"Fire!"
For one instant there was a dead silence; then three-quarters of the audience sprang to their feet.
Then came a mad rush for the exits.
It was a scene of indescribable confusion. Women and children were trampled beneath the feet of those who should have been their protectors, but whose only thought now was to save their cowardly selves.
The shrieks of the terrified women, the groans of the injured, the curses of the rougher element, who, though face to face with death, did not fear to blaspheme—these added to the horror of the scene.
It was evident that the alarm had not been a false one, for the house was rapidly filling with smoke, and the crackling of flames could be plainly heard.
The doors soon became blocked. It seemed certain that many must perish in the flames.
Al quickly led his mother through the door that connected the box with the stage, and conducted her in safety out of the building through the stage entrance.
As he passed Mr. Wattles at the door he uttered one word:
"Gladys?"