Union Square Jim 89 



He heard the frightened voice of his mistress, the 

 screams of the audience, and saw above his head the 

 heavy pole of the roller-curtain swiftly descending ; 

 but never for an instant did he stop or turn from 

 his duty. A chorus of voices rang in his ears. A 

 blaze of light flashed before his eyes. A crushing 

 load fell upon his prostrate body, and then all was 

 still. 



The stillness was brief, and when poor Jim 

 opened his eyes the scene was such as the stage has 

 seldom witnessed. Upon the table of the gorgeous 

 stage parlor lay the singed and mangled body of the 

 faithful cat. Above him, her eyes overflowing with 

 tears, bent Miss Blank. Grouped about were the 

 entire company, their painted faces drawn with gen- 

 uine sympathy. George, Frank, and all the stage 

 hands stood in solemn silence, every now and then 

 drawing their hands across their faces. A call-boy 

 had brought a physician. He came and gravely 

 examined the quiet creature there before him. Some 

 prominent people who had occupied a box came 

 behind the curtain and stood watching the scene with 

 intense interest. The doctor shook his head. 



