The Forrest City times., 1894-06-08
A MODERN TELL.
Story of a Daring Performance in
 a London Circus.


 stepped into the arena of Gallaxy's fa- nous circus, none obtained such a degree of popular approval as did Sig nor Alfredo Bosco and his eight-year- old son Alfonso. Whether it was due to the cleverness of their feats, the daring skill displayed in the execution of them, or to general attractive de- meanor, certain it is that from the day of their first appearance down to the end of the tour Signor Bosco and his son were received with d genuine enthusiasm such as to firmly establish them in the favor of the audience When. therefore. it became known that the last night of the season was to be devoted to the benefit of these popular performers, it was confidently predict ed that the house would be bumper.
 The proprietor deeming it advisa ble on such an occasion that some special novelty should be introduced into the programme, it was with no small de- gree of interest that the populace that morning found the walls placarded with flaming posters, in the reddest of red ink. announcing that on this, the last night of the season at GallaXy's royal circus and hippodrome, specially set apart for the benefit of Signor AL fredo Bosco, that eminent and world renowned performer would, for the first and only time, attempt novel and dangerous feat. to-wit: William Tells historic and never-to- -be-forgotten ex- ploit of shooting an apple placed upon the head of his own son, a pistol on this occasion being substituted for the obsolete bow and arrow
 In private life Signor Alfredo Bosco's name was plain Alfred Green, and he was as little of Italian extraction as anyone possessing the name of Green could well be. Distinguishing himself as a young man by marked and intrepid daring, he had found a field for his talents in the circus arena. Having married an opera singer, son was born to him, but the act cost the young mother her life, to Alfredo's inexpressi- ble grief. The child soon became the fathers idol, his whole existence be- coming wrapped up in that of the boy. It was for his sake that he worked doubly hard at his profession. on this belief that he denied himself most of the comforts of life, and for his bene- fit and in order that he might be ever near him that he reared the lad in his own profession, never accepting an en- gagement unless the boy was included in it.
 When, therefore, the proprietor of Gallaxy's suggested to him tho per formance of the feat alluded to. it may naturally be supposed that so fond a father hesitated before committing himself to it, and when, under strong representations. he finally consented it was with no little anxiety and con cern. Not that he mistrusted his own powers in the least. He was sure shot. One of his staple performances in the ring was to shoot with pistol, while galloping on horseback, at number of glass balls thrown promis- cuously into the air, and so accom- plished was he at this feat that he sell dom missed one, and never two. out of the number. Therefore, 1t was not personal considerations that made him hesitate. but fear lest the lad, by some untoward movement, should Jeopar- dize the action and endanger his own precious life Nor was his anxiety de- creased when. on the eventful day, he discovered that the boy was far from well.
 "It's. only headache. father, the fad said. in response to his question inps. II shall be better tonight" And when night came the anxious father hung round the child's neck, secure from observation. little medal lion portrait of his mother. which he always wore when any feat of spe- .ially dangerous nature was to be nn- .f-...