Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-07-29
No. IS,

have become lost, but, following the
stage-manager, he suddenly walked up
half dozen steps and was behind the
scenes of the great theater. Men and
women were hurrying to and fro, or
standing talking one with another
Some of the men were in there shirt
sleeves pushing about great boxes and
pieces Of scenery, Or sweeping the stage
and turning down the lights.
George looked around him to see
where the trees were, and the houses
and fences he saw during the perform
ances. He had wondered how the
great trees grew in the theater, and
was considerably surprised and disap.
pointed to find that the trees were
merely painted on canyass which was
fastened to wooden frame that was
mounted on wheels, which ran i'll little
grooves, so that men could easy push it
across the stage.
"Now we'll proceed to business"
said the stage manager, aud he made
George take off his nice leather shoes,
and put on pair Of very sort, flexible
slippers that were quite soiled, although
one would not notice the dirt should
he be among the audience. Then he
showed the little boy how to take few
simple dancing steps, to bow here.
where this chalk ring is drawn on the
stage, and to turn on his toes at such
a place. George was very bright, so
he learned quickly and pleased the
stagc-manager. The little boy was
tired before the lesson was over, but at
last the stage-manager said:
"I think you will do" Then he
called to large woman who had been
watching them. "Mrs. Brown, will
you see that this youngster has good
dinner with the rest Of you at five
o'clockl"
The woman nodded her head in re-
ply, and with George hurried out Of
the theater to an eating house, close
by, and the little boy made quite COM
Portable meal, although the food was
not so nice as that to which he had
been accustomed at home. Then Mrs.
Brown took George to the theater, and
told him that he might 90 to sleep in
one of the little rooms she said was
hers, while she took walk. The little
boy was quite tired, 80 he thanked the
woman and looked around to see
where was the bed on which he should
sleep. There was none in the room
(Which was hardly larger than a good
sized closet,) so George threw himself
on a pile Of clothing in one corner and
was soon fast asleep. How long he
was IN dreamland he did not know,
but he suddenly awoke to find the
dressing room lighted up, and queer
lady dressed in scarlet and blue, stand
Ing in front of a little looking glass,
putting something on her checks. As
George uttered frightened cry tho
woman turned and the boy saw she
was Mrs. Brown.
"Now, be quick, Georgie,' she said.
ut is half past seven and you must be
dressed"
She put on him pair of very short
white breeches, pink stockings, white
jacket and slippers, and tied over one
shoulder and under the opposite arm
PIT a large pink sash. His hair was
nicely combed, some of the red powder
delicately rubbed Oh his cheeks, and
the little boy stood at one Of the wings,
ready step out with the other cupids
when the stage manager should motion
them to do.
While all this was happening, Mr..
and Mrs. Howard were very much
fright ened because they did not know
what had become Of George. After
the aptomine was over Mrs. Howard
sat by the window, watching for her
little boy. But lie did not come, and
his mother felt sorry because he had
disobeyed his father again. She did
not feel anxious about him until Mr..
Howard came home from his office
and found that George had not re-
turned. Then they sent one OF the
servants to inquire about him at the
houses of the neighbors where he often
went to play. But tea time arrived,
and the servant came back with no
trace Of him. Mr.. and Mrs. Howard
became very much frightened then
and, after swallowing a little food, the
former hurried out in search of his son
He inquired concerning him Of the
policeman he met, and went to the