Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-01-21
MATSUKI DID HIS PART.

Satsuma Matsuki, a Japanese iuggler
and acrobat. was filling an engagement
in a town where his marked ability as a
magician caused the opera house to be
crowded every evening. One feat in par
ticular interested his audience. Lying
prone upon his back, he would toss a long,
light table backward and forward in all
conceivable positions to the time of lively
music, his tiny feet keeping the table
perfectly balanced.
1t was Saturday, evening. Satsuma
Matsuki had been performing for an hour.
He had aston!shed his audience with a
score Of wonderful achievements, but as
yet he had not performed with the table
resting or his feet.
Matsuki passed into one of the dress
ing rooms to change his costume. Scarcely
had he closed the door when he heard a
sound that made his heart stand still FOR
a moment. A cracking and a Kissing. and
the next instant a long tongue Of flame
leaped from the stairway, enveloping a
window. Others in the rear of the stage
discovered the flames at the same instant,
and a fierce battle was begun between the
attaches of the theater and the raging
fire. For one brief instant Matsuki stood
irresolute. The fire was confined within
the dressing room of the right wing, and
as yet no one in the audience had an nix
ling of the grave danger that threatened
the house. Those fighting the flames knew
that a terrible panic would ensue the mor
ment that the spectators realized the dam
ger. Matsuki understood the situation,
too, and in that moment Of hesitation he
saw the part he must act.
Matsuki was before his audience. He
had placed the rugs hastily In position
hat he might rest easily. A moment later
and the orchestra commenced playing.
Matsuki had balanced the table and was
gracefully dancing It back and forth, keep
ing perfect time with his dainty feet.
Shortly the measure Of the music was
~quickened. and he was obliged to move
more quickly. At one time the table would
be at an angle Of 10 degrees. and again at
30 degrees. and at the next moment per-
fectly perpendicular. The long table SEEM
ed fairly alive.
Meanwhile those fighting the fire had
worked bravely and success was crownlng
their efforts. They heard the music OF the
orchestra. and they knew that Matsuki
was doing his part TO hold the attention
Of the people. A few moments more and
all danger of a stampede would be past.
fire." Some one had seen a pun OF
smoke issuing from the right wing OF the
stage.
Year, firei" and Matsuki sent the table
nearly to the ceiling. turning a complete
somersault in It's flight. The audience
shouted with delight.
For 20 minutes Matsuk had been in
constant activity. The veins stood out
upon his arms and temples like whip
cords.
"Firer' Another had noticed a pun OF
smoke.
Year. fire." and again was the table
hurled aIoft and caught again with the
same dexterity.
The conductor of the orchestra knew
not what IL all meant. Al first he thought
that Matsuki had gone mad Never be-
fore had he dared 50 much. II he was
mad, surely no one could deny his aston
ishing skill.
A moment later the stage ger
walked across the stage and whispered 70
Matsuki, at the same time placing the
table upon the floor. Matsuki was unable
TO rise. Attendants lifted the brave fell
low and carried him behind the scenes.
Very shortly the manager returned. and
when he spoke his voice was sadly bro
ken.
Ladies III gentlemen said he. pass
ing his hand across his forehead. II have
no doubt that you have greatly enjoyed
Satsuma Matsuks's performance th,s
evening. He has wei merited your gen
erous applause. more. perhaps, than YOU
imagine. I have to inform you that Sat
suma Matsuki alone has stood between
you and death for the past % minutes or
more. The danger IL past now. and Won
ara At liberty 20 ave this building. but
permit me TO say. before you depart. that