Then, to make it all the more effective, a local singer of considerable renown and great popularity volunteered to appear.
All this was advertised as a benefit, under the auspices of the Groton Ladies' Benevolent Society, and the members of the society did all they could to arouse the citizens and make them promise to come out to the "show."
That night the Grand Theater, the use of which was donated free of charge by the manager, was packed, every seat being taken and not a few spectators being forced to stand.
Behind the scenes were gathered a delighted lot of actors and actresses, for their fortune far exceeded their greatest hopes.
"It's all on account of Cassie," said Frank. "Those ladies came and saw her. They are doing this for the poor child. There are some good hearts in this town."
"And money is said to be scarce out here!" exclaimed Basil Holt.
"It is scarce," declared Merry. "Without doubt half those people out there could not afford the price of seats, but the ladies knew how to touch their hearts and their sympathies, and they are here. We get the benefit."
"But where is old Dan?" questioned Dunton.
No one knew. The old actor had not been seen since he left the hotel the night before.
"If Sargent and Cates were here to see this!" exclaimed Lillian Bird. "It would make them sore. And all this comes in to us--every dollar of it! There is no dividend."
"Not with the manager of the house," smiled Frank. "There will be a dividend between us. All shall share alike."
The curtain rolled up and the entertainment began. The first number on the program proved a success, and the audience applauded heartily, making it evident they had come there to be pleased and were determined to be pleased.
As the entertainment progressed the spectators waxed more enthusiastic. They greeted the quartet with a perfect thunder of applause, they gave Dunnerwurst an ovation when he had rendered his imitation of the mocking bird, and they clapped Ephraim Gallup till the Vermonter was crimson in the face and nearly bursting with pride.
"Gosh all hemlock!" spluttered the Yankee, as he came behind the scenes after being called out the fourth time. "Never struck northing like this! Them folks is jest like hum folks! I'd like to settle right daown in this taown if the land wasn't so gol dern flat."