Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1894-06-13
A MODERN TELL.
Story of Daring Performance In
a London Circus.


or all the successful performers who
stepped into the arena Of Gallaxy's IA
nous circus, none obtained such a
degree of popular approval a. did Sig.
nor Alfredo Bosco and his eight-year-
ola son Alfonso. Whether IL was due
10 the cieverness OF their feats, the
daring skill displayed in the execution
OF them, or To n general attractive de-
meahor, certain IL is that from the
day OF their first appearance down to
inc end OF the tour Signor Bosco and
mis- son were received with a 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, 1t was confidently predict
ed that the house would be bumper.
The proprietor deeming it advisa BILE
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 Naming 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 a novel and
dangerous feat, to-wit: William Tells
historic and never-to- be- forgotten ex
plot OF shooting an apple placed upon
the head of his own son, 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 ayoung man by marked and intrepid
daring, he had found a field for his
talents in the circus arena. Having
married an opera singer, a son was
/ born to him, but the act cost the Young
mother her life, to Alfredo's inexpressi-
bic grief. The child soon became tn.
fathers idol, his whole existence he
coming wrapped up in that of the bow.
1t 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 ben.-
nj ana In order that he might be ever
near him that he reared the lad i'm 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 the per
tormance of the feat alluded to, it may
naturally be supposed that so fond "A
father hesitated before committing
/ himself to 1t, and when, under strong
/ representations, he finally consented
II was with no little anxiety and CON
Germ. Not that he mistrusted his own
powers in the least. He was a sure
ehot. One of his staple performances
/ IN the ring was to shoot with a pistol.
while galloping on horseback, at a
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. ont Of
the number. Therefore, it was not
personal considerations that made him
hesitate, but fear lest the lad, bv some
untoward movement, should ieopar-
die the action and endanger his own
precious life. Nor was his anxiety de-
creased when. on the eventful dav he
discovered that the boy was far from
well.
ITS only headache. father" the
LAD SAID, IN response to his question
ings. Il shall be better to-nightr'
Ana when night came the anxious
father hung round the child's neck.
secure from observation, a little medal
lion portrait Of his mother, which he
always wore when any feat Of a spe-
cially dangerous nature was TO be un.
dertaken.
1t soon became evident that expecta.
tions would be realized. and that the
canvas Of Gallaxy's monster tent yvould
that night cover an audience out of all
former precedent. Long before the
doors were opened the entrance was
oesieged by crowds eager 20 obtain the
best seats, and an hour before the
time OF commencement the place was
hIied TO its utmost capacity Well
might all concerned view the scene
with satisfaction.
The performance comprised all the
feats that invariably find place in the
programme Of a circus, the big event
being reserved for the conclusion Of
the entertainment. Everything went
OF well, and the delighted audience
applaudcd all that came before IL
wisely determining not 20 miss the
other good things in the menu for the
sake Of an especial Dish. The graceful
evolutions Of the lady performers. the
equestrian feats Of the gentlemen
riders, the daring somersaults. the
quibblcs and quips OF the funny
clowns, all came in for their due share
Of praise
At length the piece de resistance was
reached. and amid the enlivcping
strains of the band and the cntbus,ss
tic cheers 81 the audience Bosco cam.
forward leading by the hand his lit
Tie son. As soon as the applause had
subsidized. the professor motioncd the
IN" 70 his place. An apple was then
brought and OsteutatiOuslv placed bv
an attendant upon the chiIdrs head
and then under the glare Of "A po,yor
inl hRht, the unusual palencs, Of the
boys pretty face was plainly disce-,{-
ble-es specially 90 the eager eyos ~
we anxious father With an outward
GOODNESS. in strong contrast 10 tho
beating Of q tender heart within the
perfoTmor loaded his pistol and raised
u amid the breathless excitement %,