Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-12-20
STORIES OF SINGERS
TIMES WHEN THEIR VOICES WE'RE
OF MORE WORTH THAN MONEY.

santIey's Adventure with n Band of
Mexican Bandits - Some Experi-
ences of the Tenor Mnrio-How La
bIache Put n Bear to Flight.
Many years since, when travelling
with some friends in Mexico, Charles
Santley was captured by halfbreed
bandits and, being unable to pay the
large ransom demanded, carried off to
the mountains. Over supper the sing
er, by no means weighed down by
his mlshap, CHANGED to break into song,
which so delighted the brigand chief
that he demanded an encore.
Santley saw his chance and ex-
pressed his willingness to comply on
condition that he and his companions
were granted their release. The sug-
gestion was accepted, and for over two
hours was the singers voice raised in
such exquisite melody that the bandits,
true to their word, allowed him and
those with him to depart.
The late Joseph Mas had n some
what similar experience. Years back,
when with n companion buffalo hunt
ing on the American prairies, he was
captured by Indians and carried to
| their camp. When at his wits end
| how to eXtricate himself from the
| dilemma, his friend suggested the pow
er of song. Forthwith he commenced
an operate selection that so delighted
his caDtors that they loosened his
| bonds and URGED him, at the point of
their spears to continue.
Luckily his voice had a soDorific eff
feet upon the Indians, who one by one
dropped asleep until, just as he was
on the point of stopping from exhaus-
ton. the last passed into the realms
of dreams. Then he and his compan-
ion quietly stole away.
His wonderful voice on one occasion
placed the great tenor Mario in q some
what invidious position. When travel
ing with some companions in Spain, he
fell into the hands of party of ma
rauding gypsies, who demanded the
customary ransom. Mario, tickled at
the situation, answered their request
in impromptu song. which he delivered
with such exquisite mock dignity that
his captors with unanimous acclama-
ton elected him captain of their band.
The singer automatically acquiesced in
their decision, but in the course of the
following day contrived to make his
escape with his friends.
On another occasion in Madrid the
same singer, as he was returning late
one night from the theater where he
Nv ho
lice in mistake for political discon-
tent. In vain he asserted his identity.
He was carried before their chief, who
likewise smiled incredulously at the
captive's asseverations.
Greatly angered. Mario vehemently
demanded that his friends should be
forthwith communicated with. but the
official shook his head and remarked
that if indeed he were the great tenor
of proving the truth of his words. Ten
minutes later Mario was bowed out
with many regrets and profuse apollo
gies.
When travelling to Paris with some
other ladies, Nine. Grisi had a thrilling
adventure. At a small wayside station
man entered the carriage and it soon
became evident from his threatening
gestures and eccentric behavior that he
was a dangerous lunatic.
"A Though her companions were panic
stricken, Nine. Grisi retained complete
presence of mind and with the utmost
composure began to sing. At once the
maniac was quiet; his whole attention
was riveted on that magnificent voice,
and he remained the most appreciative
, of listeners until the train reached the
: next station. where he was secured. |!
transpired subsequently that he was a
: maniac with homicidal tendencies who
had escaped from an asylum.
An amusing story is told of Lablache.
the celebrated bass singer. One day
/. as he was strolling leisurely through a
French fair a cry was suddenly raised
!, that bear had escaped from the me-
, nagerie. The crowd fed in every d.
rection-all save the singer, whose mas
, sive proportions precluded the idea o.
rapid motion. Amid the general com
I motion he among them all stood I'M
moved, calmly awaiting the advent OF
the ferocious beast. which sure enough
4 came slouching rapidly toward him
q When within few feet, 1t halted as
though to gather itself together for
final rush. when Lablache stepped for
/ ward and from the lowest depths OF
n his immense chest sent forth such
d thunderous roar that the terrified AMI
NAL turned and fed.
When VIII n Man BE Too RIGHT