Union Square Jim 83 



out in great volumes, and the place seemed doomed. 

 The firemen rushed into the auditorium, and while 

 in the gallery a portion of the structure fell, carrying 

 several of the brave men down with it. Water was 

 poured in, and finally the flames were under control. 

 But still the deluge went on, completing the ruin 

 the flames had begun. Expensive dresses and ward- 

 robes were destroyed ; the beautiful interior was a 

 wreck ; the two destructive elements had done their 

 work. 



1 Has anyone seen Jim ? ' 



This was the inquiry of the night watchman, as 

 he came hurriedly on the scene. The faces of all 

 looked blank. There was a firm belief in the theatre 

 that Jim was a mascot, and that ill-luck could hardly 

 come if he were alive. 



* Who will go with me to find him ? ' shouted 

 George. 



' I will,' said the foreman of the engine company 

 on duty. 



Down through the dim corridors, where a lantern 

 gave only a ghastly light, the two men went. The 

 dressing-room door was finally reached, but it was 



