Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-05-14
The Business Of
Living % % %
IN WHICH A MARROW ESCAPE Is
RECORDED.
By MRS. EVA LEONARD.


isn't this q lark p whispered Flea
nor as she took her seat by Patty's side
just as the orchestra struck up a beau
tiful minuet
Il should say; like his making a
turned the girl
How glad /, am. I invited him out
to dinner" Eleanor's arm was joggled
by her husband.
Cant you girls keep still and let US
hear the music2" he asked with irri-
tation.
Everybody else Is talking" Eleanor
excused herself.
',All the more reason why we should
set them q good example. 1t Is time
American people learned that music
is to be listened to. They seem to
think 1t Is an aid to conversation"
Douglas settled himself to listen. The
women exchanged chances and Patty
tossed her head at her brother. but
they relapsed into silence. The mu-
sic was lovely II one possessed enough
concentration to listen to the music
and not to the buzz that filled the
house. Then the lights went out. and
the curtain slowly rose. Eleanor and
Douglas rarely went to the theater and
abandoned themselves to the enjoy
ment Of the play. The final scene was
drawing to a close and the audience
was listening in wrapt attention to the
tragic words Of the hero before he
went to his execution when the shrill
voice Of boy rang through the still
ness like an electric shock. Fire!
Firel"
Instantly there was the widest con-
fusion. Before the lights could be
turned on people were climbing over
the seats elbowing and knocking each
fhA OF sNn 20
aisles. The asbestos curtain was rung
down and the manager came before
the curtain and wildly gesticulated to
the heaving mass Of humanity In
front of him. but his voice was lost
in the awful confusion.
sit STILL" shouted Douglas in his
wires ear we are safer here than
in that awful mob. We will watch the
dlfferent exits and as soon as there is
any chance of escape we will try to
get out" he continued turning to
Friedly.
The man on the platform was still
vainiy trying to make himself heard
when the violinist rose and began to
play the Song of the Evening Star"
The tones were strong and clear and
almost at once the confusion began to
subside and the man on the platform
could make himself heard. He urged
the audience to be calm and assured
them that there was no danger if they
would only go quietly. Everything
would have been all right had not a
dense cloud of smoke begun to pour
into the auditorium. That set the peo-
pie crazy and the pushing and shout
ing began again. The violinist gave up
in despair and disappeared.
There Is no one trying to get out of
tho doors leading back of the stage. |
Let's try that way" Eleanor was |
from head to foot Her
thoughts were on her babies at home. |
The fire is back of the STAGE" said |
Friedly quietly. but we might find a \
way out in that direction" They hur-
ried toward the doors, and as every
rection they had no trouble in reach
ng them. Douglas tried the knob and
It turned in his hand but the first |
crack that was opened blew a blast of
heat and smoke in their faces. Flea
nor drew back and would have fallen
mad not F'riedly caught her in his
arms.
II see a side door that has very few
people around it. 1t is the exit from
he boxes" exclaimed Patty blinking
n the smoke filled air.
That's SO, we'll try that" Douglas
out his arm around his trembling wife
md they hurried to the door that had
been overlooked in the general confu-
sion.
This leads to the main entrance and
hat Is crowded. Patty showed signs
IF losing her temper for the first time.
Never mind. We are in sight Of the
sidewalk and can get fresh air here"
7riedly was calm and self possessed
rhe struggling mass OF people quieted
Town as they neared the outside door.
Besides, the throbbing of the fire en-
zines could be heard. Help was near.
rhe party waited till the crowd had
enough to make 1t perfectly
safe before venturing into the en-
rance. The cold air revived them all
when they finally set their feet on the
sidewalk.
ITO be continued,)