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THE JEWETTS NEW HOME. 13
and were trundled down to the theatre, a dismal-looking
stone building that had once been a tea-warehouse.
Precisely at eight the curtain rose upon Byron's comedy of
"Young Men and Old Acres," and Johnnie, Fitz and Sallie, for
the first time in their lives witnessed a theatrical performance.
The acting was most excellent, the ladies being particu-
larly well up in their parts, and as much at home on the stage
as professionals.
Johnnie looked on with a grave, interested face, Sallie
sympathized with all the actors in turn, and Fitz uttered his
opinions in very loud asides that greatly
amused both audi-
ence and performers.
Miss Sherman took the part of the servant maid, and had
to deliver a speech ending with,
"Oh dear! I'm afraid I have failed in my efforts to please
you!"
Fitz, who had watched her with open-mouthed admiration,
rose, smiled at her encouragingly, nodded, and said, "Don't
you worry, Miss Sherman. Keep right on and speak your
of them."
piece; 3-011 have done as well as any
This caused every one in the house to laugh, and the
young lady to bow her thanks. Before their merriment had
subsided they heard shouts outside, and the Japanese crying,
Kaji! Kctji! Kaji! (Fire! Fire! Fire!").
The audience rose en masse, and the actors quitted the
stage in their costumes; everybody imagining that the neigh-
boring buildings were in flames. On reaching the street they
saw a brilliant light in the direction of Tokio and learned
that the conflagration was in that city.
" Let us go down on the Bund," said Mr. Sherman, wrap-
ping a cloak round his daughter. "If the fire is of any impor-
tance, we shall get a good view of it from there."