It was about nine o'clock in the evening when the President entered
his box with his wife and one or two friends. As soon as he appeared
the people rose from their seats and cheered and cheered again, and
the actors stopped their play until the audience grew calm again.
In a few minutes all was quiet once more, and for an hour the play
went on. Then while everyone in the box was intent upon the stage
a man crept softly through the door and stood beside the President.
Suddenly a sharp pistol shot rang out, and without a groan the
great President fell forward, dying.
His wicked work done, the man sprang from the box on to the stage
shouting, "Sic semper tyrannis," - "Thus let it ever be with tyrants."
As he sprang his foot caught in the flag which draped the box. He
fell with a crash and broke a bone in his leg. But in spite of the
hurt he jumped up. Then fiercely brandishing a dagger and shouting,
"the South is avenged," he disappeared.
The murderer was a man named John Wilkes Booth. He was a second
rate and conceited actor having a vast idea of his own importance.
With him and the small band of fanatics he ruled the leaders of
the South had nothing whatever to do. Indeed, by his act he proved
himself to be their worst enemy.
Now hurrying out of the theatre he mounted a horse which was held
in readiness, and galloped away through the night.
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