The Forrest City times., 1894-06-08

former precedent. Long before the doors were opened the entrance was besieped by crowds eager to obtain the best seats. and an hour before the time of commencement the place was l filled to it's utmost capacity We'll i might all. concerned view the scene with satisfaction.
 The performance comprised all the feats that invariably find a place in the programme of circus. the big event being reserved for the conclusion of the entertainment. Everything went off we'll and the delighted audience applauded 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 evolutions of the lady performers. the equestrian feats of the gentlemen riders, the daring 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 enthusias- tic cheers of the audience Bosco came forward. leading by the hand his lit tie son. As soon as the applause had subsided, the professor motioned the lad to his place. An apple was then brought and ostenta tiously placed by an attendant upon the child's head, and then. under the glare of power ful light, the unusual paleness of the boys pretty face was plainly discerni ble-especially to the eager eyes of the anxious father With an outward coolness. in strong contrast to the beatings of a tender heart within. the performer loaded his pistol and raised it amid the breathless excitement of the audience.
 A pull of the trigger, sharp click. and a murmur of disappointment. told that the weapon had missed fire. Moth ing daunted. and still with an appar- ent perfect calmness, every movement being eagerly watched by the audience, Bosco reloaded the pistol and again i raised it. There was a sharp click, followed by loud report. and in an other second the child stepped for ward. holding the shattered apple in his hands. The suspended breath of the audience returned and broke out into a deafening shout.
 Bravo. bravo" came from thou sand threats simultaneously. and a thousand pairs of hands met in ap- proval.
 Encore. Do it again. rose above the din. and the idea catching hold de- int again"
 Bosco seemed pleased and pained at once. He hesitated
 Do it again. and the shout assumed a peremptory tone. Some one threw half-crown into the ring: it was fol- lowed by another, and soon a shower of silver lay at the performers feet How could he resist? He motioned to the boy, and a second apple was brought and placed in position. The lads excessively pale face attracted general attention now, but few sym pathetic voices raised in protest were howled down by the impetuous de- mand: Do it again.
 Bosco showed some traces of excite ment as he reloaded his weapon. and the operation seemed to occupy d longer time. Could it be that his nerve was failing him, or was it the sight of the boys face that filled him with dread? Again he raised the weapon amid increased excitement and fred The shot was again true. and for the second time the lad brought forward the shattered apple.
 Amid the applause that followed, Bosco took the hand of his son and was about to retire when once more the unre asonable shout was raised: Do it again. Do it the third time" The performer declined.
 The shouts grew louder and more de- termined.
 Again. again. resounded through the place until it seemed that mad infatuation had seized apon the people and they were thirsting for tragic end Again. Again. rose the shout, each time uttered in more angry tone. 1t was fiung from gallery to pit: the amphitheatre caught 1t up and threw it back again. until the whole house rang with the tumultuous de- nand.
 Still Bosco declined. until on per sonal appeal from the proprietor, who feared the growing storm, he reluctant ly yielded
 When it was seen that he had given way. wild shout of triumph rent the air. almost inhuran in it's ferocity Is it thus that euiiiences play with their favorites?
 For the third time an apple was placed in position and the glaring light again thrown on. How terribly pale were those features nowi Bosco's i - .a L. .,...., f.l Al .,e Ia. I5., . al +ba