of the company, had one of the most thrilling experiences. He and Signor
Rossi, a favorite basso, and his inseparable companion, had a suite
on the seventh floor and were awakened by the terrific shaking of the
building. The shock nearly threw Caruso out of bed. He said:

"I threw open the window, and I think I let out the grandest notes I
ever hit in all my life. I do not know why I did this. I presume I was
too excited to do anything else."

GREAT SINGERS ESCAPE.

"Looking out of the window, I saw buildings all around rocking like the
devil had hold of them. I wondered what was going on. Then I heard Rossi
come scampering into my room. 'My God, it's an earthquake!' he yelled.
'Get your things and run!' I grabbed what I could lay my hands on and
raced like a madman for the office. On the way down I shouted as loud as
I could so the others would wake up.

"When I got to the office I thought of my costumes and sent my valet,
Martino, back after them. He packed things up and carried the trunks
down on his back. I helped him take them to Union Square."

It is said that ten minutes later he was seen seated on his valise in
the middle of the street. But to continue his story:

"I walked a few feet away to see how to get out, and when I came back
four Chinamen were lugging my trunks away. I grabbed one of them by the
ears, and the others jumped on me. I took out my revolver and pointed
it at them. They spit at me. I was mad, but I hated to kill them, so I
found a soldier, and he made them give up the trunks.

"Ah, that soldier was a fine fellow. He went up to the Chinamen and
slapped them upon the face, once, twice, three times. They all howled
like the devil and ran away. I put my revolver back into my pocket, and
then I thanked the soldier. He said: 'Don't mention it. Them Chinks
would steal the money off a dead man's eyes.'"

They say that Rossi, though almost in tears, was heard trying his voice
at a corner near the Palace Hotel.

TEDDY'S PICTURE PROVES "OPEN SESAME."

"I went to Lafayette Square and slept on the grass. When I tried to get
into the square the soldiers pushed me back. I pleaded with them, but
they would not listen. I had under my arm a large photograph of Theodore
Roosevelt, upon which was written: 'With kindest regards from Theodore
Roosevelt.' I showed them this, and one of them said: 'If you are a
friend of Teddy, come in and make yourself at home.'

"I put my trunks in the cellar