Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1894-05-11
BOSCO'S BENEFIT.

Of all the successful performers who
stepped into the arena of Gallaxy's IA
nous circus, none obtained such a de-
gree of popular approval as did Signor
Alfredo Bosco and his S-year-old son AL
fonso. Whether it was due to the clev-
erness of their feats, the daring skill
displayed in the execution of them, or
to general attractive demeanor, GER
tain 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 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
predicted that the house would be a
bumper.
The proprietor, deeming it advisable
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 Alfredo
Bosco, that eminent and world renown-
ed performer would, for the first and
only time, attempt novel and danger
GUS feat-to wit, William Tell historic
and never to be forgotten exploit 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 CT italian extraction as any
one possessing the name of Green could
well be. Distinguishing himself as a
young man by marked and intrepid dar-
ing, he had found 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 inexpressible grief.
The child soon became the fathers idol,
his whole existence becoming wrapped
up in that of the boy. 1t was for his
sake that he worked doubly hard at his
Profession, on his behalf that he denied
himself most of the comforts of life,
and for his benefit, and in order that he
might be ever near him. that he reared
the lad ia his own profession, never ac-
cepting an engagement unless the boy
was included in it.
When, therefore, the proprietor Of
Gallaxy's suggested to him the per-
Torrance of the feat alluded to, it may
naturally be supposed that so fond ia
Their hesitated before committing him
self to it, and when, under strong rep
reservations, he finally consented it
was with no little anxiety and concern.
Not that he mistrusted his own powers
in the least. He was a sure shot. One
of his staple performances in the ring
was to shoot with pistol, while gal
Looping on horseback, at a number Of
glass balls thrown promiscuously into
the air, and SO accomplished was he at
this feat that he seldom missed one, and
never two, out Of the number. There
fore it was not personal considerations
that made him hesitate, but fear lest
the lad by any untoward movement
should jeopardize the action and endan-
ger his own precious life. Nor was his
anxiety decreased when, on the event.
full day, he discovered that the boy was
far from we'll.
''It's only headache, father the
lad said, in response to his question
ings. II shall be better tonight!'' And
when night came the anxious father
NJ,
from observation, little medallion por-
trait Of his mother, which he always
wore when any feat of a specially dam
gerous nature was to be undertaken.
y
It soon became evident that expecta-
tions would be realized, and that the
canvas of Gallaxy's monster tent would
that night cover an audience out of all
former precedent. Long before the doors
were opened the entrance was besieged
by crowds eager to obtain the best seats,
and an hour before the time Of COM
mencement the place was filled to its
utmost capacity. Well might all con-
cerned view the scene with satisfaction
The performance comprised all the
feats that invariably find place in the
programme of circus, the big event be-
ing reserved for the conclusion Of the
entertainment. Everything went off
well, and the delighted audience APP
p1auded all that came before it, wisely
determining not to miss the other good
things in the menu for the sake of an
especial dish. The graceful eyolutions
of the lady performers, the equestrian
feats Of the gentlemen riders, the dar-
ing somersaults, the bubbles 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 enlivening strains
of the band and the enthusiastic cheers
of the audience Bosco came forward
leading by the hand his little son. As
soon as the applause had subsidized. thu
performer motioned the lad to his place.
An apple was then brought and osten-
tatiously placed, by an attendant, upon
the child's head, and then, under the
glare of a powerful light, the unusual
paleness of the boys pretty face was
plainly discern ble-especially to the
eager eyes Of his anxious father. With
an outward GOODNESS, in strong contrast
to the beatings Of tender heart within,
the performer loaded his pistol and
raised it, amid the breathless excite
ment of the expectant audience.
A pull of the trigger, sharp click,
and murmur of disappointment told
that the weapon had missed fire. Moth
ing danrted, and still with an apparent
perfect calmness, every movement be-
ing eagerly watched by the audience,
Bosco reloaded the pistol and again
raised it. There was sharp click,
followed by loud report, and in an
other second the child stepped forward,
holding the shattered apple in his hands.
The suspended breath Of the audience
returned and broke out into deafening
shout.
:.Brayoi bravo!'' came from thou
sand threats simultaneously, and a thou
sand pairs of hands met in approval,
s.Encorel Do it again!' rose above
the din, and the idea catching hold de-
yeloped into loud roar, fDo it again!"
Bosco seemed pleased and. panied at