Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-04-18
SEEING A TRAGEDY.

Some thirty years ago, I took a little one
with me to see the grand Christmas piece
at theatre hundreds of miles away from
here-for theatres seem to me to be all
much of a muchness, while the people in
one are about the same as the people in an
other. A piece of some kind was being
performed; but, after listening for few
minutes, my memory took me back to the
old scene when went to see comedy
which turned out to be the most fearful
tragedy ever looked upon.
1t was an exceedingly full night at the
theatre, and though we reached the doors
in pretty good time, we were after great
many more, and had to go slowly up the
great corkscrew staircase, crowded with
good-tempered people, laughing and push
ing their way up. Twice over felt dis
posed to give itup; but I thought the child
would be so disappointed, and I kept on,
taking her upon my back at last, when the
crowding was worse, and at last getting
past the pay barrier, and hurrying up the
endless steps.
There was a regular sea of heads before
me when [ stood at last looking for IA
Vorable spot; and soon finding that taking
seat meant seeing nothing Of the perform
ance, continued to wedge my way along
between two rows of seats occupied by peo-
pie loud in their protestations that there
was no room, till found standing place
In front Of one of the stout supports of the
upper gallery pillar that have always
thought Of since as the saving of my life.
1 am not going to discuss whether the
aires are good or bad places, but I know
that night the greatest enjoyment I had
was in watching my little girls animated
countenance as her eyes rested upon the
handsome chandelier, now upon the boxes
full of well-dressed people, then half-danc-
ing with delight at the strains from the or
chestra while her delight bordered almost
upon excitement when the curtain drew up
and a snowy piece was performed.
Hundreds must have been turned from
the doors that night, for, excepting in the
principal parts Of the house, there was not
standing room, while the heat was fright
full. In our poor part of the house we had
been wedged in till there was not vacant
spot to be seen, while between the acts the
men and women, with their baskets of ap-
pies and oranges, came forcing their way
through, and always terribly angry with
me, as stood leaning against my pillar,
for being in their way.
All at once I turned all Of a cold shiver,
and then the blood seemed to run back to
my heart, while my hands were wet with
perspiration; for quite plainly had smelt
that unmistakable odor of burning wood.
looked aboutm me; all was as it should be
people were eating, drinking and laughing,
the curtain was down, and the orchestra
sending out its lively strains.
Clancy" thought 1 to myself; and 1
leaned back against my pillar once more,
resting my hands upon my child's Shout
ders, as we stood there, exactly opposite
the center of the stage, and consequently
as far from the doors as possible, while the
recollection Of that tremendous corkscrew
staircase made me shudder again; and,
fancy or no fancy, took hold of the child's
arm, meaning to force myself through the
crowd and get out
Once l nearly started, but hesitated,
thinking how disappointed she would be to
leave when the best part of the perform
ance was to come; twice [ was going, and
so hesitated for about FIVE minutes-iust
long enough to enable me to reach the
staircase and begin running down. Just
FIVE minutes; and then, smelling the fire
once more, [ grasped the child's arm, said,
"Come along and had made two steps,
when I saw that I was too late, and dashed
back to where l had stood a minute before,
by the pillar.
won't call it presence of mind, for fear
of being considered vain; but 1 felt sure
that, if L wished to save my child's life, my
place was by that pillar in the center, for 1
knew the people would rush right and left
towards the doors at the first alarm.
And now, what made me start back
Why, the sight of several people hurrying
toward the door; of one here and another
there starting up and looking anxiously
around, as if aware of coming danger; of
people whispering together, and anxious
faces beginning to show among those which
smiled. Then cameadeao pause; the band
had ceased playing, and the musicians were
hurrying out through the door beneath the
stage, upsetting their music-stands as they
went. Still, people did not move, but
seemed wondering, till right at the top
above the curtain there was faint flash Of
light, and tiny wreath Of faint blue smoke,
when a shrek, which rang through the
whole place, was heard-the most horrible,
despairing cry 1 ever heard-a cry which
acted like shock to every soul present,
and unlocked their voices; for, before the
eye had seen another fash the whole audi
ence was afoot, shrieking, yelling, and
no a. ID ood ~ ~