Then they came to an ordinary step-ladder that led downward again.
“Why,” he said, “we must be underground now! Where are we going?”
“To the theatre, dear boy. Hear the music.”
“Why will you persist in calling it that? It seems that those sounds come from the infernal regions, and this passage must lead down to the old fellow’s reception-room.”
“Glit to theatal plitty soon,” assured the guide.
Down the ladder they went, and then, at an open door, paid an admission fee, after which they entered a room that was packed with human beings and was not at all well ventilated.
The room had a low ceiling, from which Chinese lanterns were suspended, shedding a soft light over the scene, which was so strange that it actually seemed weird to the American visitors.
At either side of the theatre was a space railed off and raised somewhat above the level of the general floor. This was reserved for women, and was well filled. In the pit sat a closely packed throng of men, all with hats upon their heads.
There were a great number of Caucasian visitors, drawn to the place by curiosity.
The stage was on a level with the raised portion reserved for women, and it was filled with actors, many of whom were richly dressed in oriental robes.
Instead of sitting in front of the stage, like an American orchestra, the musicians were on the stage.
As for scenery, there was none to speak of, save a few movable screens. It was not thought necessary to attempt to please the eye further than in the matter of costumes.
As no female actors are ever permitted on the stage of a Chinese theatre, the female _rôles_ were played by youths, who were carefully made up for their parts.
The Chinese guide found seats for Frank and Jack, but retired himself to the back of the room, where he stood and waited till they should see enough of the show and wish to go.
The audience never applauded, although there was a quick rippling response to what seemed to be an occasional witty passage or clever situation.
But the musicians—the musicians wearied and tortured Jack Diamond’s soul. They were there to accentuate the emotional parts of the play, and they seemed bent upon doing their duty and doing it fully. At times they poured forth a maddening volume of sounds, and then they seemed to get weary and rest, with the exception of two or three stringed instruments, which sawed, and squeaked, and squawled, and growled, and muttered till the Virginian’s blood was cold and his hair standing like porcupine quills.