The Theater Manager Who Vanished Without a Word

Manager S. Heilig said he was totally at a loss to understand the departure of his partner Mr. Lester. Mr. Lester had sent him no word before or since leaving. He denied the story about Mr. Lester taking money with him from Portland, saying he wished they had half that much of a balance in bank. There was nothing wrong of any consequence that he had discovered. They had had no disagreement, and there had been no attempt made to freeze Mr. Lester out of the partnership. About all that Mr. Heilig said he knew about it was that Mr. Lester had suddenly vamoosed, gone away without saying even so much as boo to him about it. When asked whether the partnership had been dissolved or not, Manager Heilig said it had not yet, but he would see that dissolution of it took place. Treasurer Wier said Mr. Lester had evidently become possessed of the idea that he wanted to go somewhere and he had just gone. He did not know whether Mr. Lester would come back or not, but thought he might when he tired of being away. News reporter learned Mr. Lester had written a letter to his wife before his departure from Portland and that she was expected to join him in the East. From all information obtainable it seems that Mr. Lester has left this section of the country for good, and without any ceremony. He never complained of the climate, his health was good and the real reason for his departure is still as much of a mystery as ever to those on the outside. Mr. Lester lived here and was very well known. He moved in the best society, was a swell dresser, popular among his associates and an altogether well-behaved young man.