Presence of Mind.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 2092, 4 October 1899, Page 3

Presence of Mind.

I remember once to have see a the role of a hero played with all the spontaneity of a real genius by a poor stage super--1 numary, says a writer. It happened during a battle scene m * Henry V.' at a ' ' hiladelphia theatre. In a lull m the firing the audience discovered that a part of the scenery at the top of tho stage was ablaze. A stampede was imminent Half tho people m the house were already on their feet. Two men could bo seen aloft, making desperate efforts to tear away the burning scene. This added to tho consternation. Another instant and a panic would have ensued ia which many lives would have been lost, fcuch was the situation, whe:i out of ihe troop of soldiers ou the stflgo stepped a ' super ' and man ' aside ', addressed to the trembling audience, he shouted: 'Kape yer sates ! Dont ye see the f ire. is m the play?' The effect was magical. Few believed the statement, but unconsciously everyone sank back into his chair, and the piny went on. A roar of laughter followed, and though it was fivo minutes befnru tho fire extinguishers eomp'ettd tin ir work, not a trace of fear reappeared among the members of the mUiuuee. ■ ' •■■■•'■ -"-