THE FIFTH STRING
The "they" of Perkins comprised rival managers, rival artists, newspaper critics and everybody at large who would not concede that the attractions managed by Perkins were the "greatest on earth."
"We'll never see his like again—come in!" this last in answer to a knock.
Diotti appeared at the open door. Perkins jumped like one shot from a catapult, and rushing toward the silent figure in the doorway exclaimed: "Bless my soul, are you a ghost?"
"A substantial one," said Diotti with a smile.
"Are you really here?" continued the astonished impresario, using Diotti's arm as a pump handle and pinching him at the same time.
When they were seated Perkins plied Diotti with all manner of questions: "How did it happen?" "How did you
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