Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-02-02

"Dr siddons you will forgive for this inter
ruption OF your pleasures. have telephoned your
your interest in Yung Kin Wan, but learned To-
night that death is at his heels and II you can and
choose to do you should warn him without an
hours delay"
Making the best excuse could to the family,
got into my furs and drove rapidly to University
Place. Kelensen was doubtless at the opera, but
wished to advise Peter Hahn to admit no one to the
house. Thence hurried to the opera house and met
Madame Mentona just entering She too was In
search of Kelensen His mother was very ILL., He
singing this night and as we entered We say
him the stage. Madame Mentona said he would
not be on for some time Just then we encountered
the manager and, after was introduced. said;
81 came here tonight to warn Mr. Kelensen Of
Mot among some Chinese in which he may be In
terested 1t may be no more than servants con-
spiracy but he should know Of 1t at once
Strange, indeed l did not know he had Chi
servant" answered the manager But this 10
all very queer, for tonight young Chinese with
laundry bags. about Kelensens room. drove
him out Of doors. We must wait until the end or
this act before communicate with him.
With unreasonable impatienee took my seat
with Madame Mentona in the managers box
AS Keensen advanced for his solo saw that he
staggered slightly. With every sign of vgor In his
arms head and face his limbs seemed to be uncon,
trollabiy weak, and as he went Madame Mentona
laid her hand on my arm suddenly and exclaimed:
Heavens Dr. siddons! He has cut out more than
half OF it. What be the matter with him?
Grandly, superbly the chorus fell in behind him,
swelling out gloriously in the tremendous harmony.
Then suddenly Hendrix Kelensen seemed to crumpc.
He crashed down like log but instantly rated his
head He was the most astounded Of all. He sat
up and appeared unframed save tnaL mis- legs were
as though paralyzed Not more than q few notes did
he lose going right with the finale. and the cur.
tain came down amid mighty burst OF applause
which even the thing that had just happened could
not restrain. He had fallen, but triumphed as he
fell.
AS we picked him up his body twisted as II he
were entirely cut in half at the waist and felt
through the thick padding on his hips another pair
of arms pinioned there.
I We laid him on the floor of his and
closed the door He raised his head looked nrst at
me- then at the manager Perceiving he was alone
with US with fine yigor he ripped open his clothing
undid the metal fastenngs Of two strong straps and
dragged himself away by his hands and appeared be-
fore our eyes perfectly strong, healthy man, save
that his two legs had been cut off at the hips Be-
hind he left something that dead. something that
was all legs save that 1t had head and shoulders
the worst hunchback have seen | turned the
head It showed-the face at the window
"This is the work OF Gross the theatrical manager,
gentlemen. He found me after had lost my legs
at sea- He also found poor Yung there. and bribed
him to this slavery. Gross made me learn to speak
Chinese He drilled not only me, but Yung in the
roles | must not only be dramatic under my vest
and coat but Yung must be an actor clad to his
neck In trousers. After few years patience 1t
all easy enough. He could out to guide his feet.
Now you know, imagine all, Hendrix Kelensen,
the basso dies with his hired legs and you may send
word to my poor old mother that will go back TO
our quiet little house In Ry ndam together Tell them
outside that the great Hendrix Kelensen is dead"