Actress and Clerk; A Story of Stage and Store: A Blending of Professional and Commercial Life: An Original Theme

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 Excerpt: ...and excitement. Ernest Duke, who had visited the upper region for the purpose of hearing a new encore song rendered by his sweetheart, was leaning over the backrail, near the stairway, and recognized in Hard Knox the ruffian who had attempted to assault him, and he made a desperate effort to capture the villain. With rapid bounds he threw aside the surging mass as he pressed ahead of the officer and seized the bruiser by the arm. Knox disengaged himself with a powerful wrench, and trusting to luck threw himself down the stairs and rolled safely to the first landing below. The co-conspirators had rushed ahead as instructed and reached the street, making directly for Hardmann's, as directed. At the cry of fire the whole audience below stairs arose to their feet and made a panic-rush for safety. Women shrieked, fainted and wept hysterically. Strong men who should have displayed more sense and greater bravery sought safety by throwing down the weaker and fighting their way with their fists toward the exits. Evaline Sprite was holding the centre of the stage at the outbreak, having just completed the first verse of her new encore song. Instantly recognizing the horror of the situation, the actress advanced to the extreme limit of the stage front and in a calm, commanding voice that rang out with clarion distinctiveness, implored: Sit down! sit down! There is no fire! Only a disturbance in the gallery! The wiser in the audience turned about, hesitated, and then sat down. Go on! said Miss Sprite, addressing the leader, as coolly as if nothing alarming and extraordinary was occurring in front. The musical conductor took the cue, and the orchestra took up the prelude to the second verse of the actress' song with the bravery and discipline of ...