," decided Dundee, turning away. "Keep things under control and I'll see what stories can be
planted. We need something sensational."

Going up the steps to the stage, Dundee found that Guylan was following him and turned to give the timid
man a parting nod. Then with a gesture toward stage rear, Dundee commented: