The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1900-06-22
o . . o > . Q Q Q . . .

Cured while Mr. NeIlls company was
playing in Los Angeles:
THE performance, which win be scent
here June 2Sth was Lord Chumey.
1t will be remembered that in the SEQ
ond act-the attic lodgings-Chum4e
has a chop served for his breakfast.
The proverbial acquisitiveness of the
Southern darkey led Mr.. Neilrs prop
erty man, Joseph Hodgeman, TO keep
a sharp eye upon the breakfast tray, "a
three young colored boys were hanging
about the stage. Still, in spite of all his
care, the necessary chop suddenly dis
appeared, but an instant before the ris-
ing of the curtain. AS its absence would
spoil a very important biz of stage bust
ness, the sympathies of the entire stag
force were enlisted. Another chop was
procured and the performance went on.
But the working force of the theater,
smarting under the odium of the theft
made vigorous search for the culprit
AS the curtain fell again the head stage
carpenter called out:
Here, Mr.. NELL, Here's the thief
upon the stage a foriorn, ragged, bare
footed darkey of about eight years of
age.
so you stole my chop?" said Mr..
Neill severely.
The darkey squirmed and dug his toes
into the carpet, but said nothing.
What are you doing here? How did
you get NJ" asked Mr. Neill
II b'longs hyar-I works hyar," an
swered the child defiant
You work here? What on earth do
you do?''
"Wa'al, boss, dis hyar drop curtain e
cont stay down right smart, no how,
an Use gagged ter set on der roller an
keep It dar.'
why did you take the chop?" asked
'"Case / done been hungry said the
boy.
Hungry? Are you hungry yet?'
| The boy grinned and tried once more
\ to bury his toes in the carpet.
You have been bad boy and must
I be punished" said Mr.. Neill, land the
! sentence of this court is that you be
/ taken TO my dressing room and made tC
eat until you can't hold any more. Take
/ him away"
Mr.. Neill's valet Brent, was ais
/ patched to the nearest restaurant, and
soon the little darkey was seated be-
|. fore a large tray of wholesome if not
luxurious edfbles. The members of this
company, including Miss Edythe Chap
man, Mr.. Morris and others. gathered
around to watch the novel sight. and as
| the food rapidly disappeared it was
hard to say which was the larger, the
boys everything yet never-emptying
mouth, or the eyes with which he de
voured what was still before him.
Finally there came a time when hi
could eat no more, and still there was
something left of whit had been pro.
vided. He sighed heavily and looked
anxiOusly at Mr.. NeilI
Use pow'ful sorry, boss.
Sorry? Sorry for what?"
Use dun ct ev'ry biL / kim ard The
boy eyed the food wistfully.
Cant eat any more?" thundereC
Mr.. Neill. This is an excuse to es
cape your punishment, you villain
You've got to eat every morsel of it,
Fore God, mistah man. cried the
now terrified darkey, Il kyant do 1t
| wish l could. My skin done bin fl
ter bust now"
I'VE shall see,'' answered Mr.. Neill
stand upon that chair, Gentlemen
he said TO the assembled members o.
his company. II appoint you a commit
tee of investigation. Examine this DO.
well and give me your unbiased opin
ion. Do you think he can eat an!
more?"
The committee, comprising Mr.. Nc
Wears, Mr.. Howard, Mr.. Burton, Mr.