Show BOOTH WAS VICHY MAD The Famous Tragedian Tried to Do I p a Member of His Company During a Jjtago Duel I never saw but one man that I was really afraid of said Archer Van amp now a guest of the Laolede That man I was the elder Booth 1 had the houor to I play minor parts in the supporting company com-pany during his last season but one One II night throe prominent members of the company were ill At least they were I supposed to be The plain facts are that they were too drunk to suit over their chins Booth was furious He was half a I madman anyhow and that night ho became I be-came perfectly demoniacal with rage The I bill was Richard IIIand I was R ch I monds understudy I watched Booth narrowly nar-rowly throughout the play His anger instead I in-stead of abating appeared to grow more I violent I dreaded the duel scene at i the finale I was but au indifferent swordsman while Booth could have I given Scottish chief odds with the broadsword broad-sword Even in his happiest moods he was regarded as dangerous with a piece of steel in his hand and that night I seriously seri-ously contemplated making a sneak and leaving him toperish with his own choler I When the scone came on he rushed at me I as though I were the veritable aspirant to the throne of England and his blows were delivered I with a rapidity and vigor that j I was appaling 1 managed to keep my head and fenced with unusual skill I firmly II I believe that he tried to kill me Luckily he slipped and fell dropping his sword I kicked it beyond his reach and got the I curtain before he could renew hostilities I But I gave him to distinctly understand there and then that I would never play Richmond to his Richard again and I I I didnlSt Louis QlobeDemoa |