The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1901-12-26
STORIES OF SINGERS
TIHEs W-ES THEIR VOICES WERE
OF MORE WORTH T-kS MONEY.

ssntiey'. Adventure with n Band Of
Mexican bandits - some ENperi-
snre. of the Tenor Nsrio-fiow La
bIaehe Pct "a Bear TO FIiEht.
Many years since. when travelling
with some friends in Mexico. Charles
santley was captured by halfbreed
bandits and. being unable 10 pay the /
large ransom demanded. carried or 70 /
the mountains. over supper the sing |
or. by DO means weighed down by |
his mishap. CHANGED % break into song, /
which 80 delighted the brigand -hlef |
that be demanded an encore.
Sanuey saw his chance and ex-
pressed bis willingness 10 comply on |
| condition that be and bis companions |
were granted their release. The sug
gestion was accepted, and for over two
/ hours was the singers voice raised iu
such exquisite melody that the bandits.
| true 10 their word, allowed him and
those with him 20 depart.
The late Joseph Mas had a some
/ what similar experience. Years back.
when with n companion buffalo hunt
Ing on the American pralries, he was
captured by Indians and carried to
their camp. When at his wits end
how 20 extricate himself from the
dilemma. his friend suggested the pos
er OF song. Forthwith he commenced
an operate selection that so delighted
his captors that they loosened bis
. I hnr1a ffrUaH him af ha Inf Of
their spears, to continue.
Luckily his voice had n sopori1c ef-
feet upon the Indians, who one by one
dropped asleep until just as he was
on the point OF stopping from exhaus-
tiOn. the hst 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 a some
what inyidious position. When travel
ing with some companions IN Spain he
fell into the hands Of party OF ma
rauding gypsics, 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-
tion elected hln captain Of their band.
: The singer automatically acqulesced IN
} their decision, but I'm the course Of the
, following day contrlyed 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
was engaged. was arrested by the po-
j. lice in mistake for a political discon-
p tent. In vain he asserted his identity.
I He was carried before their chief, who
a likewise smiled incredulously at the
, captlye's asseverations.
Greatly angered, Mario yehemenuy
demanded that his friends should be
D forthwith communicated with. but the
:. official shook his head and remarked
e that II indeed he were the great tenor
S he possessed IN his voice a sure means
e Of proving the truth Of his words Ten
minutes later Mario was bowed out
with many regrets and profuse apollo
giles.
When travelling TO Paris with some
e other ladies', Nine. Grisl had a thrilling
c adventure. At n small wayslde station
y a man entered the carriage, and II soon
{ became evident from his threatening
q, gestures and eccentric behavior that he
was a dangerous lunatic.
Though her companions were panic
i stricken, Nine. Grisi retained complete
i presence OF mind and with the utmost
e composure began 10 sing. At once the
Il maniac was quiet; his whole attention
4. was riyeted on that magnificent voice
q and he remained the most appreciativC
OF listeners until the train reached thC
next station, where he was secured. II
e transpred subsequently that he was q
e maniac with homicidal tendencies who
n, had escaped from an asylum.
n An amusing story Is told Of Lablache
a the celebrated bass singer one day
A as he was strolling leisurely through q
"a French fair cry was suddenly raised
that bear had escaped from the me
nagerie. The crowd fed In every dl
'l rection-all save the singer, whose mas
N sive proportions prccluded the idea OF
)t rapid motlon.s Amid the general com
10 motion he among them all stood un
q moved, calmly awaiting the advent OF
the ferocious beast. which sure enough
came slouchlng rapidly toward him
m When within few feet. 1t halted a
lv though TO gather itself together for {
=. fnal rush. when Lablache stepped for
;. ward and from the lowest depths o.
~ his immense chest sent forth such {
Io thunderous roar that the terrified AMI
So mai turned and fed.