In vain Holland protested his innocence and implored for mercy; his cries only stimulated the avenger's exertions, and again and again the saturated mop did desperate execution over the unhappy victim's finery.
Somewhat appeased at last, Dowton stayed his hand; but in the meantime Holland was summoned to appear upon the stage.

The play was proceeding--what was to be done! All was confusion.

It was not possible for Holland to present himself before the audience in such a plight as he had been reduced to.

An apology was made "for the sudden indisposition of Mr.Holland," and the public were informed that "Mr.
De Camp had kindly undertaken to go on for the part." Whether Dowton ever discovered his real persecutors is not stated.

The story, indeed, may not be true, or it may be much rouged and burnt-corked, as are so many theatrical anecdotes, to conceal its natural poverty and weakness of constitution.