shouted, thrice pulling the trigger.

Jerry staggered back, clutching in the region of his heart. Slowly, his face contorted, he crumpled to the floor.

Scarcely had he collapsed, than newsboys armed with their papers, began to rush through the aisles of the theater.

“Read all about it!” they shouted. “Reporter Shot in Argument! Extra! Extra!”

The newspapermen chuckled at the joke as they accepted the free papers.

On the stage, Jerry still lay where he had fallen. The electrician, his part ended, had disappeared to attend to regular duties.

“Come on, Jerry!” Salt called to him. “What are you waiting for? More applause? Break it up!”

The reporter did not stir. But on the floor beside him, a small red stain began to spread in a widening circle.

Penny and Salt saw it at the same instant and were frozen with horror.

“Ring down the curtain!” the photographer cried hoarsely. “Jerry’s really been shot!”