Supplies for the Backdrops

Fred had, by now, caught his breath. He was in a dark cupboard, and at first he did not dare open the door. He had to crouch to duck under a shelf that extended about halfway to the door. He stay perfectly silent so as not to betray himself.

There was some bumps from the outside at first, but nobody came near Fred's hiding place. Fred felt around. At his feet were several small metal cans. There was also something that was made of fine hair from some animal, attached to a wooden stick. Then Fred's hands ran across a large piece of cloth. This would at least serve as a loin cloth, if he could find a way to tie it off. It would be much better than the banana skin. He found another cloth. Perhaps one could be used as a bandage for his skinned leg.

Fred now heard clapping and cheering. From the sounds of it, it seemed that the show had gone on. Perhaps Astra had escaped, and had forgotten about him. He did not think that likely. Now he could hear two men talk.

"Any luck?"

"No. But he could not have gotten far. We have the backstage exit covered, and the custodian would have noticed a naked man fleeing. The lady at the box office had not left the street entrance. He is probably in that mess where they keep the costumes."

"It might take a while to find him. We do not have enough people. After the show we will do a more thorough search and repair the curtain, and keep the exits guarded."

"What a pain! Where did Mr. Price get these screwballs from?"

"Beats me. The girl is a looker, but she has to be a loon."

"Yeah. But those are the best type to party with, as long as you have your escape planned afterward. And she was right about the guy. Running away like that."

"I have to do some cleanup onstage now. Do what you can to find the guy. I can't spare any help for now."

The voices appeared to die off. Fred found a knife with a short blade, some thick rope, and a large roll of cloth on the top shelf. He also found a glass bottle with a metal cap on it. After fumbling with it, he found that the metal cap screwed off. It smelled similar to lamp oil. It was not safe to drink.

This was about the time that Astra proposed to perform a double somersault off-stage.

1. Fred prepared to leave the cupboard....
2. Fred heard footsteps approaching!

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