Saved by Singing

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 94, 24 January 1885, Page 3

Saved by Singing

Mr Joseph Mass,, the leading tenor of a well-known American opera troupe is passionately fond of hunting and fishing, and some years ago started on a buffalo hunt, in company with his old friend, Dion Boucicault, The surrounding country was full of badlydisposed; Indians, but our hunters were at cdl times willing to risk their scalps for a good week's sport. On this occasion . they managed to lose their way and missed the trail which led to their temporary camp, so that as night came on they were utterly at a loss which direction to take. They had, fortunately killed a young bull just before dusk, and making a virtue of necessity, they tethered their horses and lit £ fire. They had scarcely finished a hasty meal of buffalo steaks when an arrow came whizzing by their camp fire, and, in less time than it takes to read, this, they found themselves bound hand and foot by the rascally Apaches. There Was no hope of deliverance, and both Mr Mass and Mr Boucieaiilt expected instantanneous death. At this junction Dion, who was almost comatose from fright murmured feebly: "Joe, sing me - Fn^Pocp' once more before I die, and my scalp will come off all the more easily." Mr Mass tearfully complied with his friend's request, and has got as far as — The wild flowers soon will shed their bloom. ./ - Around my tad and lonely tomb, when two big Indians oame up smil- 1 ing aU over, and grunted "Heap good— more 1" The gifted tenor finished- he-aria, but explained that he could sing, no more unless be was unbound. Thej; Apaches loosened .his thongs, and Mr- Mass,' with a despair-, ing-iiope went on with the ppera. From -9 p.m. until three the next monwng he kept on singing. Every time he stopped the savages poked him Witha spear.j However, just. as the larynx was about to burst, the last Indian dropped asleep, and Mr MaJSe $tole away, after cutting the hide ropes which bound his friend. They' reached the settlement together in safety ; but up to this day tht talented artist never plays the third act of*' Lucia" -with being overcome with emotion. ..: ... 0