The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-09-28
SAVED BY PAINTING.

OF all the successful performers who
stepped into the arena of Gallaxy's famous
circus, none obtained such a degree of
popular approval as did Signor Alfredo
BOsco aud his eighi-year-old son Alfonso.
When, therefore, it became known that the
last light of the season was to be devoted
to the benefit Of these popular performers
it was confidently predicted that the house
would be 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 degree of interest
that the populace that morning found the
walls placarded with flaming posters. in
tie reddest of red ink, announcing that on
this. the last night OF the season at Gal
laxV's royal circus and hippodrome. spe-
ciallY set apart for the benefit of Sgnor
Alfredo Bosco, that eminent and world
renowned performer. would, for the first
and only time. attempt novel and dan
gerous feat, to wit William Tells historic
ana never-to- be-forgotten exploit of shoot
Ing 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 SignUr Alfredo Bosco's
name was plain Alfred Green and be was
as little of Italian extraction as any one
possessing the name Green could we'll be.
Having married an opera singer, a son was
born to him but the act cost the young
mother her life. to Alfredo's inexpressible
grief. The child soon became the father
IDOL, his whole existence becoming wrapped
up in that of the boy.
WheD therefore, the proprietor of Gal
laxy's suggested to him the performance
CT the feat alluded to it may naturally DE
supposed that so fond father hesitated
before committing himself to it, and when.
under strong representations, he finally
consented, it was with no little anxiety
and concern.
Not that he mistrusted his own powers
in the least. He was sure shot There
fo:e it was not personal consideration that
made him hesitate, but fear lest the lad by
any uDtoward movement should leopard
ize the action and cndanger his own pre-
cious life.
Nor was mis- anxiety decreased when, on
that eventful day, he discovered that the
boy was far from well.
IT'S only headache. father" the lad
said 10 response to his .questionings. II
shall be better tonight"
IL
Long before the doors were opened the
entrance was besiged by crowds eager 10
obtain the best seats, and an hour before
the time of commencement the place was
filled to its utmost capacity.
Everything went off we'll, aud the de-
lighted 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 evclutions of the lady per-
formers, the equestrian feats OF the gentle.
men riders, the daring somersaults, the
Quibbles and qnips of tina funny clowns,
al came in for their due share of praise.
At length Bosco came forward. leading
by the hand his little son. As soon as the
APPLAUSE had subsidized The performer mo-
toned the lad TO his place.
An apple was then brought and ostenia-
tiously placed by an attendant upon the
child's head; and then. under the glare Of
a powerful lighi, the unusual paleness Of