Down on the floor he fell, and over and over he rolled in the greatest agony.
Havener and some of the regular theater hands heard his wild cries and came rushing to the spot. They found him on the floor, kicking and thrashing about.
“What’s the matter?” demanded the stage manager.
Gallup did not hear him.
“I’m dyin’!” he blubbered. “Oh, it’s an awful way ter die! My eyes are gone! Ow-yow!”
“What is the matter?” Havener again cried, getting hold of the thrashing youth. “What has happened?”
“Stop her!” roared Ephraim, realizing that some person had come and thinking instantly that the woman must be detained. “Don’t let her git erway!”
“Don’t let who get away?”
“The woman! Ow-wow! Bring a pail of warter an’ let me git my head inter it! I must do somethin’ ter put aout the fire! Oh, my eyes! my eyes!”
“What is the matter with your eyes?”